There is nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a slice of Moist Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread on a crisp autumn morning or a chilly evening. This delightful quick bread is an absolute crowd-pleaser, blending the rich, earthy sweetness of pumpkin with the decadent bursts of melty chocolate chips. Its tender crumb and perfectly balanced spices make it so much more than just a seasonal treat—it’s a true comfort food that brings warmth and joy with every bite. Whether you’re baking it for a cozy breakfast or sharing with friends and family, this bread will quickly become one of your all-time favorites.

Moist Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this Moist Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread is surprisingly simple, yet each ingredient plays a crucial role in building its irresistible flavor and texture. From pantry staples to a few delicious extras, here’s what you’ll gather before you start mixing your batter.

Granulated sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the bread and helps achieve a tender crumb.

Unsalted butter, softened (½ cup): Adds richness and moisture to the bread’s texture.
Large eggs (3): Provide structure and help the bread rise nicely.

Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the depth of flavor with a warm, sweet note.
Canned pumpkin (15 ounces): The star ingredient that adds moisture and that unmistakable autumnal taste.

All-purpose flour (2¾ cups): Forms the base of the batter and contributes to the bread’s structure.
Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Works with baking soda to create lightness and rise.
Baking soda (1½ teaspoons): Helps the bread rise while balancing the acidity of the pumpkin.

Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors in the bread.
Ground cinnamon (¾ teaspoon): Brings a warm, cozy spice note that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
Ground cloves (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle aromatic depth.

Ground nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): Lends a gentle, nutty spiciness to enrich the flavor profile.
Milk (½ cup): Keeps the bread moist and tender.
Chocolate chips (12 ounces): Melts into pockets of sweetness that perfectly complement the spiced pumpkin.

How to Make Moist Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, line two 8.5 × 4.5-inch loaf pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking and then grease them lightly with butter or cooking spray. This preparation step helps ensure your bread will come out in perfect loaf form, ready for slicing.

Step 2: Cream Sugar and Butter

In a large bowl, beat together the sugar and softened butter on medium speed for a few minutes until light and fluffy. This step is essential for incorporating air, which creates a soft, tender crumb that is a hallmark of this Moist Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Pumpkin, and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed in. Then pour in the canned pumpkin and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is smooth and unified. The pumpkin adds wonderful moisture and that comforting fall flavor everyone loves.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Combining these dry ingredients evenly is key to ensuring your bread rises beautifully and bursts with balanced spice in every slice.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients Alternately

Add the dry ingredients and milk to the wet pumpkin mixture alternately, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently at low speed or fold with a spatula – this gentle technique keeps the bread tender and prevents overworking the batter.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips carefully so they’re evenly scattered throughout the batter but without overmixing. These pockets of chocolate provide the perfect sweet counterbalance to the warmly spiced pumpkin flavor.

Step 7: Pour Batter and Bake

Divide the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pans, smoothing the tops and tapping the pans lightly to remove air bubbles. Bake on the middle oven rack for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs. For mini loaves, reduce the baking time accordingly.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Allow your bread to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before removing onto a wire rack, peeling away the parchment paper. Let the bread cool completely for the best slicing results and flavor development.

How to Serve Moist Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

Garnishes

A drizzle of cream cheese glaze or a sprinkle of powdered sugar instantly elevates this bread, adding a touch of creaminess or sweetness that complements the warm spices and chocolate. Fresh whipped cream or a pat of butter melted on top also makes each slice feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with hot beverages like coffee, chai tea, or a rich hot chocolate. For a brunch setting, serve it alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or a cheese platter to balance out the sweet, spiced flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, slice the bread and serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. You can also transform it into French toast by dipping slices in egg batter and pan-frying until golden, creating a delightful breakfast twist packed with pumpkin and chocolate goodness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover slices of Moist Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This helps maintain its moisture and keeps it ready for quick snacks or breakfast treats throughout the week.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. Once fully cooled, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen slices will stay fresh for up to three months, making it perfect for preparing in advance.

Reheating

To enjoy your bread at its best after storage, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds. This brings back that freshly baked sensation, melting the chocolate chips slightly and releasing those irresistible pumpkin and spice aromas.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh pumpkin for canned pumpkin?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin, but it requires cooking and pureeing first to match the consistency and moisture content of canned pumpkin. Keep in mind this might slightly alter the baking time and texture owing to variations in moisture.

What type of chocolate chips work best?

Semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips are ideal for balancing the sweetness of the pumpkin bread, but you can experiment with milk chocolate or even white chocolate chips for a different flavor twist. Dark chocolate offers a rich contrast that many pumpkin lovers adore.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. The texture might be a little different but still wonderfully moist and delicious.

Is it possible to reduce the sugar?

You can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer less sweetness, but keep in mind that sugar not only adds sweetness but also affects moisture and texture. Try reducing by about ¼ cup and see how it suits your taste.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Use a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. The bread should have risen well and have a beautiful golden-brown crust that smells warmly spiced and inviting.

Final Thoughts

Making this Moist Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket of fall flavors, with every slice bringing a little piece of happiness to your day. It’s effortless to whip up, bursting with comforting spices and chocolatey goodness, and perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Trust me, once you try it, this pumpkin chocolate chip bread will have a permanent spot in your baking rotation—and your heart!