Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread - freshly baked bread

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

Banana, Zucchini & Fruit Loaf Breads

Warmly spiced pumpkin bread with melted chocolate chips in every bite. The ultimate fall comfort bake.

Prep Time

15 min

Bake Time

55 min

Servings

10

Calories

265

Ingredients

  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare

    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

  2. 2

    Mix Wet

    Combine butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.

  3. 3

    Add Dry

    Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Fold gently until just combined.

  4. 4

    Add Fruit

    Fold in the featured fruit or mix-ins.

  5. 5

    Bake

    Pour into pan. Bake 50–55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes, then turn out.

Baker's Notes

Toss fruit in a tablespoon of flour before folding into the batter — it prevents the fruit from sinking to the bottom of the loaf.

Baker Thomas Moreau

About This Recipe

There is something deeply comforting about warm pumpkin chocolate chip bread fresh from the oven — the kind of loaf that fills your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and browned butter. The pumpkin puree gives this bread a tender, moist crumb that holds up beautifully against pockets of melted semi-sweet chocolate in every bite.

Canadian home cooks have embraced this recipe because it hits that sweet spot between breakfast bread and dessert, especially during October and November when the weather turns crisp. It is easy enough for first-time bakers yet satisfying enough to impress guests at a coffee gathering or holiday potluck.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined — overmixing will give you a dense loaf instead of a tender one. Toss the chocolate chips in a tablespoon of flour before adding them so they distribute evenly and do not sink to the bottom. Let the bread cool completely in the pan before slicing; cutting too early lets the steam escape and leaves the crumb gummy.

What to Serve With It

Serve warm slices with a pat of butter or a smear of cream cheese for a cozy morning treat. This bread pairs beautifully with black coffee, spiced chai, or hot cider — classic Canadian autumn drinks that complement the warm pumpkin spice. Slice thin for a coffee table platter, or cut thick and pack into lunch boxes for school mornings.

Storage & Reheating

Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to three days. For longer keeping, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze whole slices for up to three months. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for twenty seconds to restore that fresh-baked softness.

Nutrition Facts

265

cal

8g

Protein

9g

Fat

26g

Carbs

4g

Fiber

281mg

Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of plain pumpkin puree?+

No — pie filling already contains sugar and spices, which will throw off the balance. Use plain canned pumpkin puree or mashed cooked pumpkin for best results.

Can I add walnuts or pecans to this recipe?+

Absolutely. Fold in half a cup of toasted nuts along with the chocolate chips for extra crunch and flavour.

Do I need to use a loaf pan or can I make muffins?+

Yes — this recipe is designed for a 9x5-inch loaf pan. If you want muffins, divide the batter among lined tins and reduce baking time to about twenty-five minutes.

What kind of chocolate chips work best?+

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal because their slight bitterness balances the sweetness of the pumpkin and sugar. Dark chocolate chips also work well for a more intense flavour.

Can I freeze this bread?+

Yes. Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Tips & Tricks

  • Toss fruit in a tablespoon of flour before folding in to prevent sinking.
  • Let the bread cool completely before slicing — cutting too early releases steam and changes texture.
  • Fruit breads freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.

Reviews (5)

Pierre T.★★★★★

Excellent recipe. I followed the instructions to the letter and the result was perfect. My wife loved it. The best homemade bread I've made.

Marie L.★★★★★

Made this last weekend and my family loved it! The bread came out perfectly golden with a beautiful crust. Will definitely be making this again.

Michael W.★★★★★

This recipe is a keeper. The Baker's Notes really helped me understand the technique. My new favourite bread to bake on weekends.

Sarah M.★★★★★

So glad I found this recipe. The instructions are clear and the result is consistently great. I've made it four times already and it's perfect every time.

David C.★★★★★

Bakery-quality bread at home. I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out amazing. The proofing tips really helped.