Ingredients
The key to this pumpkin bread lies in selecting fresh, quality ingredients that bring out the best flavors. I always reach for real pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling to control sweetness and texture. And when it comes to chocolate chips, I prefer semi-sweet — they melt perfectly but don’t overpower the pumpkin’s warmth. Over the years, I’ve found that simple swaps like using brown sugar instead of white can add a deeper caramel note, which my kids adore.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Substitution tips: For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. You can swap chocolate chips for chopped nuts or dried cranberries if you prefer a nutty or tangy twist.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This mix of spices is what gives the bread its cozy, fall flavor.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs, then whisk in the pumpkin puree, both sugars, oil, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Overmixing can make the bread tough, so stop as soon as you see no more streaks of flour.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, saving a few to sprinkle on top before baking for a pretty finish.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips evenly over the surface.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
One tip from experience: I like to rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even browning, especially since my oven has a few hot spots.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips, recipe, cooking, food
