Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

Growing up in the Ozark foothills, fall always meant two things: crunchy leaves underfoot and the cozy scent of spice wafting from Mama’s oven. Her chocolate chip pumpkin bread was the first thing she’d bake after unpacking the Halloween decorations. I remember how she’d swirl cream cheese right into the middle of the loaf, and us kids would hover nearby, waiting to sneak the first slice before it had even cooled. That warm blend of pumpkin spice, melty chips, and tangy creaminess made each bite feel like a hug from home.

this Recipe

Now I make my own version — part tradition, part creative twist — in both loaf and muffin form. It’s become our go-to for bake sales, school mornings, and quiet Sunday treats with hot coffee. Whether you’re baking for fall gatherings or sneaking spoonfuls of batter like I still do, this chocolate chip pumpkin bread recipe is here to wrap your kitchen in comfort.

Let’s make memories one bite at a time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of pumpkin, spice, and chocolate. This recipe blends it all with a rich, tangy ribbon of cream cheese that surprises you with every slice.

It’s an easy recipe that’s forgiving for beginner bakers but still impressive enough to gift or bring to a fall potluck. You can make one large loaf, a dozen muffins, or both — and it always bakes up moist and flavorful.

The chocolate chips add sweetness without overpowering the pumpkin, while the cream cheese center makes it feel like a bakery treat. Plus, it uses pantry staples and comes together in under 90 minutes from start to finish.

Whether you serve it for breakfast, dessert, or snacking on a crisp afternoon, this bread brings all the cozy vibes we crave in autumn.

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Ingredient Overview

This chocolate chip pumpkin bread is full of warm, spiced flavor and soft, bakery-style texture. Here’s what you’ll need to bring it to life:

• Pumpkin puree: Adds moisture and that deep autumn flavor. Be sure to use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.

• Eggs: Help bind everything and create that soft, cakey crumb.

• Vegetable oil + applesauce: A duo that makes the loaf incredibly moist without being greasy.

• Milk + vanilla extract: Boost flavor and smooth the batter.

• Sugar: White sugar sweetens the bread and balances the tangy filling.

• Flour + leaveners: All-purpose flour with baking soda gives structure and rise.

• Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger infuse cozy, fall warmth.

• Mini chocolate chips: Tiny chips melt perfectly into every bite for sweetness and texture.

• Cream cheese filling: Cream cheese, sugar, egg, and milk blend into a luscious swirl inside.

Tip: Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top before baking — it makes the bread look bakery-beautiful and adds extra melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease your loaf pans, muffin tins, or both — this recipe makes one hearty loaf and a dozen muffins. Prepping your pans first ensures your batter doesn’t sit too long, keeping your chocolate chip pumpkin bread light and fluffy.

Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, applesauce, milk, vanilla, and sugar until fully combined. The batter should be smooth, creamy, and full of that familiar pumpkin aroma. This is the heart of your moist, flavorful chocolate chip pumpkin bread.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Sifting evenly distributes the spices and makes the texture extra tender. Tip: Use fresh ground spices for the most aromatic result.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet bowl and gently stir just until incorporated. Don’t overmix — a few streaks of flour are totally fine. This helps prevent a dense loaf and keeps your muffins soft and cakey.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Stir in the mini chocolate chips with a light hand, making sure they’re evenly scattered throughout. These little bursts of sweetness balance out the spiced pumpkin beautifully.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar, egg, and milk until silky smooth. This simple swirl adds a rich, tangy layer that makes this chocolate chip pumpkin bread extra special.

Step 7: Assemble the Loaf

Pour a layer of pumpkin batter into the prepared loaf pan, then add a generous spoonful of cream cheese filling. Repeat, layering batter and filling until the pan is about ¾ full. Sprinkle a few chocolate chips on top if you like.

Step 8: Fill the Muffin Tins

For muffins, fill each cup ⅓ full with batter, add a scoop of cream cheese filling, then top with more batter until ¾ full. Add a few chips on top to make them sparkle when baked.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake the loaf for 60–80 minutes and the muffins for 14–18 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean (except for maybe a bit of melted chocolate — yum!).

Step 10: Cool and Slice

Let your bread and muffins cool in the pans for 10–15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. That swirl inside your chocolate chip pumpkin bread will set beautifully, and slicing will be a dream.

Now that your cozy creation is coming together beautifully, let’s explore some pro tips and creative variations!

Pro Tips

If you’re aiming for bakery-style results at home, these tips will help you bake the most delightful chocolate chip pumpkin bread every time.

Use room temperature ingredients — especially the eggs and cream cheese. This helps everything blend smoothly, especially in the filling, and gives your batter better texture.

Don’t overmix the batter. Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, stir just until no flour remains. Overmixing can lead to dense, chewy bread instead of a moist, tender loaf.

For the best flavor, use freshly ground spices or at least double-check they’re not stale. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are the backbone of fall bakes — and that’s what makes chocolate chip pumpkin bread sing.

Sprinkle chocolate chips on top before baking. This adds visual appeal and gives you some extra melty bits in every slice. It’s especially beautiful for gifts or gatherings.

Store leftovers wrapped in foil or in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days. You can also freeze individual slices of this chocolate chip pumpkin bread — perfect for quick snacks or lunchbox surprises. For more cozy tips, peek at our pumpkin cream cheese muffins recipe — it’s another fall favorite!

Variations

If you’re aiming for bakery-style results at home, these tips will help you bake the most delightful chocolate chip pumpkin bread every time.

Use room temperature ingredients — especially the eggs and cream cheese. This helps everything blend smoothly, especially in the filling, and gives your batter better texture.

Don’t overmix the batter. Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, stir just until no flour remains. Overmixing can lead to dense, chewy bread instead of a moist, tender loaf.

For the best flavor, use freshly ground spices or at least double-check they’re not stale. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are the backbone of fall bakes — and that’s what makes chocolate chip pumpkin bread sing.

Sprinkle chocolate chips on top before baking. This adds visual appeal and gives you some extra melty bits in every slice. It’s especially beautiful for gifts or gatherings.

Store leftovers wrapped in foil or in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days. You can also freeze individual slices of this chocolate chip pumpkin bread — perfect for quick snacks or lunchbox surprises. For more cozy tips, peek at our pumpkin cookies recipe — it’s another fall favorite!

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

Looking to put your own spin on this recipe? Here are some delicious and easy ways to personalize your chocolate chip pumpkin bread.

Swap the chocolate chips for butterscotch, white chocolate, or even dark chocolate chunks for a richer flavor. Each one creates a totally different mood in every bite.

Turn it into a gluten-free treat by using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. It still comes out moist and flavorful — especially if you increase the pumpkin puree by a tablespoon.

Add nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch and extra autumn flair. Stir them in along with the chocolate chips or just sprinkle on top.

Want a healthier version? You can reduce the sugar by up to 1/3 or use coconut sugar for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.

You can also play with form — this batter makes incredible mini loaves for gifting. If you love flexible pumpkin treats, our fall cooking easy pumpkin muffins might also inspire your next bake.

Conclusion

Fresh from the oven, this chocolate chip pumpkin bread is a delight all on its own — but it truly shines when paired thoughtfully. For a cozy brunch, slice it thick and serve with whipped butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. It pairs beautifully with hot apple cider, chai lattes, or even pumpkin cream cold brew for those brisk fall mornings. If you’re setting a dessert table, add it alongside your favorite fall cookie recipes and a bowl of spiced nuts — it creates a harvest-style spread your guests will love. For something heartier, offer the muffins with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fruit for a satisfying weekday breakfast that feels special.

There’s something magical about how chocolate chip pumpkin bread can bring people together. Whether you’re gifting a loaf, sharing a slice after school, or sneaking a muffin in the morning, this recipe is made for moments of warmth. It’s more than just a bake — it’s about baking joy into everyday life. The swirl of cream cheese adds a little surprise, the chocolate chips make it fun, and the pumpkin brings that cozy fall feeling we all crave. Want more treats like this? Explore our favorite seasonal sweets in the Desserts category — it’s full of ideas to spark your creativity.