Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Streusel Bread Recipe

The first chill of October had just settled in when I pulled this bread from the oven. The windows fogged up, and the scent of cinnamon, brown sugar, and melty chocolate filled the kitchen. I remember my daughter standing by the counter, picking at the golden streusel with her little fingers before the loaf even cooled. This Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Streusel Bread has become a cozy staple in our home — moist, warmly spiced, and speckled with just enough gooey chocolate to make every bite feel like a treat. Whether you bake it for breakfast, brunch, or gifting, this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Streusel Bread brings cozy fall flavor to every slice. Best part? It’s vegan-friendly and made with simple pantry ingredients.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

This Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Streusel Bread recipe is both easy and flexible. Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients and what they bring to the table.

For the Streusel Topping

Vegan butter gives the streusel its rich, crumbly texture. Combine that with flour, brown sugar, white sugar, and a dash of cinnamon, and you’ve got a buttery, sweet, slightly crisp topping that’s hard to resist. If you’re out of vegan butter, coconut oil works, but the streusel may spread more.

For the Bread Batter

The batter gets its moisture and depth from pumpkin purée, which also keeps the bread tender and dense (in the best way). Oil adds richness — I prefer olive oil, but a neutral oil works well too. Brown sugar and a splash of maple syrup bring that caramel-like sweetness.

The dry mix includes all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, and both baking powder and baking soda for lift. And of course, the heart of this loaf — semi-sweet chocolate chips — adds a melty, bittersweet finish.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Alternative

No pumpkin pie spice? No problem. Just use:

• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

It’s cozy, classic, and beautifully aromatic.

How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Streusel Bread

Making this bread is a breeze, and the reward is a warmly spiced loaf that tastes like fall in every bite.

Step 1 – Prep the Loaf Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment, leaving some overhang so you can lift the bread out easily later.

Step 2 – Make the Streusel and Chill

In a small bowl, mix softened vegan butter, flour, brown and granulated sugar, and cinnamon using a fork. You’re looking for a crumbly, sand-like texture. Place the streusel in the fridge to chill while you prepare the batter.

Step 3 – Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, oil, brown sugar, and maple syrup.

Sift in the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir just until the flour disappears — no overmixing!

Step 4 – Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Next, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. I like to use chunks sometimes for those big puddles of chocolate.

Step 5 – Assemble and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Take the chilled streusel and press it gently into the batter, covering the surface. This creates that crunchy-sweet topping.

Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean (or with a few melted chocolate smudges).

Step 6 – Cool and Slice for Best Texture

Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack and cool for another 20. Waiting is tough, but it helps the bread firm up so you get nice clean slices.

Tips for Perfect Texture and Flavor

To get the best results every time, here are a few helpful tricks:

• Don’t overmix the batter or the bread may turn tough.
• Use good-quality chocolate — it really shines in this recipe.
• Cool completely before slicing for a clean cut and full flavor.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days. Or freeze individual slices for quick fall treats!

Want more pumpkin goodness? Try my Cozy Vanilla Pudding Pumpkin Bread with a tender crumb or these Delightfully soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins for fall baking. They’re all tried, true, and perfect for crisp mornings.

Related Recipes to Try

If you’re in a pumpkin mood (aren’t we all this time of year?), here are more cozy picks:

• Irresistible Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies filled with spiced goodness
• Fluffy Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Streusel Bread Recipe Card

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Final Thoughts

I hope this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Streusel Bread brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen, just like it does in ours. If you’re craving more cozy bakes, this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Streusel Bread is one you’ll reach for again and again. Whether you’re baking for a cozy weekend breakfast or gifting it to a neighbor, it’s the kind of treat that always feels special. If you bake it, leave a comment and let me know how it turned out! And don’t forget to visit me on Pinterest for more fall favorites and vegan treats.

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