Nothing beats the cozy comfort of a warm, moist slice of chocolate chip bread fresh from the oven. If you’re craving something sweet yet simple, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of soft texture and chocolatey goodness. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this bread will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s versatile, quick to put together, and loved by kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Bread Recipe
You’re not just baking bread. You’re creating a homemade treat that feels like a warm hug. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Moist and fluffy texture that holds together beautifully
- Studded with chocolate chips in every bite
- Easy to customize with add-ins or variations
- No mixer required—just two bowls and a whisk
- Perfect for breakfast, snacking, or gifting
Once you bake it, you’ll see why it’s more than just bread. It’s a go-to comfort treat.
Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Bread
All-purpose flour – The base of your chocolate chip bread. It gives the loaf structure and a soft, balanced texture.
Baking powder and baking soda – These help the bread rise and stay fluffy. Both are needed for the right texture.
Brown sugar and granulated sugar – A mix of sugars gives the bread sweetness and keeps it moist and tender.
Buttermilk – Makes the chocolate chip bread soft and moist. You can use milk with a bit of vinegar if needed.
Unsalted butter – Adds rich flavor and moisture. If using salted butter, cut back a little on the added salt.
Eggs – Help hold the bread together and give it a soft crumb.
Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and enhances the sweet flavors in the chocolate chip bread.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips – The highlight of this chocolate chip bread, giving melty bites of chocolate in every slice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and cohesive.
Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Gently stir until just combined—overmixing can make the bread tough.
Add Chocolate Chips
Toss the chocolate chips in a little flour to prevent sinking, then fold them into the batter. Reserve a few to sprinkle on top.
Pour and Bake
Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Expert Tips for Success
To ensure your chocolate chip bread turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:
Room temperature ingredients help everything blend more smoothly
Flour your chocolate chips so they don’t sink to the bottom
Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light
Check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer for accuracy
Store properly in an airtight container to retain moisture
Tasty Variations to Try
Want to make it your own? These fun twists keep things interesting:
Banana Chocolate Chip Bread: Add 2 mashed ripe bananas
Double Chocolate: Mix in 1/4 cup cocoa powder for a richer loaf
Nutty Delight: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Dairy-Free: Swap butter with coconut oil and use plant-based milk
These simple changes allow you to adapt the base recipe to your taste or dietary needs.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Bread
Chocolate chip bread is versatile and suits any time of day. Here are a few delicious ways to enjoy it:
Warm with a pat of butter for breakfast
Toasted and topped with cream cheese as a snack
Paired with coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy treat
Cubed for bread pudding if it gets a bit stale
Wrapped and gifted to friends and neighbors during the holidays
More Bread recipes you will love!
cinnamon raisin sourdough bread
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, though semi-sweet provides a better balance without overwhelming sweetness. Milk chocolate will make it noticeably sweeter.
Why did my bread sink in the middle?
It could be underbaked or due to opening the oven door too soon. Be sure to check for doneness and avoid peeking until the final 5 minutes.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure it includes xanthan gum to help with structure.
How do I store chocolate chip bread?
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices individually.
Is chocolate chip bread like cake?
It’s a little less sweet and denser than cake, making it perfect for breakfast or a less indulgent dessert.
Chocolate Chip Bread
Equipment
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Whisk
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
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 large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and cohesive.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Toss the chocolate chips in a little flour and fold them into the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top.
- Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.