Chocolate Chip Bread Recipe

If you’ve ever craved the ultimate sweet treat that fills your kitchen with the cozy scent of vanilla and melting chocolate, this Chocolate Chip Bread is about to become your new go-to comfort bake. Each slice is a dreamy, moist crumb dotted generously with melty mini chips, delivering that perfect balance of rich sweetness and soft texture. Whether you’re sharing it with friends over coffee, packing a slice for breakfast on the go, or enjoying it as a late-night snack, Chocolate Chip Bread brings a touch of joy to every occasion and is impossibly easy to love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Chocolate Chip Bread comes from a handful of classic pantry staples, each chosen for their role in making this loaf irresistibly soft, tender, and full of flavor. Don’t underestimate the importance of these basics; together, they make chocolatey magic happen.

• All-purpose flour: Forms the foundation of the bread, ensuring a soft but sturdy structure that holds up to all those chocolate chips.
• Baking powder: Gives the bread its gentle rise for a delightful, light texture.
• Salt: Just a touch, to bring out the flavor in every bite and balance the sweetness.
• Butter (softened): Brings richness and a tender crumb; make sure it’s room temperature for easy mixing.
• Granulated white sugar: Sweetens the loaf to perfection without overpowering the chocolate flavor.
• Egg (large): Binds everything together for a cohesive, sliceable loaf.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, enhancing both the dough and chocolate notes.
• Milk: Moistens the batter and makes every bite lusciously soft—whole milk works best for richness.
• Mini chocolate chips (4.5 ounces—3/4 cup): These scatter sweetness in every bite and melt in the oven for pockets of gooey chocolate.
• Mini chocolate chips (1.5 ounces—1/4 cup): Used for sprinkling on top, these give the bread a tempting, bakery-style finish.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Bread

Step 1: Get Everything Prepped

Before you even think about measuring or whisking, take a moment to get all your ingredients, pans, and utensils ready. Set the butter out to soften, grab your mixing bowls, and line up everything on the counter. Prepping ahead not only saves time but also makes the baking process extra enjoyable—no surprises, just smooth, chocolate-filled sailing!

Step 2: Heat the Oven and Prepare Your Loaf Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F. While it’s heating up, grease and flour a standard loaf pan, making sure to get the corners and sides so your Chocolate Chip Bread releases cleanly. A nonstick spray with a little dusting of flour works wonders and prevents sticking, ensuring every slice comes out looking picture-perfect.

Step 3: Make the Batter

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. This step is key—it evenly distributes the leavening and salt, preventing any bitter or uneven spots in the final loaf. In a separate, large bowl, beat the softened butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla until creamy and smooth. Alternating between adding the dry ingredients and the milk, gently mix everything together until just combined. This gentle touch ensures your bread turns out tender, not tough.

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips

With your batter ready, it’s time for the star ingredient! Gently fold in 3/4 cup of mini chocolate chips with a spatula, taking care not to overmix. This distributes the chocolate evenly, so every mouthful is capped with tiny, melty explosions of chocolatey goodness.

Step 5: Bake the Chocolate Chip Bread

Spoon the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top for an even bake. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips over the surface—this not only adds extra chocolate but creates an irresistible bakery-style look. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick comes out clean (a bit of melted chocolate is fine!).

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Once baked, let the bread rest in the pan for five minutes. This brief wait helps the loaf settle, making removal a breeze. Carefully transfer to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before slicing—this patience ensures gorgeous, clean slices and prevents the chocolate from smearing.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Bread

Garnishes

While Chocolate Chip Bread shines on its own, you can dress it up with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted chocolate for a special touch. For a festive look, try sprinkling on some crushed nuts or even a few colorful chocolate candies if you’re feeling playful. Each garnish adds a small personal twist and extra appeal.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up. If you’re serving it for dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream. A spread of salted butter on a warm slice takes it totally over the top.

Creative Ways to Present

To make Chocolate Chip Bread the centerpiece of any table, slice it and fan the pieces out on a pretty platter. For brunch or parties, cut into thick fingers or cubes to serve alongside a chocolate fondue. You can even toast slices briefly and serve with fresh berries for a sophisticated, restaurant-style treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chocolate Chip Bread keeps its flavor and texture for several days if stored correctly. Once fully cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps lock in moisture and keeps every bite as delicious as the first.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy Chocolate Chip Bread over a longer period, freezing is your friend. Wrap individual slices (or the whole loaf) in plastic wrap, then tuck into a freezer-safe zip-top bag. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for pulling out a spontaneous treat when guests drop by or a craving hits.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or toast lightly for a warm, gooey bite. If reheating a whole loaf, wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes. This brings back the just-baked aroma and texture as if it were fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use regular-sized chocolate chips instead of mini chips?

Absolutely! While mini chocolate chips give a more even chocolate distribution, regular chips will add larger pockets of chocolate. Just use the same amount and enjoy the extra gooey goodness!

Would this recipe work with non-dairy milk?

Yes, you can substitute non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or soy for the regular milk. The bread may be slightly less rich, but it will still be moist and delicious.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit to this bread?

Definitely—feel free to fold in up to 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans are great) or dried fruit for a fun twist. Just be sure not to overload the batter so it bakes evenly.

How do I prevent the chocolate chips from sinking to the bottom?

Toss the chocolate chips with a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This trick helps suspend them throughout the loaf for even chocolatey bites.

Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?

You can swap in a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The texture may be slightly different, but you’ll still get an amazing loaf with plenty of chocolate charm.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing bake that’s equal parts comforting and indulgent, Chocolate Chip Bread is guaranteed to hit the spot. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—happy baking and enjoy every chocolate-filled bite!

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