This One-Bowl Chocolate Chip Bread brings together the simplicity of home baking with the rich indulgence of semisweet chocolate chips. Using just five ingredients and a single bowl, it’s a no-fuss, all-flavor recipe that’s perfect for beginner and expert bakers alike.
The sour cream keeps the loaf moist and tender, while the generous dose of chocolate chips ensures every bite melts in your mouth. Whether you serve it for breakfast, dessert, or a mid-afternoon snack, this bread is a crowd-pleaser that can be whipped up in under two hours with minimal cleanup. Pair it with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Full Recipe:
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3 large eggs, room temperature
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 cups sour cream
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3 cups self-rising flour
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2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs, sugar, and sour cream together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
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Gradually stir in the self-rising flour until well incorporated.
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Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
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Pour the batter into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
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Bake for 65–75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Let the loaf cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 65–75 minutes | Total Time: ~1 hour 35 minutes
Kcal: 306 kcal per slice | Servings: 16 slices
The Charm of One-Bowl Baking
In an age where convenience often trumps complexity, the concept of one-bowl baking has emerged as a savior for home cooks everywhere. The One-Bowl Chocolate Chip Bread is a prime example of this movement—delivering simplicity, speed, and indulgence all in a single loaf. Designed to eliminate the need for multiple mixing bowls, intricate tools, or complicated procedures, this recipe brings the joy of baking back to its roots.
Rather than juggling multiple steps or washing an endless stack of dishes, this bread allows bakers to mix all the essential ingredients in one bowl. This ease of preparation makes it perfect for busy mornings, last-minute dessert needs, or even as a beginner’s entry into the world of baking. Yet, despite its simplicity, the result is anything but basic—moist, flavorful, and rich in chocolate goodness.
Why Chocolate Chip Bread Is So Popular
Chocolate chip bread has long held a special place in home kitchens for good reason. While banana and zucchini breads have their own devoted followers, chocolate chip bread delivers that sweet, dessert-like indulgence without needing any fruit or vegetables to act as filler. It feels like cake but wears the guise of “bread,” making it a flexible treat for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
The addition of semisweet chocolate chips adds just the right amount of richness. Unlike milk chocolate, semisweet chips provide a deeper, more balanced flavor that doesn’t overpower the subtle sweetness of the bread itself. The combination of sugar and sour cream ensures that the texture remains soft and moist—a crucial factor when you want something that holds well for several days.
Perfect for Every Occasion
One of the biggest strengths of this bread is its adaptability. Hosting brunch? Slice and serve with butter and jam. Looking for a school snack or potluck contribution? It travels well and doesn’t require refrigeration. Need a quick dessert? A warm slice topped with whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce transforms it instantly.
Thanks to its approachable flavor and kid-friendly texture, chocolate chip bread appeals to both adults and children. Whether served warm from the oven or enjoyed a day or two later, this loaf keeps well and remains satisfying. It’s also one of those recipes that tastes even better the next day, once the flavors have had time to settle and mingle.
The Secret Ingredient: Sour Cream
While many quick breads rely on oil or butter for moisture, this recipe’s use of sour cream is a game-changer. Not only does sour cream add a subtle tanginess that enhances the overall flavor, but it also contributes a dense, moist crumb that’s impossible to replicate with oil alone. The acidity of sour cream works with the leavening agents in the self-rising flour to ensure that the bread rises beautifully without becoming dry or crumbly.
For those who are curious or cautious, sour cream in baked goods doesn’t impart a strong flavor—it simply enhances the richness and provides a balanced contrast to the sweetness of the chocolate chips.
Self-Rising Flour: A Baker’s Shortcut
Another unique aspect of this recipe is its reliance on self-rising flour, which is essentially all-purpose flour pre-mixed with a leavening agent like baking powder and a bit of salt. Using self-rising flour eliminates the need for additional measurements and reduces the chance of mistakes, making the process faster and more foolproof.
Self-rising flour is ideal for quick breads because it gives them the lift they need without requiring yeast or multiple rising periods. This means you can go from idea to freshly baked loaf in less than two hours, with no complicated prep or waiting times.
Customizing Your Chocolate Chip Bread
Though the original version is excellent as is, this recipe invites creativity. Add-ins like chopped walnuts or pecans can bring a welcome crunch, while shredded coconut adds a tropical note. Swapping out semisweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even butterscotch chips can lead to new flavor experiences.
Some bakers also like to mix in mashed banana or a touch of cinnamon for a flavor twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, adding a spoonful of espresso powder can give the chocolate flavor an extra boost—perfect for pairing with a strong cup of coffee.
You can also adjust the shape or presentation of the bread. For example, you could divide the batter between two smaller loaf pans, bake it in a bundt pan, or even pour it into muffin tins for individual servings. This versatility means that one recipe can meet a wide variety of serving needs.
Baking Tips for Best Results
Here are a few key tips to ensure your bread comes out perfect every time:
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Use room temperature eggs: This helps them blend more easily with the other ingredients and creates a more uniform batter.
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Don’t overmix: Overworking the flour can lead to a dense or tough texture. Stir just until combined.
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Test with a toothpick: Since chocolate chips can melt and stick to the toothpick, make sure you’re checking for uncooked batter rather than melted chocolate.
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Cool properly: Letting the bread rest in the pan for about 5–10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack helps it set and prevents breaking.
How to Store and Freeze
Once baked and cooled, this chocolate chip bread should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for 3–5 days, especially if you wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to lock in moisture.
To extend its shelf life, you can freeze the loaf. Simply wrap it in plastic wrap, then again in foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, allow it to thaw at room temperature, or gently reheat slices in a toaster oven for a warm treat.
A Great Gift Idea
This bread also makes a thoughtful homemade gift. During holidays or special occasions, baking up a few loaves and wrapping them in parchment paper tied with twine can make for a personal, heartwarming present. Add a handwritten note and a suggestion to enjoy with coffee or tea, and you have a gift that’s both delicious and memorable.
You can even turn it into a mini bread-baking kit. Include the dry ingredients in a mason jar, and attach the printed recipe instructions—perfect for housewarming gifts or holiday baskets.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
Thanks to its soft texture and mild flavor, this chocolate chip bread is beloved by children, making it a smart choice for lunchboxes, bake sales, and birthday party snack tables. You won’t find frosting, sprinkles, or complicated decorations here—just real, honest-to-goodness flavor that speaks for itself.
And unlike frosted cakes or gooey cookies, this bread is relatively mess-free. You can slice and serve it without worrying about sticky hands or sugar crashes. It also pairs well with milk, fruit, or even a thin layer of peanut butter for an unexpected twist.
Conclusion
The One-Bowl Chocolate Chip Bread is everything a great recipe should be: easy to make, satisfying to eat, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, it delivers both in taste and texture. It’s also a shining example of how simplicity and indulgence can go hand in hand in the kitchen.
With no complicated techniques and minimal cleanup, this recipe welcomes bakers of all skill levels. So the next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, cozy, and chocolatey, skip the bakery line and make this tried-and-true loaf your go-to treat.