Why Moist Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Will Be Your Fall Favorite

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Moist Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread sliced on a fall-themed table

Introduction: The Recipe That Made My Kitchen Smell Like Grandma’s

Every year, like clockwork, once the leaves start to fall and the first cold breeze sneaks in, I crave one thing—Moist Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread. I still remember the first time I baked it in my tiny college apartment. I was homesick and missing the smell of my grandma’s kitchen: cozy, sweet, and full of fall spices. So I decided to make something that smelled like home. The kitchen smells of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice wrapped around me like a warm blanket. That first bite of warm pumpkin bread loaded with gooey chocolate chips instantly made the place feel like home.

Now it’s become a seasonal ritual. I pull out my favorite mixing bowl, grab the pumpkin puree and unsweetened applesauce, and let the magic begin. If you’re craving comfort and flavor, this is the only pumpkin bread recipe you’ll ever need.

Why You’ll Love This Moist Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

Moist Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread is everything you want in a fall dessert. It’s tender, not too sweet, and perfectly balanced with melty chocolate chips and rich pumpkin flavor. Here’s why it stands out:

  • The pumpkin chocolate combo gives you a perfect balance of spice and indulgence.
  • It’s made with unsweetened applesauce, which keeps it moist without adding extra fat.
  • Your kitchen will smell like a cinnamon-sugar wonderland. Trust me, people will ask what you’re baking.

And if you’re a fan of baking seasonal treats, you’ll also love my Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl—it’s another fall hit that disappears fast!

Ingredients for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)

Step-by-Step: How to Make Moist Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

  1. Prep the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×5 loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice.
  3. Wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, unsweetened applesauce, oil, eggs, both sugars, and vanilla extract.
  4. Mix: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Then fold in your chocolate chips.
  5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55–65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
  6. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice when completely cooled (or while still warm if you can’t resist).

Pro Tips for the Best Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Kitchen Smells Like Heaven: The Fall Spice Effect

There’s something magical about the kitchen smells while baking Moist Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread. The pumpkin chocolate aroma mixed with cinnamon and nutmeg will make your home feel like a cozy autumn cabin. Honestly, this pumpkin bread could double as an air freshener.

If you love that feeling, light a candle and make my Cheesecake Stuffed Snickerdoodles while you’re at it.

FAQs

Can I freeze Moist Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread?
Absolutely! Wrap it in plastic and foil, then freeze. It stays fresh for up to 3 months.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Sure! Just make sure it’s pureed well and not too watery.

Can I substitute the chocolate chips?
Yes! Try white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even cinnamon chips.

How long will this last?
Stored in an airtight container, it stays moist for 4–5 days.

Wrap-Up: Make This Pumpkin Bread Recipe Your Own

Moist Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread is more than a recipe—it’s a hug in loaf form. Whether you’re baking for family, gifting to friends, or just treating yourself, this pumpkin bread delivers every time. It’s the fall classic that checks all the boxes: pumpkin chocolate heaven, easy to make, and makes your kitchen smell divine.

Ready to get baking? Check out more fall favorites like Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken for a sweet-and-savory dinner to follow your dessert.