As the seasons change and a gentle chill fills the air, there’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked pumpkin bread wafting through your kitchen. This Healthy Pumpkin Bread recipe offers a healthier take on a classic favorite, allowing you to savor every bite without all the sugar!
Healthy Pumpkin Bread Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of our bread, providing structure and texture.
- Baking Soda & baking powder: These leavening agents work together to make your bread rise and become wonderfully fluffy.
- Salt: Just a pinch, but it enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon: The quintessential spice of fall, it infuses your bread with warm, aromatic goodness.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: This blend adds depth and complexity to the flavor
- Pumpkin Puree: The star of the show, pumpkin puree brings rich color and a velvety texture to the bread, along with essential nutrients.
- Unsweetened Applesauce: A clever substitution for added sugar, applesauce keeps the bread moist without compromising on flavor.
- Honey or Pure Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener to add a touch of sweetness to this bread.
- Eggs: Providing structure and a delicate custard-like texture, eggs are a key ingredient.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile, lending a subtle sweetness.
- Melted Coconut Oil: This healthy fat adds moisture and a hint of coconut essence.
Healthy Pumpkin Bread Instructions:
Preheat Your Oven (350°F / 175°C): Ensure your oven is preheated and ready for baking. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Blend Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and any other optional spices you desire. Set this aromatic blend aside.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, unsweetened applesauce, honey (or maple syrup), eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until all these autumnal ingredients are harmoniously blended.
Create the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. It’s essential not to overmix; your goal is a smooth, integrated batter.
Optional: Incorporate Greek Yogurt and Nuts: Gently fold in the plain Greek yogurt and chopped nuts (if using). Greek yogurt adds moisture and a hint of tanginess to the bread, while nuts provide a satisfying crunch.
Baking Time: Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan, ensuring it’s evenly spread.
Bake to Perfection: Slide your creation into the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
Cool and Serve: Once your healthy pumpkin bread has gracefully left the oven, grant it a 10-minute cooldown in the pan. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and Savor: Now that your bread has cooled, it’s time to slice and savor. Each bite encapsulates the warm, comforting taste of autumn. Enjoy it as a guilt-free treat for breakfast or as a wholesome snack. For an extra layer of indulgence, spread on a little nut butter.
Optional Mix-Ins:
Consider adding chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips for delightful variations in texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
This healthy pumpkin bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of milk. Spread some cream cheese or nut butter for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Storage and FAQs:
- Storage: Store your pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate it for extended freshness.
- Freezing: Yes, you can freeze slices of pumpkin bread. Wrap them individually and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw slices as needed.
- Making It Vegan: To make this bread vegan, replace the eggs with flax or chia seed eggs and opt for plant-based yogurt.
More Recipes to make
- Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese
- Easy Banana Pumpkin Bread
- Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats
- Vegan Apple Pancakes
- Apple Crumble Mug Cake
If you make these Pumpkin Donut Holes , I would really appreciate a comment and rating down below, under the recipe card. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me over on Instagram, Tik Tok, or Pinterest. For more ideas, check out my Fall Recipes page.
Healthy Pumpkin Bread
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
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 medium-sized bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. Set this dry mixture aside.
- In another large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, unsweetened applesauce, honey (or maple syrup), eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a smooth batter.
- Fold in the plain Greek yogurt and chopped nuts (if using). The Greek yogurt adds moisture and a hint of tanginess to the bread.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
- Once done, remove the pumpkin bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
