Healthy Pumpkin Bread Recipe

As autumn leaves begin to fall, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked pumpkin bread filling your home. This healthy pumpkin bread recipe transforms a classic fall treat into a wholesome delight. It’s incredibly moist, wonderfully fluffy, and packed with warm spices, making it a perfect healthier indulgence. Get ready to bake a truly delicious loaf that everyone will love.

Marie Martin

Healthy Pumpkin Bread Recipe: Wholesome & Delicious

This wholesome and delicious recipe yields a moist pumpkin bread, perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack. Made with whole wheat flour and natural sweeteners, it’s a delightful treat that’s easy to bake and customize with your favorite mix-ins.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Servings: 10 slices

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1/3 cup melted coconut oil or extra-virgin olive oil *
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 1/4 cup milk of choice or water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin spice blend (or 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon allspice or cloves)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda (NOT baking powder; they aren’t the same!)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 cups white whole wheat flour or regular whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup mix-ins like chopped walnuts or pecans, chocolate chips, raisins, chopped dried fruit (Totally optional)
• Pinch ground cinnamon for sprinkling on top

Equipment

• Oven
• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Large bowl
• Whisk
• Big spoon
• Knife
• Cooling rack

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and thoroughly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted oil and honey. Add the eggs and continue whisking until the mixture is well blended. If your coconut oil solidifies, warm the bowl briefly.
3. Add the pumpkin purée, milk, pumpkin spice, baking soda, vanilla, and salt, then whisk until combined. Switch to a large spoon and gently stir in the flour until just blended; some lumps are acceptable. If using, fold in any optional mix-ins now.
4. Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and lightly sprinkle the top with ground cinnamon. For a decorative swirl, gently run the tip of a knife through the batter in a zig-zag pattern.
5. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the loaf pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool for another 20 minutes before slicing.

Notes

If your coconut oil solidifies on contact with cold ingredients, simply let the bowl rest in a warm place for a few minutes, like on top of your stove, or warm it for about 10 seconds in the microwave. Some lumps are ok after stirring in the flour. Baking time varies: bread without mix-ins typically bakes in 55 minutes, while bread with mix-ins needs closer to 60 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Pumpkin Bread

This isn’t just any pumpkin bread; it’s a recipe crafted with simplicity and health in mind.

• Whole Grain Goodness: We use whole wheat flour, adding fiber and nutrients for a more satisfying bake. According to Ozmen Un, whole wheat flour’s high fiber content supports digestive and intestinal health.
• Naturally Sweetened: Honey or maple syrup provides delicious sweetness without any refined sugar.
• Dietary Versatility: Easily adapt this recipe for vegan, dairy-free, or gluten-free preferences with simple substitutions.
• Incredibly Moist & Flavorful: Every slice boasts a tender crumb and rich, spiced pumpkin flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this wholesome pumpkin loaf is perfect for beginners and busy parents alike.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your moist and flavorful pumpkin bread. This healthy pumpkin bread recipe uses pantry staples for ease.

• ⅓ cup melted coconut oil or extra-virgin olive oil*
• ½ cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup pumpkin purée (make sure it’s 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling!)
• ¼ cup milk of choice or water
• 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin spice blend (or ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon allspice or cloves)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda (NOT baking powder; they aren’t the same!)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ¾ cups white whole wheat flour or regular whole wheat flour
• Totally optional: ½ cup mix-ins like chopped walnuts or pecans, chocolate chips, raisins, chopped dried fruit…
• Pinch of ground cinnamon, for sprinkling on top

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this healthy pumpkin bread recipe to suit your dietary needs or pantry.

• Oil options: Coconut oil adds a subtle richness, while extra-virgin olive oil gives a warm, fruity note. Any neutral-flavored oil like avocado or vegetable oil also works well.
• Sweeteners: Honey or maple syrup are both excellent choices for natural sweetness. Everyday Health notes that honey is sweeter than maple syrup, potentially allowing for smaller quantities.
• Eggs: To make this recipe vegan or egg-free, use two flax eggs. Combine 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons water and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
• Milk: Any dairy or non-dairy milk works here. Almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk are great plant-based alternatives.
• Flour: White whole wheat flour offers a lighter texture, while regular whole wheat flour provides a denser crumb. All-purpose flour is also an option, but it will reduce the whole grain benefits.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose baking blend, such as Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour. Avoid using coconut flour alone, as it absorbs too much liquid. Oat flour can also work for a GF option.
• Lower Fat: Replace up to half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter version of this pumpkin bread recipe.

Equipment

You won’t need any fancy gadgets for this straightforward recipe.

• Standard 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Two large mixing bowls
• Whisk and a sturdy spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake your perfect loaf of healthy pumpkin bread recipe. This process is designed to be beginner-friendly.

1. Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the melted oil and honey or maple syrup together with a whisk until well combined. Add the eggs and whisk again until the mixture is blended and smooth. If your coconut oil solidifies upon contact with colder ingredients, gently warm the bowl for about 10 seconds in the microwave or let it rest in a warm spot, like on top of your stove.
3. Add Pumpkin & Dry Ingredients: Incorporate the pumpkin purée, milk of choice, pumpkin spice blend, baking soda, vanilla extract, and salt into the wet mixture. Whisk everything until thoroughly blended. Next, switch to a large spoon or spatula. Gradually stir in the flour, mixing only until just combined. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and will not affect the final texture. If you’re using any optional mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter now.
4. Fill Pan & Sprinkle: Pour the prepared batter evenly into your greased loaf pan. For a decorative touch and extra flavor, sprinkle the top lightly with a pinch of ground cinnamon. If you desire a pretty swirled effect, lightly run the tip of a knife across the batter in a zig-zag pattern.
5. Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes. The pumpkin loaf is done when a wooden toothpick or thin skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Typically, bread without mix-ins bakes in about 55 minutes, while those with additions might need closer to 60 minutes.
6. Cool Properly: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven. Let the bread cool in the loaf pan for 10 minutes. This allows it to firm up before handling. Then, carefully transfer the warm loaf to a wire cooling rack to cool completely for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving. This ensures a clean slice and the best texture for your healthy pumpkin bread.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve the perfect loaf of this delicious healthy pumpkin bread recipe every time with these helpful hints.

• Do Not Overmix: Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a tough, dense loaf. Mix just until the flour disappears.
• Pure Pumpkin is Key: Always use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling has added sugar and spices that will alter your bread’s taste and texture.
• Prevent Gummy Texture: Overbaking can dry out the bread, but underbaking can result in a gummy texture. Ensure you bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Proper cooling on a rack is also vital for the perfect crumb.
• Check for Doneness: The toothpick test is reliable. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes and retest.
• Adjust Baking Time for Mix-ins: As noted in the instructions, adding mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips can increase the baking time slightly. Monitor your loaf closely.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Once you’ve baked your delicious healthy pumpkin bread, you’ll want to enjoy it and keep it fresh.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy warm slices plain, letting the natural flavors shine through.
• Serve with a smear of butter, cream cheese, or your favorite fruit jam.
• Pair a slice with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea for a comforting treat.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store your cooled bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
• Refrigerator: For longer freshness, wrap the bread well and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
• Freezer: Slice the cooled bread, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw slices at room temperature or gently warm them.

Variations

• Healthy Pumpkin Muffins: Divide the batter into a greased 12-cup muffin tin. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Extra Spices: For a bolder flavor, boost the amount of pumpkin spice blend, or add a pinch of fresh grated ginger or extra nutmeg.
• Toppings: Before baking, sprinkle the top with a simple streusel topping (oats, flour, brown sugar, butter) or a handful of raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for crunch.

Nutrition Information

This nutrition information is an estimate. It is calculated based on the ingredients listed and may vary depending on specific brands and substitutions. For precise dietary advice, please consult a professional nutritionist.

FAQ

You’ve got questions, we have answers to help you bake the best healthy pumpkin bread.

• Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned? Yes, absolutely! Just make sure to roast and puree it first, ensuring it’s a smooth, thick consistency similar to canned.
• Why is my pumpkin bread gummy or hard? Gummy bread is often a sign of underbaking, while hard bread might be overbaked. Check for doneness with a toothpick and don’t overmix the batter.
• Can I reduce the sugar further? You can try reducing the honey or maple syrup by about 1/4 cup, but be aware it might affect the bread’s moisture and tenderness slightly.
• What’s the best way to ensure it rises properly? Make sure your baking soda is fresh (it loses potency over time) and avoid opening the oven door too frequently during the first 40 minutes of baking.
• Can I add other fruits like cranberries? Yes, fresh or dried cranberries, chopped apples, or even shredded carrots make excellent additions to this healthy pumpkin bread recipe.

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Conclusion

This healthy pumpkin bread recipe proves that wholesome baking can be incredibly simple and delicious. With its moist crumb, warming spices, and natural sweetness, it’s the perfect treat for any time of year, especially during fall. It’s wonderfully versatile and easy to adapt, making it a fantastic choice for beginners and busy home bakers. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the comforting taste of homemade pumpkin bread!

Culinary disclaimer

This content is provided for informational purposes only. It does not replace medical advice, professional diagnosis, or personalized treatment.