Embracing the cozy flavors of autumn, this Healthy Pumpkin Bread Recipe is an absolute joy to bake and savor. Bursting with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, plus the wholesome goodness of whole wheat pastry flour and natural pumpkin puree, this bread delivers comfort with a wholesome twist. It’s moist, lightly sweetened with golden coconut sugar, and filled with all the richness of fall — perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a healthy dessert option that makes your kitchen smell incredible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up this delightful bread, you’ll only need a handful of simple ingredients that combine to create a perfect texture and deeply satisfying flavor. Each component plays its role in balancing moisture, sweetness, and that wonderful spiced aroma we all adore.
- 1.5 cups whole wheat pastry flour: Adds fiber and a tender crumb that’s lighter than regular whole wheat flour.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1/4 tsp baking powder: Helps the bread rise gently for a soft texture.
- 3/4 tsp baking soda: Reacts with pumpkin’s acidity to lighten the bread perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon: A classic warm spice that brings comforting depth.
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves: Adds an aromatic, slightly sweet spiciness that pairs so well with pumpkin.
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg: Gives a cozy, nutty warmth that spices up every bite.
- 1/2 cup golden coconut sugar: Natural sweetness with a slight caramel flavor that complements the spices.
- 1/3 cup softened butter: Binds everything together and keeps the bread rich without being greasy.
- 1 large egg: Works as a binder to hold the bread’s structure and contribute moisture.
- 16 ounces pumpkin puree: The star ingredient — moist, mildly sweet, and packed with nutrients and vibrant color.
How to Make Healthy Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan to ensure your bread will come out clean and maintain its beautiful crust. This early prep makes the rest of the process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
Grab a bowl and whisk together the whole wheat pastry flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground cloves, and nutmeg. This step ensures the spices are evenly distributed and the leavening agents are ready to do their magic.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar, Then Add Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, cream the softened butter and golden coconut sugar until light and fluffy — this step introduces air into the batter helping create a tender texture. Then, beat in the egg and mix in the pumpkin puree until everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 4: Gently Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the dry ingredient mixture gradually into the wet mixture, folding carefully until just combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep your bread light and soft rather than dense and tough.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your greased loaf pan, smoothing out the top evenly. Bake for 55 to 75 minutes, testing doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center — it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. This slow baking at a moderate temperature ensures a golden crust without drying out the moist interior.
Step 6: Cool Before Slicing
Once baked, let your pumpkin bread cool completely on a wire rack. This resting time helps it set properly, making slicing easier and keeping every piece intact with that perfect tender crumb.
How to Serve Healthy Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light spread of whipped cream cheese can make serving your healthy pumpkin bread feel extra special. Toasted pecans or a drizzle of honey also add texture and a lovely flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
This pumpkin bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of spiced tea or your favorite morning coffee. For a heartier meal, slice it alongside a bowl of pumpkin soup or a fresh green salad to balance savory and sweet flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by turning slices into mini sandwiches with almond butter and sliced bananas or by layering dessert parfaits with pumpkin bread cubes, yogurt, and granola. You can also toast the bread and add cinnamon butter for a warm, indulgent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover healthy pumpkin bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the bread fresh and moist, perfect for snacking on throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep your pumpkin bread for longer, slice it and freeze the pieces individually in sealed bags. This way, you can thaw as many or as few slices as you need without sacrificing freshness, for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, microwave slices for 15-20 seconds or pop them into a toaster oven until lightly crisp on the outside. A quick warm-up revives the tender crumb and enhances those cozy spices.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this Healthy Pumpkin Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and makes this recipe super convenient year-round. Just make sure to use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
Is there a dairy-free version of this bread?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based buttery spread. Both retain moisture and flavor while keeping the recipe dairy-free and just as delicious.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or dark chocolate chips offers extra texture and flavor. Fold in about 1/2 cup when combining the wet and dry ingredients to evenly distribute them throughout the bread.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf after about 55 minutes. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. If batter sticks to it, keep baking and test every 5 minutes until done.
Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
Yes! Simply divide the batter into a greased or lined muffin tin and bake at 325°F for about 20-25 minutes. Muffins make perfect grab-and-go snacks or individual treats for gatherings.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Pumpkin Bread Recipe truly captures the spirit of fall in every bite without compromising on health or flavor. It’s one of those recipes that brings warmth to your kitchen and joy to your table, whether shared with family or enjoyed as a personal comfort food. I encourage you to bake a loaf, savor each slice, and make this your go-to pumpkin treat every season.
Print
Healthy Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-75 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This healthy pumpkin bread is a moist, flavorful loaf made with whole wheat pastry flour and spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Sweetened naturally with golden coconut sugar and enriched with pumpkin puree and a touch of butter, it’s a nutritious twist on a classic fall favorite perfect for breakfast or a wholesome snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1.5 cups whole wheat pastry flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup golden coconut sugar
- 1/3 cup softened butter
- 1 large egg
- 16 ounces pumpkin puree
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan to prevent the bread from sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the whole wheat pastry flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground cloves, and nutmeg. Stir until the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed.
- Cream butter and sugar, then add egg and pumpkin: In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and golden coconut sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg thoroughly, then incorporate the pumpkin puree until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Bake the bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use whole wheat pastry flour for a tender texture; all-purpose flour will make it denser.
- Golden coconut sugar adds a subtle caramel flavor but can be replaced with brown sugar if unavailable.
- Make sure the pumpkin puree is unsweetened for best results.
- Test doneness with a toothpick at 55 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Store baked pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
