Picture the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked pumpkin bread wafting through your kitchen, filling your home with cozy autumn vibes.
This healthy pumpkin bread is delightfully simple to make, offering a comforting indulgence perfect for any time of year.
As the wholesome ingredients meld together, they transform into a moist, flavorful loaf that’s both nourishing and delicious.
Let’s bring this delightful treat to life in your kitchen!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 loaf pan
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 measuring cup set
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Healthy Pumpkin Bread, follow this timeline:
- Reading and Gathering Ingredients (5 minutes)
- Spend a few minutes reading through the recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and verify you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Prepping Ingredients (10 minutes)
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Measure out all the dry ingredients (whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves) and combine them in a mixing bowl.
- Melt the coconut oil and verify it isn’t too hot.
- Measure and prepare the remaining wet ingredients (honey, eggs, pumpkin puree, applesauce, vanilla extract).
- Mixing Ingredients (5 minutes)
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, honey, eggs, pumpkin puree, applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in walnuts if using.
- Baking (50 minutes)
- Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Resting & Cooling (10 minutes)
- Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Adjust as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Note: During the baking time, you can use the opportunity to clean up your workspace, wash any used dishes, or prepare any additional toppings or accompaniments for the pumpkin bread.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
In a mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
In another bowl, whisk together melted coconut oil, honey, eggs, pumpkin puree, applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Fold in walnuts if using.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Tips
- Butter or Cream Cheese Spread: A light layer of butter or cream cheese adds creaminess and complements the pumpkin flavor.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream can add a touch of indulgence to your slice of pumpkin bread.
- Nut Butter: Spread almond or peanut butter for a protein-packed, nutty twist.
- Fresh Fruit: Pair with sliced apples or pears for a revitalizing and fruity contrast.
- Maple Syrup Drizzle: A light drizzle of maple syrup enhances the natural sweetness and adds a rich flavor.
Storage
Store leftover healthy pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Refrigerate to extend freshness. This helps maintain its moisture and flavor.
Freezing
To freeze pumpkin bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil.
Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To reheat healthy pumpkin bread, wrap slices in aluminum foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Alternatively, microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds.
Final Thoughts
Healthy pumpkin bread isn’t only a delicious treat but also a healthier alternative to traditional pumpkin bread recipes.
With the combination of whole wheat flour, natural sweeteners, and wholesome ingredients, this recipe offers a nutritious option without compromising on flavor.
Feel free to experiment with additional mix-ins like raisins or dried cranberries to enhance the taste and texture even further.
Store your pumpkin bread properly to enjoy its freshness for days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour Instead of Whole Wheat and All-Purpose Flour?
You can substitute gluten-free flour for whole wheat and all-purpose flour. Confirm it’s a 1:1 baking blend for balanced texture. Check nutrition labels to maintain protein and fiber levels, enhancing the bread’s nutritional profile.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan-Friendly?
To make this vegan-friendly, replace eggs with flax eggs and use maple syrup instead of honey. Substitute coconut yogurt for a moist texture. Choose plant-based butter for greasing. This maintains flavor and nutrient balance without compromising taste.
What Can I Substitute for Coconut Oil if I Don’t Have Any?
You can substitute coconut oil with equal parts of olive oil or canola oil. Both provide healthy fats and similar moisture. Olive oil adds a richer flavor, while canola oil offers a more neutral taste.
Is It Possible to Add Chocolate Chips to the Recipe?
Sure, you can add chocolate chips for extra flavor. Opt for dark chocolate to boost antioxidants while balancing sweetness. Add about 1/2 cup to the batter, ensuring even distribution for a delightful, nutrient-rich dessert experience.
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned Pumpkin Puree?
You can use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree, but make sure you cook and puree it until it’s smooth. Fresh pumpkin is nutrient-rich, offering fiber and vitamins A and C, enhancing the bread’s nutritional profile.
Healthy Pumpkin Bread
Equipment
- 1 Loaf pan
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 measuring cup set
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 cup coconut oil melted
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In another bowl, whisk together melted coconut oil, honey, eggs, pumpkin puree, applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in walnuts if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
