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Healthy Pumpkin Bread Recipe

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3.9 from 2 reviews

This healthy pumpkin bread recipe offers a moist and flavorful loaf made with whole wheat flour, pumpkin puree, and warm pumpkin pie spice. Sweetened naturally with pure maple syrup and enriched with olive oil, it’s a nutritious twist on a classic autumn treat, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a light dessert. The bread is easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, delivering a wholesome and cozy experience.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 scant cup pumpkin puree (about half a can, recommend Libby's)
  • ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil (plus more for greasing the pan)
  • ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
  • ¼ cup whole milk (or plant-based milk for a dairy-free option)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon fine grain salt
  • 1 ¾ cups whole wheat flour

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a loaf pan with olive oil using a pastry brush to coat the bottom and sides thoroughly. Optionally, line the loaf pan with parchment paper cut to fit across the short direction with an overhang, greasing the parchment to ensure the bread releases easily after baking.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients and Spices: In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, extra-virgin olive oil, pure maple syrup, whole milk, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and fine grain salt until the mixture is very well combined and smooth.
  3. Add Flour Gently: Using a spoon or spatula, gently fold the whole wheat flour into the wet mixture until just combined, making sure no dry spots remain. Avoid over-mixing to keep the bread tender.
  4. Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and place it on the middle rack of the oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
  5. Cool and Serve: Allow the pumpkin bread to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before carefully removing it. Slice the loaf into 8 to 10 pieces and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Using Libby's canned pumpkin puree is recommended for ideal texture and flavor.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with any plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk.
  • Do not over-mix the batter after adding flour to avoid tough bread.
  • Greasing the pan thoroughly and optionally lining with parchment paper makes for easy removal of the baked bread.
  • You can test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the loaf; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian