There’s a simple magic in baking, especially when the results are as comforting as this healthy pumpkin bread. Its tender crumb and warm spice notes truly make it a year-round treat. I promise, this recipe will fill your kitchen with the most amazing aromas.
I often bake two loaves. One disappears quickly for breakfasts and snacks. The other I tuck away in the freezer for later! It’s perfect for unexpected guests or busy mornings.
Why I Love This Recipe
This healthy pumpkin bread recipe holds a special place in my heart. It is incredibly easy to whip up, even after a long day. The flavors are just divine, perfectly balancing sweetness and spice. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to sneak in some wholesome ingredients. Whether it’s for a quick breakfast or a comforting afternoon snack, this healthy pumpkin bread truly hits the spot. It’s also a fantastic impressive treat for guests. Everyone compliments its moistness and taste!
Healthy Pumpkin Bread Ingredients
Creating this delicious healthy pumpkin bread starts with a few simple, everyday ingredients. Each one plays a part in building its incredible flavor and perfect texture. You’ll be amazed at how easily these pantry staples come together for such a comforting bake.
- Pure Pumpkin: This is our star ingredient, bringing moisture and that quintessential pumpkin flavor. Always use 100% pure pumpkin, not pie filling.
- Eggs: They bind everything together. Eggs add richness too.
- Sugar: Just enough sweetness balances the earthy pumpkin.
- Greek Yogurt: My secret weapon for moisture! It also adds a lovely tang.
- Milk: Helps create a tender crumb.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of warmth and sweetness.
- Whole Wheat Flour: This adds a hearty, wholesome texture. It makes it healthy pumpkin bread.
- All-Purpose Flour: Balances the whole wheat flour. It keeps the bread light.
- Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Our leavening agents. They make the bread rise beautifully.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: The key to that cozy, aromatic autumn taste.
Substitutions and Tips
I love to tweak recipes sometimes, and this delicious healthy pumpkin bread is very forgiving. You can certainly make it your own! Here are some ideas:
- For the yogurt, feel free to use regular plain yogurt. Non-fat or low-fat works great.
- Swap out all the whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour if you prefer. The texture will be a bit lighter.
- If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, make your own! Combine cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of cloves.
- Want extra texture? Toss in some chocolate chips or chopped nuts. Walnuts or pecans work wonderfully.
- For a pretty topping, sprinkle a few pepitas or rolled oats on top before baking. It looks so charming!
Remember, exact quantities for this healthy pumpkin bread recipe are in the printable recipe card below. Happy baking!
How to Make Healthy Pumpkin Bread
Making this healthy pumpkin bread is truly a breeze. Just follow these easy steps. Soon, your kitchen will smell incredible. Get ready for a comforting treat!
Prepare Your Pans and Oven
First things first, preheat your oven. Set it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab two large loaf pans. I always spray them well. Use a nonstick baking spray. This stops anything from sticking. It makes cleanup easier later.
Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, get a big mixing bowl. Pour in the pure pumpkin. Add the lightly beaten eggs. Spoon in the sugar. Then comes the Greek yogurt. Pour in the milk too. Don’t forget the vanilla extract! Whisk everything together. Make sure it’s all well combined. This is your wet mixture.
Add Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time for the dry stuff. Sprinkle the whole wheat flour over the wet mix. Add the all-purpose flour. Don’t forget the baking soda. Then the baking powder. Toss in the salt. Finish with pumpkin pie spice. Lightly stir these dry ingredients. Use fingertips or a spoon. Just combine them loosely. Don’t overmix at this stage. Gently fold into the pumpkin mixture. Only stir until just combined. Overmixing makes tough bread. We want tender healthy pumpkin bread!
Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly. Pour it into your two loaf pans. Smooth the tops out a bit. Place them in your preheated oven. Bake for about 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done. Insert a toothpick in the middle. It should come out clean. Sometimes a few crumbs cling. That’s fine too. This is the secret for perfect healthy pumpkin bread.
Cool and Serve
Once baked, let them cool a bit. Ten minutes in the pans is perfect. Then, carefully remove them. Place them on a wire rack. Let them cool completely. Slicing too early makes crumbs. Patience makes perfect slices. Enjoy your lovely healthy pumpkin bread!
How to Store Healthy Pumpkin Bread
Once your wonderfully fragrant loaves of healthy pumpkin bread have cooled completely, proper storage is key. You want to keep its moisture locked in. For short-term enjoyment, wrap the loaf tightly. I use plastic wrap or foil. You can also use an airtight container. It stays fresh for 3-4 days. Just keep it on your counter. Nobody can resist it for long!
For longer storage, freezing is your friend. This healthy pumpkin bread freezes so well. Wrap the entire loaf. Use plastic wrap first. Then add a layer of foil. Or slip it into a freezer-safe bag. It will last up to two months. Label it with the date. When you’re ready, thaw it at room temperature. Individual slices can be frozen too. They thaw even quicker. It’s perfect for a quick snack!
Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix the batter; it makes tough bread.
- Measure your flours precisely for best results.
- Use pure pumpkin, not pie filling.
- Oven temperatures vary, so watch your bread.
- A clean toothpick means it’s perfectly done.
- Cool completely before slicing the healthy pumpkin bread.
- Freezing leftovers is a smart move!
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy gadgets for this healthy pumpkin bread. Simple kitchen tools work just fine. Here are my go-to essentials:
- Large Mixing Bowls: Two are perfect, one for wet, one for dry.
- Whisk: To blend your wet ingredients smoothly.
- Rubber Spatula: Great for folding and scraping down bowls.
- Loaf Pans: Two standard size pans, about 9×5 inches.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredients.
- Wire Rack: For cooling your beautiful loaves.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a pat of butter.
- A smear of cream cheese is divine.
- Enjoy with your morning coffee or tea.
- It’s lovely with a glass of milk.
- Crumble over vanilla ice cream.
- Perfect for a cozy autumn breakfast.
- Pair with fresh fruit for a light meal.
- It makes a wonderful snack any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this healthy pumpkin bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! This healthy pumpkin bread is perfect for making ahead. You can bake it, let it cool completely, then store it. It stays fresh for several days. It also freezes beautifully for longer keeping.
What if I don’t have whole wheat flour for this healthy pumpkin bread?
No problem at all! You can easily swap out the whole wheat flour. Just use all-purpose flour for the entire recipe. Your healthy pumpkin bread will still be delicious. The texture may just be a little lighter too.
How can I tell if my healthy pumpkin bread is fully baked?
The best way is the toothpick test. Insert a clean toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs, your healthy pumpkin bread is ready. Ovens can vary greatly. So keep an eye on it!
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this healthy pumpkin bread recipe?
Yes, absolutely! I encourage adding your favorite mix-ins. Chocolate chips or chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans are wonderful additions. Just fold them into the batter. Do this right before dividing it into pans.
Conclusion
And there you have it, friends! This healthy pumpkin bread truly is a little slice of heaven. It’s more than just a recipe. It’s an invitation to slow down. Experience the joy of baking. Fill your home with warmth. I hope you feel confident now. Go on, bake some healthy pumpkin bread! Share it with loved ones. Savor every delicious bite. It’s a comforting ritual. It’s a taste of pure happiness. Happy baking, my dear!
Print
English: Healthy Pumpkin Bread
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 2 loaves
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and healthy pumpkin bread made with whole wheat flour, Greek yogurt, and pure pumpkin. Perfect for a fall treat or a healthy snack.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz.) 100% pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup sugar
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt (I use nonfat)
- ¾ cup milk (I use 2%)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray two large loaf pans with nonstick baking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, beaten eggs, sugar, yogurt, milk and vanilla. Whisk until combined.
- Add whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice to top of wet ingredients. Lightly stir dry ingredients with spoon or fingertips until combined. (If you prefer, you can mix the dry ingredients in a separate bowl.) Fold dry ingredients into pumpkin mixture. Stir until combined but do not overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two loaf pans and smooth tops (see note). Bake for 50 minutes or until bread tests done (a toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean, or with a few crumbs clinging).
- Let cool 10 minutes in pans before removing to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Optional topping: Before baking, sprinkle the loaves with pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds) or rolled oats, if desired.
- Freezing: Pumpkin bread freezes well. Wrap it securely and place in freezer safe bag or container for up to 2 months. If you prefer, wrap individual slices to freeze. They thaw very quickly.
- All purpose flour can be substituted for the whole wheat flour.
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
