Enjoy the taste of Fall any time of year with this healthy Pumpkin Spice Bread recipe, made with pureed pumpkin, warming spices, and yogurt for extra protein.
What makes this Pumpkin Spice Bread healthy?
Unlike traditional, or store-bought, pumpkin bread, this recipe is low in sugar, is made with gluten-free flour, does not contain inexpensive oils like canola, is packed with fibre, antioxidants, and extra protein. Not only is this bread healthy, but it’s
- moist
- not too sweet
- smells amazing
- goes great with tea or coffee
- makes a healthy snack or breakfast
Check out these benefits of pumpkin!
- Nutrient-Rich: Low in calories but high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, particularly vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium
- Supports Eye Health: High in carotenoids, particularly beta-carotene, which convert to vitamin A and promote good vision
- Boosts Immune System: Rich in vitamins C and E, which help strengthen the immune response
- Promotes Healthy Skin: Antioxidants and vitamins help nourish the skin and may reduce signs of aging
- Aids Digestion: High fiber content supports digestive health and regularity
- Weight Management: Low-calorie count and high fiber help to feel full longer, aiding in weight management
- Heart Health: Contains potassium which helps to regulate blood pressure and cardiovascular function
- May Improve Mood: Contains tryptophan, which is important for serotonin production, potentially enhancing mood and reducing anxiety
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Rich in antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation in the body
- Blood Sugar Regulation: Fiber may help stabilize blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for those with diabetes and those on a weight loss journey
Key ingredients you will need to make healthy pumpkin spice bread
- Gluten-free flour blend: Use a 1:1 GF flour blend that contains xanthan gum for binding
- Spices: You will need sea salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (all the pumpkin spice flavours!)
- Eggs: Two whole eggs at room temperature will give you a fluffy loaf
- Sweetener: We used just 1/2 cup of organic sugar and pure vanilla extract to sweeten this bread. We did add less than 1/4 cup of pure, dark chocolate chips but this is optional!
- Olive oil: Is much healthier than inexpensive vegetable oils, like canola or sunflower
- Pumpkin puree: You will need one cup of pure, unsweetened pumpkin puree (this is not the same as pumpkin pie filling!)
- Yogurt: We used 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt, which makes this loaf moist and adds the extra protein factor. Choose a yogurt that is high in protein and not fat-free for more nutrition
What else can you add to pumpkin spice bread?
Try these optional, additional ingredients to customize your healthy pumpkin bread:
- Pumpkin seeds: Sprinkle them on top of the batter before it goes into the oven
- Walnuts: Mix chopped walnuts right into the batter before baking
- Raisins: If you like a little bit of chewiness and extra sweetness, stir 1/4 cup of raisins into the batter before baking
- Icing: Mix a touch of milk into icing sugar and loosly drizzle the icing over the top of the bread before slicing (let it completely cool first!)
How to make this recipe
Preheat the oven to 350F and line a loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking (or grease the pan with butter or coconut oil)
In one mixing bowl, stir together all the dry ingredients, including flour, sugar, spices, and baking soda
In another bowl, stir together the wet ingredients, including eggs, olive oil, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and yogurt
Add the bowl of wet ingredients into the dry and stir until combined. Stir in chocolate chips, nuts or raisins, if using, and pour the batter into the loaf pan
Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out of the center clean and dry
Let the loaf cool for at least 20-30 minutes before cutting into 8 slices. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months
Healthy Pumpkin Spice Bread
Description
Enjoy the taste of Fall any time of year with this healthy Pumpkin Spice Bread recipe, made with pureed pumpkin, warming spices, and yogurt for extra protein.
Ingredients
Dry ingredients
Wet ingredients
Optional additions
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350F and line a loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking (or grease the pan with butter or coconut oil)
-
In one mixing bowl, stir together all the dry ingredients, including flour, sugar, spices, and baking soda
-
In another bowl, stir together the wet ingredients, including eggs, olive oil, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and yogurt
-
Add the bowl of wet ingredients into the dry and stir until combined. Stir in chocolate chips, nuts or raisins, if using, and pour the batter into the loaf pan
-
Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out of the center clean and dry
-
Let the loaf cool for at least 20-30 minutes before cutting into 8 slices. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months
