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This healthy pumpkin bread is so moist and perfect, you’d never guess that it wasn’t 100% indulgent.

Front view of a small white plate containing a slice of pumpkin bread with butter, on a wooden cutting board with a sliced loaf of bread and bread knife. Text overlay reads 'healthier pumpkin quick bread."

Have you noticed I have a thing about making breads healthier? The main reason is that I love eating breads like this healthy pumpkin bread (or chocolate banana bread!) for breakfast. It’s still a treat in my mind but one that I can feel a little better about enjoying. Homemade zucchini bread made with whole wheat flour and Greek yogurt is another of my favorites.

What I love even more are recipes that make two loaves so that I can toss one in the freezer for a treat later in the month. One that is (or at least seems to be) work free to achieve. All you have to do is pull it out of the freezer and let it thaw. Sometimes I slice it before freezing so I can take one slice out at a time when I’m looking for a healthy snack. It makes a great lunchbox treat, too. 

Front view of sliced loaf of pumpkin bread on wooden cutting board. In background is a loaf pan with pumpkin bread.

Another reason I like making quick breads with healthier ingredients is so that I can feel good about my daughter eating them. I feel confident that I am feeding her something that is not going to contribute to health problems later in life.

White plate containing slice of pumpkin bread with butter, sliced loaf in. background with bread knife, and fancy butter dish.

Also, as you know, I’m not perfect when it comes to healthy eating (proof…and there’s more where that came from). Instead, I focus on everything in moderation and try my best to make changes where I can: whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, reducing the amount of butter, etc.

Overhead view of pumpkin bread slice with butter on white plate.

Tasting this bread, you’d never know that it wasn’t completely indulgent. And that’s the best part. Besides the fact that it’s pummmmmpkin.

About this Healthy Pumpkin Bread

This recipe uses a mix of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour . It has a nutty, rich whole wheat flavor but with a light, fluffy texture.

Instead of oil, the bread gets plenty of moisture from a mix of canned pumpkin, Greek yogurt, and water. Unsweetened canned pumpkin contains loads of vitamins and fiber and it’s so convenient. 

I like to flavor the bread with my homemade pumpkin pie spice, a blend which contains cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves. You can also buy pre-made pumpkin pie spice blends, or make your own blend.

Pumpkin bread is super easy to make and it makes two loaves – perfect for freezing one! 

More pumpkin!

Cooking with canned pumpkin is so easy and nutritious, and it’s not limited to making pies! Try:

 

Overhead view of a slice of pumpkin bread on round white plate.

Healthy Pumpkin Bread

Yield: 2 loaves
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

This healthy pumpkin bread is so moist and perfect, you'd never guess that it wasn't 100% indulgent.

Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray two large loaf pans with nonstick baking spray. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, eggs, sugar, yogurt, water and vanilla. Whisk until combined.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Add these dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and stir until combined but do not over mix.
  3. Split the batter between the two loaf pans and bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes depending on the size of your loaf pans — mine are extra long so it only took an hour. A toothpick or a knife inserted in the middle should come out clean when the bread is done baking.
  4. Let cool 10-15 minutes in pans before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • This bread freezes well.
  • You can easily cut the sugar in half in this recipe for an even healthier recipe.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 142Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 240mgCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 2gSugar: 19gProtein: 4g

RachelCooks.com sometimes provides nutritional information, but these figures should be considered estimates, as they are not calculated by a registered dietician. Please consult a medical professional for any specific nutrition, diet, or allergy advice.

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© Rachel Gurk
Cuisine: American / Category: Quick Breads
Verdict: Everyone loves this healthier pumpkin bread. 
Changes I would make: None at all!
Difficulty: Easy!