Healthy Pumpkin Bread
This Healthy Pumpkin Bread is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich pumpkin flavor and wholesome ingredients, this recipe combines healthiness with comfort. Whether it’s breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this bread offers a light and fluffy texture that everyone will love. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up that extra can of pumpkin puree!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves gives the bread a warm and inviting taste.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Made with whole wheat pastry flour and pumpkin puree, this bread is packed with nutrients.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm, at room temperature, or even chilled!
- Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you can whip this up in no time.
- Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for breakfast gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Loaf pan: Provides the perfect shape for your healthy pumpkin bread and ensures even baking.
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together.
Ingredients
This healthy pumpkin bread uses a whole can of pumpkin for a perfectly moist yet fluffy and light whole grain pumpkin treat!
Dry Ingredients
- 1.5 cup whole wheat pastry flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup golden coconut sugar (or unbleached organic sugar)
- 1/3 cup softened butter
- 1 large egg
- 16 ounces pumpkin puree
How to Make Healthy Pumpkin Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease your loaf pan to prevent the bread from sticking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl:
1. Mix together the whole wheat pastry flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground cloves, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl:
1. Cream together the softened butter and golden coconut sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the large egg and mix thoroughly.
Step 4: Add Pumpkin Puree
Stir in the pumpkin puree into the butter mixture until well combined.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture:
1. Start by adding 1/4 of the dry mixture to the wet ingredients.
2. Mix until just combined before repeating this step with the remaining flour mixture.
3. Be careful not to overmix; stop when you see no dry flour.
Step 6: Bake Your Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 75 minutes. To check doneness:
– Insert a wooden toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when ready.
Step 7: Cool Down
Once baked, let your healthy pumpkin bread cool on the counter for about one hour in the pan before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Store Properly
Wrap your cooled bread in saran wrap followed by aluminum foil to keep it fresh! Enjoy it warm or cold—it’s delicious either way!
How to Serve Healthy Pumpkin Bread
Healthy pumpkin bread is not only delicious but also versatile. It can be enjoyed in various ways, making it suitable for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Toasted with Toppings
- Cream Cheese: Spread a layer of cream cheese on warm pumpkin bread for a rich and creamy contrast.
- Peanut Butter: Add some protein by slathering peanut butter on your slice; it pairs beautifully with the spices.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the top for a touch of natural sweetness.
As a Breakfast Option
- With Yogurt: Serve alongside Greek yogurt for a balanced breakfast full of protein and flavor.
- Accompanied by Fresh Fruit: Pair your pumpkin bread with sliced bananas or berries to add freshness and nutrition.
- In a Breakfast Sandwich: Use slices of pumpkin bread as the base for an egg and avocado sandwich for a nutritious morning meal.
As a Dessert
- With Ice Cream: Top warm pumpkin bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
- Dusted with Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust with powdered sugar before serving to enhance its presentation.
How to Perfect Healthy Pumpkin Bread
To achieve the best healthy pumpkin bread, follow these helpful tips.
- Choose Fresh Pumpkin Puree: Use high-quality pumpkin puree for the best flavor and moisture content.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently mix until just combined to keep your bread fluffy and light.
- Check Doneness Early: Since ovens vary, start checking your bread around the 50-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
- Let It Cool Properly: Allow your bread to cool completely on a rack to maintain its texture and taste.
Best Side Dishes for Healthy Pumpkin Bread
Serving healthy pumpkin bread with complementary side dishes enhances the overall meal experience. Here are some great options.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness alongside your pumpkin treat.
- Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious and satisfying side.
- Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein, making it an excellent breakfast pairing.
- Nut Mix: A handful of mixed nuts adds crunch and healthy fats, balancing out the soft texture of the bread.
- Smoothie Bowl: A refreshing smoothie bowl can serve as a light accompaniment that contrasts well with the dense bread.
- Chia Seed Pudding: This creamy dessert option provides fiber and omega-3 fatty acids while complementing the flavors of pumpkin.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Healthy Pumpkin Bread can be simple, but some common mistakes may hinder your results. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
- Using the wrong flour: Always choose whole wheat pastry flour for a light texture. Regular whole wheat can make the bread dense.
- Not measuring accurately: Use proper measuring techniques. Too much or too little flour can spoil the texture.
- Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined to keep the bread fluffy. Overmixing develops gluten, making it tough.
- Skipping greasing the pan: Always grease your loaf pan well to prevent sticking. This ensures easy removal and a beautiful shape.
- Ignoring cooling time: Letting the bread cool fully is crucial for texture and flavor development. Patience leads to a better loaf.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Wrap in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for added moisture retention.
Freezing Healthy Pumpkin Bread
- Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Healthy Pumpkin Bread
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, wrap in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat a slice on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Healthy Pumpkin Bread that you might find helpful.
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling?
You should avoid using canned pumpkin pie filling as it contains added sugars and spices. Stick with plain pumpkin puree for this recipe.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make Healthy Pumpkin Bread vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg or applesauce and replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
What are good add-ins for healthy pumpkin bread?
You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to enhance flavor and texture. Just fold them into the batter gently before baking.
Why did my pumpkin bread sink in the middle?
A sinking middle often occurs due to underbaking or too much leavening agent. Make sure to bake thoroughly and measure baking soda accurately.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Pumpkin Bread is not only a delicious treat but also versatile enough to enjoy at breakfast, as a snack, or dessert. Feel free to customize it with your favorite nuts or spices for an extra touch of flavor. Try it today and experience its warm, comforting taste!
Healthy Pumpkin Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the comfort of Healthy Pumpkin Bread, a delightful blend of wholesome ingredients that brings warmth and flavor to any occasion. This moist and fluffy loaf is infused with rich pumpkin puree and aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, it’s a versatile treat that everyone will adore. Plus, it’s an excellent way to make use of that extra can of pumpkin puree sitting in your pantry! Whether served warm with cream cheese or enjoyed chilled with fresh fruit, this healthy pumpkin bread is sure to become a cherished recipe in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups whole wheat pastry flour
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup golden coconut sugar
- 1/3 cup softened butter
- 1 large egg
- 16 ounces pumpkin puree
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and golden coconut sugar until fluffy; mix in the egg.
- Add pumpkin puree to the butter mixture and combine thoroughly.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined—avoid overmixing.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55 to 75 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for an hour before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (60g)
- Calories: 159
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 118mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
