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Overhead shot of moist slices of healthy pumpkin bread with decorative gourds on a white marble surface.

Healthy Pumpkin Bread: Moist & Delicious for a Healthier Fall Treat

This recipe delivers a moist and delicious healthy pumpkin bread, perfect for a fall treat. It's made with wholesome ingredients like coconut oil or olive oil, honey or maple syrup, and whole wheat flour.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 8 slices
Calories 185 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x5-inch loaf pan
  • Large bowl
  • whisk
  • big spoon
  • Cooling rack
  • Knife

Ingredients
  

Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup coconut oil or extra-virgin olive oil melted
  • ½ cup honey or maple syrup
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup pumpkin purée
  • ¼ cup milk of choice or water
  • 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin spice blend or ½ tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp ground ginger, ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, and ¼ tsp allspice or cloves
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda NOT baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ¾ cups white whole wheat flour or regular whole wheat flour
  • ½ cup mix-ins optional, e.g., chopped walnuts or pecans, chocolate chips, raisins, chopped dried fruit
  • Pinch ground cinnamon for sprinkling on top

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Prep: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Generously grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  • Wet base: In a large bowl, whisk melted oil and honey (or maple syrup) until combined. Whisk in the eggs until smooth. (If coconut oil re-solidifies, warm the bowl briefly or let it rest in a warm spot.)
  • Add wet & spices: Whisk in pumpkin purée, milk (or water), pumpkin spice, baking soda, vanilla, and salt until smooth and fragrant.
  • Add flour: Switch to a spatula or large spoon. Gently stir in the white whole wheat flour (or regular whole wheat) just until combined—do not overmix. Fold in optional mix-ins if using.
  • Pan & top: Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle lightly with a pinch of cinnamon; for a swirl, drag a knife in a zig-zag pattern.
  • Bake: 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine). Loaves without mix-ins typically finish around 55 minutes; with mix-ins, closer to 60.
  • Cool: Let the loaf cool in the pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Cool at least 20 minutes before slicing to prevent crumbling.
  • Serve: Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

If coconut oil solidifies, gently warm the bowl. Ensure to use baking soda, not baking powder. Mix-ins may extend baking time slightly.