This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you when you make a purchase. Find out more in the Disclosure Policy
Healthy and Moist Pumpkin Bread has a tender crumb and comforting pumpkin pie spice flavors. It is not too sweet but a light brown sugar crumb adds additional flavor.
There is something about the start of school that makes me start thinking of Fall and baking.
Today I decided to make pumpkin bread. I wanted moist bread. I also wanted to incorporate healthy ingredients like whole wheat flour and olive oil. The recipe that I made is a healthier alternative and is super moist pumpkin bread.
Ingredients for a Healthier Pumpkin Bread
Of course, the primary ingredient is pumpkin. In a perfect world, I would book raw pumpkin and make my puree from scratch. But, with my limited time, it is a lot quicker and easier to use canned pumpkin.
I am trying to use more whole wheat flour in my recipes. My favorite is white whole wheat pastry flour. #ad It is ground from white Spring wheat and has a lighter color, a milder flavor, and a finer texture than regular whole wheat flour.
Learn more about the benefits of including whole grains in your diet in my post, Get the Scoop on Whole Grains.
For this moist pumpkin bread recipe, I used a mix of whole wheat pastry and all-purpose flours.
Most recipes will use butter in baked goods, but again for a healthier recipe, substituting olive oil helps decrease the saturated fat in the recipe.
I cut back on sugar and brown sugar in this recipe. I did add salt, vanilla, and a tablespoon of molasses which adds a depth of flavor to the bread.
Eggs add binding to hold the bread together. Baking soda adds leavening so the bread can rise.
Spices take the lead in this recipe. I added pumpkin pie spice as well as cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. For an extra touch, I added a sugar crumb topping.
How to Prepare Pumpkin Bread
This recipe is super easy.
Start by preheating the oven to 350F. Spray two loaf pans with cooking spray. Set aside,
Measure and combine dry ingredients including flours, baking soda, salt, and spices.
Whisk eggs and add the remainder of wet ingredients including pumpkin, olive oil, sugars, molasses, and vanilla in a bowl.
Add dry ingredients to the bowl with the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Divide batter between the 2 loaf pans.
Mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and ginger until combined. Add olive oil and mix until a crumb form when pressed in your hand. Sprinkle loaves with sugar crumb topping.
Place pans on the bottom rack of the oven.
Bake in the 350F preheated oven. Depending on your oven, the cooking time may range from 40-50 minutes. Check every 5 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf is mostly clean when removed.
Cool, slice, and enjoy!
How to Store Healthy Pumpkin Bread
To keep your bread moist, wrap in plastic wrap and then in foil. It will keep on the counter for up to 3 days. You can also store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
For longer storage freeze for up to 3 months. For the best result, wrap in plastic, then foil and store in a ziplock freezer bag.
Other Healthy Baked Goods Recipes
Healthy Zucchini Bread Recipe - tender bread and full of Fall spice. It's an easy recipe that comes together quickly and won't disappoint.
Peach Crisp Recipe - juicy and tender peaches with a crunchy oat crumb topping. Serve over a scoop of Low Fat Greek yogurt or your favorite vanilla ice cream.
Easy Carrot Cake - a moist and flavorful cake full of spicy carrot and cream cheese flavors.
Super Moist Pumpkin Bread
Equipment
- 2 x 9 inch loaf pans
Ingredients
- 15 ounces pumpkin
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 tbsp molasses
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 1/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour
- 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ginger
Crumb Topping (optional)
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ginger
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F. Spray loaf pans with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Whisk eggs with a fork in a large bowl.
- Add pumpkin, oil, sugar, brown sugar, molasses, vanilla to bowl and mix until well combined.
- Combine flours, baking soda, salt, and spices and add to pumpkin mixture. Stir until just combined.
- Divide dough between loaf pans.
- Sprinkle with crumb topping.
- Bake 45-50 minutes until toothpick inserted in center of loaf comes out clean.
Notes
Nutrition
August 2021 Update: Updated images and added ingredient and preparation details to post. Minor updates to the recipe card.
Want more healthy recipes? Try my FREE 7-Day Meal Plan & Shopping List. An eBook that includes favorite recipes. Get a copy sent to your email below.
Leave a Reply