Nothing says cozy fall baking quite like a loaf of pumpkin bread. The warm spices, golden slices, and comforting aroma fill the kitchen with everything we love about autumn. This healthy pumpkin bread recipe is soft, moist, and naturally sweetened, making it a perfect treat for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a light dessert.

Unlike traditional pumpkin breads loaded with refined sugar, this version uses maple syrup or honey for natural sweetness, whole wheat flour for extra fiber, and a generous amount of pumpkin puree for flavor and moisture. It’s a wholesome yet indulgent way to enjoy pumpkin season.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Pumpkin Bread

Moist and soft thanks to pumpkin puree and melted butter.
Naturally sweetened with honey or pure maple syrup.
Cozy fall spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
Quick and easy – no mixer required.
Freezer-friendly – enjoy it fresh or store slices for later.

Whether you serve it warm with a pat of butter, pack it for a school snack, or enjoy it with your morning coffee, this pumpkin bread is guaranteed to become your go-to recipe each fall.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pumpkin puree – canned works perfectly, but homemade is an option.
Honey or maple syrup – adds sweetness and extra moisture.
Butter – for richness and tender crumb.
Eggs – help bind the bread and give structure.
Milk of choice – dairy or plant-based like almond milk.
Flour – white whole wheat flour is ideal, but all-purpose works too.
Spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves for that classic pumpkin spice flavor.
Baking soda and baking powder – ensure the loaf rises beautifully.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Healthy Pumpkin Bread

Mix the wet ingredients
Melt butter, then whisk it with pumpkin puree and maple syrup. Add eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Combine the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, spices, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Bring it together
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix – this keeps the bread light and tender.
Bake
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50–55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve
Let the bread cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Recipe Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Bread

Use the spoon-and-level method for flour to avoid a dense loaf.
Don’t overmix once flour is added.
Check doneness with a toothpick near the end of baking.
For homemade pumpkin puree, strain excess liquid before using.

Delicious Variations

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread – fold in ½ cup chocolate chips.
Nutty Pumpkin Bread – add walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Cranberry Pumpkin Bread – toss in dried cranberries for a festive twist.
Pumpkin Muffins – use the batter to make 12 muffins, bake for 15–18 minutes.

How to Store Healthy Pumpkin Bread

Room temperature: up to 3 days, wrapped airtight.
Refrigerator: up to 5 days.
Freezer: up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic and store in a zip-top bag. You can freeze individual slices for quick snacks.

Serving Ideas

Toast a slice and spread with almond butter or cream cheese.
Pair with a hot latte or spiced tea.
Serve as part of a fall brunch with pumpkin pancakes and fresh fruit.

Why This is the Best Healthy Pumpkin Bread

This recipe strikes the perfect balance: indulgent texture and flavor, but with wholesome ingredients you can feel good about. It’s simple enough for everyday baking yet special enough for holiday gatherings.

Once you bake it, your home will smell like autumn. And when you take the first bite – soft, lightly spiced, and perfectly sweet – you’ll know this is the only pumpkin bread recipe you need.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fall recipe that’s cozy, easy, and crowd-pleasing, this healthy pumpkin bread is it. Bake a loaf today, slice it up, and share it with family or friends. Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next round of fall baking – it’s one you’ll come back to year after year.

Healthy Pumpkin Bread Recipe – Moist & Easy Fall Favorite

Author: Chef Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This healthy pumpkin bread is soft, moist, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey. Packed with warm spices and whole wheat flour, it’s a cozy fall treat perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup honey or pure maple syrup
1/3 cup melted butter
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk of choice (dairy or plant-based)
1 3/4 cups white whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground allspice
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

Melt butter, then whisk it with pumpkin puree and maple syrup in a large bowl.
Add eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, and whisk until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, spices, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Do not overmix.
Pour batter into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For extra variation, try adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries. You can also use the batter to make muffins – bake for 15–18 minutes at the same temperature.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 180
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 160mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: healthy pumpkin bread, fall baking, pumpkin recipe, maple syrup, whole wheat