Raise your hands if you’re excited about fall! I’m looking forward to pumpkin treats, cooler weather and dusting off my favorite boots. The leaves on the trees outside look tired, so I think we’re in for a show soon.
I’m satisfying my pumpkin cravings with my favorite pumpkin bread while we wait for those magnificent red and orange trees. This recipe is a simplified and perfected version of my old honey-sweetened pumpkin bread.
It’s made with pumpkin purée and spices, of course, plus honey (or maple syrup), white whole wheat flour (which is more neutral-flavored than regular) and coconut oil. Combine all of those in one bowl and you’ll get some seriously amazing pumpkin bread.
If you’re a fan of my banana bread, you’re going to love this recipe, too. This recipe is highly adaptable to special diets, and I’ve added notes for adjustments under the recipe. Pumpkin bread for everyone!
Watch How to Make Healthy Pumpkin Bread
I’ve been making recipe videos with my brother. We’ve gotten into more arguments than I’d like to admit, but we’re in a great rhythm now. Let us know what you think of our pumpkin bread video, will you, please? It’s short and snappy, and I hope you love it.
Please let me know how this bread turns out for you in the comments! I hope you love it as much as I do.
Craving more pumpkin treats and wholesome baking projects? Here are a few of my favorites:
- Healthy pumpkin muffins (just like this pumpkin bread, but in muffin form!)
- Pumpkin pecan scones with maple glaze
- Pumpkin pancakes
- Pumpkin waffles
- More pumpkin recipes here!
Healthy Pumpkin Bread
- Author: Cookie and Kate
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 55 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
This amazing pumpkin bread is naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, and made with whole wheat flour. It’s so moist and fluffy, no one will ever guess! You can easily make this pumpkin bread vegan and/or gluten free—check the recipe notes for details. Recipe yields 1 loaf.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil or extra-virgin olive oil*
- 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 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon allspice or cloves)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (NOT baking powder; they aren’t the same!)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¾ cups white whole wheat flour or regular whole wheat flour
- Totally optional: ½ cup mix-ins like chopped walnuts or pecans, chocolate chips, raisins, chopped dried fruit…
- Pinch of ground cinnamon, for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, beat the oil and honey together together with a whisk. Add the eggs and whisk until blended. (If your coconut oil solidifies on contact with cold ingredients, simply let the bowl rest in a warm place for a few minutes, like on top of your stove, or warm it for about 10 seconds in the microwave.)
- Add the pumpkin purée, milk, pumpkin spice, baking soda, vanilla and salt, and whisk to blend. Lastly, switch to a big spoon and stir in the flour, just until combined. Some lumps are ok! If you’re adding any additional mix-ins, gently fold them in now.
- Pour the batter into your greased loaf pan and sprinkle lightly with cinnamon. If you’d like a pretty swirled effect, run the tip of a knife across the batter in a zig-zag pattern.
- Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (typically, if I haven’t added any mix-ins, my bread is done at 55 minutes; if I have added mix-ins, it needs closer to 60 minutes). Let the bread cool in the loaf pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer the bread to a cooling rack to cool for 20 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Recipe adapted from my honey whole wheat pumpkin bread and healthy banana bread.
Storage suggestions: This bread is moist, so it will keep for just two or three days at room temperature. Store it in the refrigerator for five to seven days, or in the freezer for up to three months or so. I like to slice the bread before freezing and defrost individual slices, either by letting them rest at room temperature or lightly toasting them.
*Oil options: I love coconut oil here. I used unrefined coconut oil and can hardly taste it in the final product. Olive oil might lend an herbal note to the muffins, if you’re into that (I tested with California Olive Ranch’s “Everyday” variety and couldn’t even taste it). Vegetable oil has a neutral flavor, but the average vegetable/canola oil is highly processed, so I recommend using cold-pressed sunflower oil or grapeseed oil if possible.
Make muffins: Here’s my pumpkin muffin recipe.
Make it vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey, replace the eggs with flax eggs and choose non-dairy milk (I used almond milk) or water.
Make it dairy free: Choose non-dairy milk (I used almond milk) or water.
Make it egg free: Replace the eggs with flax eggs.
Make it gluten free: Bob’s Red Mill’s all-purpose gluten-free flour blend works well. Or, substitute 2 ½ cups certified gluten-free oat flour instead. Do NOT substitute coconut flour.
Flour alternatives: An equal amount of all-purpose flour can be used in place of the whole wheat flour.
Make it lower in fat: I would argue that this bread contains a healthy amount of fat, but you can replace the oil with applesauce if you’re following a low-fat diet.
Recommended equipment: I love my Fiesta Loaf Pan in Turquoise (affiliate link).
Alice
Hi Kate!
I love all of your recipes! I was wondering if you have a recipe for pumpkin banana bread or how I could adapt this recipe? I’ve tried a recipe from All Recipes but had to make a lot of changes.
Thanks so much! Love your cookbook too!
Alice
Kate
Hi Alice! I don’t, sorry. Without trying it I couldn’t say exactly what could work as baking is so precise.
Allison
Hi! I added a banana and subtracted the milk and it turned out great!
Deb
Hello! You could halve the pumpkin and add two ripe bananas. Worked for me!
Charmaine
Absolutely delicious! Feel better about the healthy version. I added walnuts. I’m making another loaf today with the walnuts and I might add a few chopped dates too! Thank You
Anna
Hi Kate,
I just made this recipe with sourdough starter substituted for some of the flour and water and it turned out great! I used maple syrup and olive oil.
Have a good weekend,
Anna
Kate
I’m happy it turned out! Thank you for sharing, Anna.
Julia HAMMERMAN
Can you use almond flour instead whole wheat flour?
Kate
Hi Julia, If you want to use almond flour make my almond flour banana bread instead.
Kasumi
Hi Kate! How much is one can of pumpkin puree? Is yours 14 or 15 onces?
Thanks!
Kate
Hi! It’s around 15oz I believe.
Kasumi
Thanks! Do you think I can use 14 once one instead? (That’s what they sell in Vancouver Canada where I live. ) If I do so, would you make any adjustment?
Kate
Hi Ksaumi! I may work, let me know. I’m not sure about adjusting anything without trying it myself since baking is precise.
Kasumi
Thanks for your reply, Kate! I’ll buy two cans of 14 onces, and use 15 to make sure I can make this right. :)
Jean
Kasumi, it calls for one cup pumpkin, not one can.
Suzanne Brady
I’m a huge pumpkin fan and a long time baker of pumpkin bread. I was looking for a low sugar version and this was even better than the pumpkin bread I baked four years with three cups of sugar. So moist — I will never make it any other way!
Michele McAleer
Hi – I am making this pumpkin bread. It was uncooked in the middle after 60 minutes. I added 5 min, then 5 min again, then 10 minutes. Now it’s done. My oven says 325 – any help on why I had to bake it for so long? I haven’t tried it yet, but the house smells delicious!
Kate
Hi Michele! I’m sorry to hear you are having issues. How did it turn out? I where did you have your racks placed in your oven?
Michele McAleer
Hi Kate! Not so good. I am surprised because the whole house smelled so delicious while it was baking. But the inside was not cooked, so I had to keep it in there much longer than 60 minutes. The outside was over-done. I do have a temperature gauge in my oven and it said it was 325. I am not sure what I did wrong. Thanks so much for writing back to me!
Kate
I wonder if a measurement was off or your pumpkin was extra watery. Sorry it didn’t turn out!
Michele McAleer
Hi Kate – I thought of something. I usually use a tin loaf pan, but I bought a new stone loaf pan from Pampered Chef. Could this have caused the baking issue? Thanks!
Kate
Hi! It should work. Let me know how it turns out!
Julie McKay
eager to try this! do you know how many slices are in a loaf? and, caloric content as listed?
Kate
Hi Julie! Nutritional information is found below the recipe notes. You will be able to find what you need there!:)
Boby
This recipe is a fave of mine. I’ve been making it for quite some time now and it turns out just perfect everytime. My family also loves it and they aren’t exactly fans of healthy stuff.
CDK
Absolutely delicious! Followed recipe exactly (except for adding an extra 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice) using coconut oil, maple syrup, milk, and King Arthur’s white whole wheat flour. Mixed in Ghiardelli dark chocolate chips. Perfect density, moisture, and flavor. The entire family LOVES it. Thanks for a fantastic recipe!
Laura
Hi. I just want to clarify that it is one cup of pumpkin and not one can, correct? Thanks!
Kate
Yes, only one cup. Hope that helps!
Jodi
Delicious! I love the one bowl recipes, they simplify life! I subbed roasted butternut squash purée. It had been in the freezer. With the liquid that comes with defrosting, I eliminated the milk. I added chopped pecans and a handful of oats. I make your banana bread too and love it!
Tina Mackley
I made this recipe with the coconut oil, 1% milk, plus 1/2 c. walnuts. Also, I sub’d Lakanto Brand Monkfruit maple flavored syrup for the maple syrup or honey. It baked for 1 hr and 15 mins. I put a piece of foil lightly over the top at about 55 mins to ensure it didnt brown too much while the inside finished baking. The texture was great and the warm spice flavors came thru. It was slightly sweet and had a bitter taste from the walnuts that could’ve been counteracted with a little more sweetness. I think maybe topping with the walnuts, rather than putting in the batter could be the solution. Also serving with a drizzle of a sweet cinnamon glaze, or toasted with a slathering of cinnamon sugar butter, might do the trick, while adding minimal sugar. All in all, this is a great recipe! Thanks!
Kevin Kornelis
Hi Kate,
I have made this recipe many times now and I have to say, it’s truly amazing. I love the way the kitchen smells when I make it. I did use some a normal vanilla bean in it, the flavour is explosive then! (just watch out how much you put). Fun fact: in my latest attempt I forgot to add the baking soda (baking early in the morning, oops). I guess pumpkin brick also has a nice ring to it. Anyways, can’t wait for more delicious recipes.
Thanks,
Kevin
Kate
I’m happy you loved it! Sorry you had a brick version recently, but glad to know it was a one time thing. :) I appreciate your review!
Kalie K
I’d like to confirm since I’m seeing some comments that conflict – is it 1 CUP of pumpkin puree or one can?
Kate
Hi Kalie, yes 1 cup pumpkin puree like the ingredients list. I hope this helps!
Megan
I’ve been enjoying making this bread for a while now. I have become increasingly sensitive to sugar, so this time I tried substituting applesauce for the maple syrup/honey, and the consistency still worked out beautifully! It definitely tasted way, way less sweet, so if you’re not used to that I would not recommend the substitution. Worked for me, and I just wanted to share in case anyone else out there is ultra sensitive to sugars like me.
Also, I watched the video this time, and it was so fun, Kate!
Kate
I’m glad your substitution worked, Megan! I appreciate your review.
May
Turned out delicious! Used coconut oil, maple syrup and almond milk. Also added walnuts. Didn’t have any issues.
Afsoon Vesal
Hi
I made it.It didn’t bake completely in 90 minutes. I cooked pumpkin with its peel with a little water. After it cooked and I mixed it, I discarded some water. I guess pumpkin should cook in oven or cook until it becomes dry. And I replaced apple sauce with oil.
And finally it was delicious.
I’ll try it another time with pumpkin that cooks in the oven.
Thanks
Kate
Hi, I’m sorry this one didn’t work for you. Did you make puree with your pumpkin?
Lisa Wells
I made this yesterday with coconut oil, maple syrup and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts. It was PERFECT!
Thank you for the great recipe.
Lisa Wells
Shelly Strauss
I noticed you baked this in a ceramic pan. I only have a metal loaf pan or a foil loaf pan. Are those ok to use? I can’t wait to try this recipe-sounds delish!!
Lori
Can I substitute all-purpose flour?
Kate
Hi Lori, it should work ok. Let me know what you think!
Greta
Just got this out of the oven–delicious and moist, but not overly sweet– perfect. I always experiment and decided to take a chance and use a molasses/honey mix (mostly molasses) as I had some left in my pantry. It turned out really well. You can taste the hint of molasses, but it doesn’t overpower it. It kind of moves it towards a gingerbread/pumpkin bread.
I also used half butter and half olive oil.
This is definitely a recipe I will make again!
Thanks!
Joylene
Thanks for the comment bc I want to try molasses too.
Ana
Hi
I absolutely love your writing style of the recipe and the videos are perfect. I am
Glad that you have settled the arguments with your brother, well worth it:)
I am a metric person and the moment I see recipe with cups I feel deflated. I am so sorry to post this publicly maybe I should have sent you a personal email. I loved the banana bread recipe, literally the moment I saw all differently measurements in the recipe you went right at the top in my cooking folder my most favourite and I just hope you include metric measurement of independence in all your recipes. Many thanks and keep up with the Amaizing work that you are already producing!
All the very best
Kate
Hi Ana, Thank you for your comment. I’m glad you enjoy the blog. I wish I had a great option to provide a metric conversion, but there isn’t one I just love at the moment. I know several readers use a conversion chart, or if they cook from my blog a lot, actually use US cups.
Heidi
What a great recipe! I used honey and went down to a scant 1/2 cup. Omitted the milk because my homemade pumpkin puree was quite liquid (good choice). Sprinkled with cinnamon sugar for a crunchy crust. This baked in 45 min at 375 F. The crumb is wonderful, and since it’s not overly sweet, it makes a great snacking cake / breakfast bread. Thanks for another good recipe!
Jill
Can I use agave instead of honey?
Kate
Hi Jill, I haven’t tried it, but I believe others have. I would suggest looking at the comments to see if there are recommendations.
Kalea
Hi there! Do you think I could use canned pumpkin instead of pumpkin puree? That is all I have.
Kate
Hi Kalea, As long as it is a soft, purred texture that should be fine.
Janet
This was a wonderful recipe. Just two questions. I’d really like more of the pumpkin flavor. If I added in the entire can should I reduce or omit the liquid? Also, I set the oven correctly and the timer to 55 minutes. I began to smell it with 13 minutes left. I checked and it was cooked. So I removed it. It was cooked all the way through so I’m glad I took it out. Anyone else have this problem?
Kate
Hi! I wouldn’t add the entire can. If you want more pumpkin flavor (pumpkin doesn’t actually provide that much flavor) I would add more spice to your liking.
Janet Reed
Ok. Good to know. So the pumpkin would add more moisture? The other recipe I’ve used calls for one can and it is a much softer texture.
After this loaf is gone, I’m going to try it again. Still find it interesting that mine cooked in 42 minutes.
Ali
Hi! Can you sub oat flour instead? Thanks :)
Kate
Hi Ali! That should work. Just be sure to measure it correctly, using my oat flour guide.
Fredrick
Hi,
Does this require 1 cup pumpking puree or 1 can? Thanks
Kate
Hi! One cup. :)
Sakshi Sethi
Can we make this with oat flour?
Kate
Hi! I think that should work. Be sure to check out my oat flour guide.
Tina Jubran
This turned out great! I tweeked it and turned it into low carb by using Majic maple syrup, allulose, and a keto flour mixture (1 cup wheat gluten,1/2 cup oat fiber, 1/2cup whey protien and 1 cup almond flour- I make this in bulk and use in place of flour). I also added extra spice to taste and about 1/8 tsp. More of baking soda.
Sandra
Hi Tina. Super curious. So you use this blend as a one to one substitute for flour in recipes? For example, for this recipe you would measure the same 1 3/4 cup from your blend?
Allison
So delicious, and not too sweet!! I used maple syrup & toasted walnut oil.
Sare-Dare
Subbed a few things – half butter and olive oil, close essential oil (no powdered non hand, coconut milk with enough eater to make it more runny like milk.. also used baking powder O_O… no B.soda on hand. Still turned out great!
Nadia
Love this pumpkin bread!
Kate
Great, Nadia! Thank you for your review.
Lorna
Yummy for breakfast and it is very quick and easy to make.
Kate
I’m excited you enjoyed it, Lorna!
Jenny
I added about 25 mins onto the baking time until my toothpick finally came out clean. The bread looked great, complete with a domed top and nice crack!
Within ten minutes, it sank down. Cutting into it, it is a wet, dense paste with a delicious flavour. Watching your video back, I followed the same steps and used the same ingredients. Does anyone know why this would happen?
I’ve noticed that “healthy” recipes using many liquid ingredients have given me this problem before. Thanks!
Kate
Hi! I’m sorry to hear that, Jenny. Was your leavener fresh? Does your oven tend to run cooler?
Lisa Sheldon
Hi! It was delicious & very moist. My family likes their breads a little dryer, can you make a recommendation what I can add more of (dry ingredients) or reduce what liquids without sacrificing taste? TIA
Kate
Hi! I’m not sure about adjusting your ingredients as that would impact your result. You could try baking a little longer. Be careful it doesn’t burn!
Shelly Strauss
I noticed you baked this in a ceramic pan. I only have a metal loaf pan or a foil loaf pan. Are those ok to use? I can’t wait to try this recipe-sounds delish!!
Jessie
Another great Cookie & Kate recipe! I added a butter/maple syrup/pecan topping to the top!
Kate
Thank you, Jessie!
Becca
Hi!
Should the coconut oil equal 1/3 once melted or should the 1/3 be what it is solid and then melt it?I hope this makes sense. Can’t wait to make this! Thanks!
Kate
Hi Becca, I measured it melted. You’d be surprised—I’ve measured coconut oil both ways (solid vs melted) and it yields almost the exact same either way!
Joanne
I absolutely love this recipe. I’ve made it several times. It comes together very easily. I do add chocolate chips.
Sayney
Hi Kate,
This pumpkin bread recipe turned out so good and delicious. I made this for thanksgiving and this is absolutely perfect. Will definitely be looking forward to your other recipes!
Kate
That’s great, Sayney! Thank you for your review.
Donna
This is my favorite pumpkin bread recipe! Thank you for sharing!
Christine
I’ve made this recipe time and time again and it’s always delicious! My very picky 8 year old nephew LOVES it so much that he’s requested it on his birthday and other special holidays :). Both olive and coconut oil have been successful.
Ashley
This is the only pumpkin bread I make, tried and true! I use olive oil and extra spice. It tastes far less healthy than it is, so bonus points there, and my brother—ever skeptical of baking that doesn’t involve butter and lots of refined sugar—adores it!
Tiffany Tsilker
I’ve made this recipe twice in the past two weeks, it’s sooooo good and I love that it’s not too sweet. I HIGHLY recommend having it with butter/margarine and almond butter on top – it’s a total game changer! Also, I used olive oil and it didn’t taste herby/olive-y at all. Amazing recipe!
Erin Harris
Just made this and used nearly a WHOLE can of pumpkin purée. Whoops! Except that it came out sooooo good! More like a bread pudding texture – so moist and almost like a dense sponge cake. I am obsessed now. Also, only had 1/4 cup of honey and supplemented with 1/4 cup brown sugar. Also had to use a 50/50 mix of coconut oil/EVOO. Added raisins and walnuts and BAM! What a delicious bread.
Kate
Oh no! I’m glad it all worked out in the end.
Camelia
Made mine w half olive and half coconut oil. Made my own pumpkin purée by baking a pie pumpkin and whizzing it. Used only 1/3 c of maple syrup, gluten free flour and doubled the vanilla. Also used low fat buttermilk in place of milk bc sour milk works great w baking soda. Added chocolate chips and pecans. I’m at altitude, so I’m baking at a higher temp – 350. It’s in the oven right now, but the batter on the bowl tasted fab!
Maria Romero
I just l oh very your recipes. Thank you for sharing them with the world.
Patricia A. Barber
Can I use coconut flour? That’s all I have.
Kate
Hi Patricia, I don’t recommend coconut flour as it would require a entirely new recipe if it were to work.
Cherlyn Kelly
What type of diabetic friendly frosting would you suggest for this?
Kate
HI Cheryln, I’m not a registered nutritionist so I can’t help you. Sorry!
Jennifer
So let me start with a disclaimer….the recipe handed down from my mom was always a favorite but had a lot of sugar and vegetable oil, but the special ingredient was a small box of instant coconut pudding (definitely not healthy). So when I searched for a healthier pumpkin bread this looked great; I made a compromise and added the box of instant pudding, even tho I winced when I read the ingredient list. It turned out very good and reminded me of my mom. Thanks for a great recipe next time I’ll try just the healthy version!
Dave
I made this recipe and used 1/4 cup maple syrup + 1/4 cup apple sauce to cut the sugar a bit. It did take longer to cook, as others mentioned…about 1 hour and 15 minutes until the toothpick came out clean. And the bread didn’t rise very much. But, it was delicious!! Curious though, did my apple sauce substitution cause this bread to take longer to cook and make it more dense? I replaced wet for wet.
Nancy
This recipe is delicious. I substituted applesauce for eggs. The problem is it took forever to cook. Not sure why. I’ve made it a couple of times and it always seems to take forever, I’m talking like two hours.
Kate
Hi! The applesauce would be the reason it took so long too cook. Extra moisture.
Nancy
I must note that I finally took it out of the oven after two hours and it still has not completely cooked. I’m not sure what the issue is.
Nicole
Hello!
Your Healthy Banana Bread is a favourite so when I saw that this recipe was so similar, I knew it would be a winner. I added chocolate chips and used a combo of spelt and white flour. So easy and delicious!
Marlene
Great recipe, I have to be dairy and soy free while I breastfeed.
Your pumpkin bread has been my favorite.
Thank you so much.
Kate
I’m glad you are able to enjoy it, Marlene! Thank you for your review.
Gordon
Love your pumpkin bread loaf.
Charlie
Hello Kate!
Thank you so much for making these healthier recipes. They’ve helped me with my cravings without much guilt. Anyways, I was just wondering
since unsweetened applesauce is still sweet, should I reduce the honey or maple syrup? Also, when replacing the white whole wheat flour with regular whole wheat flour, should I measure it by weight or volume?
Thanks,
A Fan
Kate
Hi! Sorry to disappoint, I can’t say without trying it myself. It would definitely change the recipe.
Ac
Wanted to like this…. but it turned out terrible. I followed the recipe exactly- used bobs gf flour, almond milk, coco oil and half maple and half honey. It had the weirdest flavor and no pumpkin taste? Is the recipe supposed to say 1 CAN pumpkin instead of 1 CUP? No amount of butter could help…. Disappointed….
Kate
Hi AC, I’m sorry to hear you didn’t love this. I ensure the measurements are correct. Were your spices fresh? You can always increase the pumpkin spice flavor by adding more spices. Pumpkin itself actually doesn’t have a ton of the pumpkin flavor as it comes from the spices.
IndyMargot
Hello. I am confused by how you list the coconut oil in your recipe. Is it 1/3 cup of coconut oil, melted – (you measure the sold oil and then melt) or is it 1/3 cup of melted coconut oil (you melt and then measure)? I find these are different amounts. Thank you!
Kate
Hi there, it’s melted coconut oil, so melt if necessary and then measure.
Maite
Mmmmmmmmh….! Delicious :) I’m glad that we still haven’t run out of the pumpkins we harvested last Fall because we really enjoyed your recipe. Thank you!!
Nita
This bread is very good. I sprinkled a little turbinado sugar on the top and added chocolate chips. I think it definitely needs the sweetness of a few bits of chocolate. I will make this again!
Monica R
Just made this today and it turned out amazing! Delicious, moist and perfectly baked at 55 minutes. This is the only pumpkin bread recipe I’ll use and even my toddler loves it!
Amber
Hi Kate,
Just wondering if I can substitute canned pumpkin soup for the pumpkin puree? I live in Australia and canned pumpkin puree is almost impossible to find!
Kate
Hi Amber, are you referring to my Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Soup recipe? See the note at the bottom in the notes section! Enjoy.
Beth
Made this last night and the family enjoyed – a great healthy pumpkin loaf!
– I doubled the recipe to made 2 loaves and both turned out great. I used honey, coconut oil, almond milk and subbed a gluten-free flour blend. I mixed white sugar & cinnamon and sprinkled a teaspoon on top while it baked!
– Definitely tasted “healthy” because not very sweet (which I didn’t mind). I’d like to try maple syrup next time to see if it increases the sweetness! Loaves were flavourful & very moist!!
Overall, a great recipe for a healthier pumpkin loaf! Thanks
Kate
You’re welcome, Beth! I appreciate your review.
Melanie Kurland
Hello Kate! Me and my brother tried your recipe and well…it didn’t go well. Not your fault, this was our first time trying your recipe so it was probably something we did wrong. We didn’t have milk, so we used water like the recipe called for, and we did not have honey, so we used maple syrup. The pumpkin bread came out looking delicious! Although when we tried it it was a bit disappointing. It was pretty flavorless and had the slightest pumpkin flavor (we even added a tad bit more then it called for). It was also pretty dense. It wasn’t sweet at all, but we liked that because after all it’s supposed to be healthy. It was alright, but could of used more pumpkin flavor. We did eat it all up though! We are definitely going to try this again, and we are planning on going to the store to get milk and honey and try to add a bit more pumpkin puree! Thank you for this recipe! Have a great day.
Kate
Hi Melanie! I’m sorry to hear that. The pumpkin spice flavoring actually comes from the spice. You can always increase that more next time. Also, make sure it’s not old so you have the best flavor.
Mala Suthakar
Hi Kate
I waa going to try substituting avocados for eggs? I have been told we could substitute avocados or yoghurt for eggs. I was hoping to see if anyone had already tried it? Thanks, Mala
Kate
Hi, I haven’t tired that. I would suggest the vegan option to make it egg free.
Regina
Just loving this recipe. Have made it many many times. The bread stays moist!
Jacqui
Yum! I have saved this and will be making it often. Just wondering how many calories there would be in a thin slice if I follow the exact recipe with no mix ins?
Jacqui Stevens
This is best pumpkin bread, yum! Could you please tell me how many calories are in a serving?
Kate
Hi! The nutritional information is below the recipe notes. You just need to click to expand.
Kathy
Hi Kate,,,,Was feeling bored saw this recipe thought I would give it a go….Oh yes I love it…. So easy ….I will mix it up next time banana, pecan don’t think you can go wrong.
Hala
I lOVE your banana bread recipe so I thought I would try this one too, was not disappointed! So good
Kate
I’m glad, hala! Thank you for sharing.
Stephanie
This pumpkin bread is delicious! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Kate
I’m glad you love it!
Ree
Hi, Love your banana muffins. But this recipe, not so much. Not a lot of flavor although the loaf turned out nicely, the flavor just isn’t there. Healthier yes, flavorful….hmm, not exactly. This was a bit of a miss for me, but I love most of your recipes and I can rely on them.
Thank-you for offering a healthier version.
Kate
I’m sorry you didn’t love this recipe, Ree. Were your spices fresh? That can impact the flavor, or the type of pumpkin you use too. I appreciate your feedback.
Maureen
I used whole wheat pastry flour, coconut oil, and maple syrup. It needed 65 minutes for a toothpick to come out clean, but upon cooling I’ve found it’s still underbaked in the middle. Weird, cloying consistency and hardly any flavor.
Kate
I’m sorry to hear that, Marueen! Sounds like there may have been too much liquid. Or what type of baking dish did you use?
Ashley
Followed this completely, however turned out dry and not sweet enough. I think I’m going to try it out again and add Lily’s dark chocolate chips and cook it a little less than 55 minutes.
Kate
I’m sorry to hear that! I hope you try it again. Let me know what you think.
Alexis
The moistness of this recipe is unbeatable! Seriously the best consistency but I couldn’t get the pumpkin flavor to shine through. I followed the recipe to a T, but mine honestly didn’t taste like anything. I couldn’t taste the vanilla, honey, pumpkin pie seasoning or the pumpkin. Is there anything else I could possibly do to get more pumpkin flavor? I don’t typically experiment with baking, I like to follow recipes, so any advice you have would be awesome because I love this recipe! Thank you!
Abbey
Wow! I absolutely love this recipe. I ended up topping it with your cream cheese icing recipe and it was amazing! I have tried so many of your recipes and have never made one didn’t turn out great :) Best food blog out there!!
Kate
I’m glad you loved it and can trust my recipes, Abbey! Thank you for your review and comment.
Genevieve Day
Delicious! I’m so glad I discovered you and your healthy recipes! I just made this last night and it turned out PERFECT. On the nutrition you provided it says 8 servings…which is a nice thick slice. Is that the correct amount of servings, seems large! (But I am happy with that)
Reagan
I made this recipe tonight and it’s SO GOOD. I may or may not have eaten half the loaf already.
Kate
I’m glad you love it, Reagan! Thank you for your review.
Kate W
Delicious recipe! Made it this morning on a cool, fall morning. Perfect with a cup of coffee. My husband loves it because it’s not too sweet. Definitely will be a repeat recipe! Thank you!
Kate
You’re welcome, Kate! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Jazzmin
Typically I love your recipes. So much so that your website it was my husband and I primarily reference when cooking. I made this pumpkin loaf using the oat flour option listed but I found it dense, short and a bit crumbly. I wouldn’t recommend that variation.
Kate
I’m sorry you didn’t love it. Did you measure the flour the same? Did you change the amount at all?
Ashley
Hi there! When I was putting in this recipe into a myfitnesspal nutrition calculator, the calories per serving was over 200 instead of the 185 in the nutrition info on this page. I’m not sure what I am doing wrong. I put in 8 servings, but it comes out as 263 per serving. By 8 servings, does it mean there is 8 slices per 1 loaf?
Kate
Hi Ashley, More on my Nutrition Disclaimer. Yes, there are 8 slices per loaf.
Sara Gianopoulos
Made this this AM! My two year old loves Starbucks pumpkin loaf but it’s 410 calories and 39g sugar
I accidentally put 1/2 cup oil in, so I just did two cups flour instead. Came out great! My son loved it. I swirled it with a smidgen of cinnamon & coconut sugar on top too!
Thanks for this recipe, always looking for alternatives to things that are typically high in sugar!
Kate
I’m glad it still turned out and you both were able to enjoy it! I appreciate your review, Sara.
MamaD
I used 2X recipe, but didn’t realize until they were in the oven that the quantity of mix-ins stayed at the 1X level – I did add some extra pecans because 1/2 cup didn’t seem like enough, but wish I had noticed before baking. Taste is delicious, though. I used coconut oil, 3/4 c. maple syrup (for 2X) and it was plenty sweet. Thanks for all the variations, as we do have GF, DF and nut allergies in our fam!
Kate
I’m happy it still tasted delicious!
Chaitra
Hi Kate,
Thank you for sharing this recipe. It is my go to recipe for banana bread now. I just had a question about oven temperature. It never gets cooked for me in 55 to 60 minutes. I just wanted to know if you move the bread around to different racks in the middle of baking.
emma
i didnt see ur note to not use coconut flour … i used it and just put it in the oven it seemed very dry but still moist but not like a usual batter that it usually comes out too. im interested on whats gonna pop out of the oven when its done. why were u suggesting to not use coconut flour?
Kate
Hi Emma, I don’t find coconut works well. It tends to soak everything up and usually doesn’t bind well.
Patty Johnson
Delicious! I made it with olive oil, maple syrup, and half whole wheat/half white flour.
Melanie
Made this last weekend and I’ve been having it for morning tea every day since. Tasty tasty treat
Kate
I’m glad you are enjoying it, Melanie!
Lexi
Hi Kate! I absolutely love your recipes! I made this one and did half regular whole wheat and half white flour. After making it the bread just doesn’t really have that pumpkin flavor. Any idea what may have happened?
Kate
Hi Lexi, the pumpkin flavor really comes from the spice blend. Did you use fresh spices?
Christa Layton
Is there an error in recipe for the pumpkin puree? Recipe says 1 cup but comments were something about 14 oz. my batter was super thick and cooking time was way longer. Please help.
Thank you
Kate
Hi Christa, you want one cup of puree here.
lisa b
Delicious and so moist!
I did not have coconut oil, and I used whole wheat flour.
Mantha
Literally made this recipe 15 minutes ago – it’s an absolute win. Fluffy and rich; not too, too sweet (I used maple syrup, half coconut oil/half olive oil, chocolate chips and walnuts). I find some similar breads turn out oily or saccharine but this one is perfect. Easy recipe, can’t go wrong! <3 thank you
Kate
I’m glad you loved it, Mantha! Thank you for sharing your experience.
Rita
Hi Kate,
Thanks for this recipe (huge fan of your granola btw, it’s a weekly staple in our house). I started the recipe late at night and only then realized I ran out of baking soda. My only alternative was baking powder so I used a 1:3 ration substitute in the hopes the cake will rise. In the future, do you have alternatives for baking soda as I don’t typically keep it on hand? Thanks!
Montana Lee
Great recipe! I used whole spelt flour, added cranberries and pecans, and topped the loaf with oats for decoration. It turned out great — visually pleasing and delicious!
I would add more cinnamon. I used half the amount of oil (olive oil and toasted sesame oil for flavor), and applesauce for the remaining half of the 1/3 cup. I used honey but maple syrup would be better.
Darlene Check
I made these muffins using coconut oil which I thought added a nice flavour. I used leftover pumpkin puree from my pie. I doubled the recipe and didn’t have enough puree so I added mashed bananas to make up the difference. They tasted yummy!
Kate
Thank you for sharing, Darlene!
Dawn
Made this today and it is delicious and moist!! Was a hit with the whole family including picky kids who don’t like anything “healthy”. This will be in our fall rotation! Did 1/2 maple syrup & 1/2 honey. Yum! Thank you for all of your incredible recipes! Loving using the cookbook almost daily! Congratulations on your sweet baby!
BBell
So good, I made this two days in a row! First time I brought it to a get-together. Liked it so much that I had to make a loaf for home. I used a traditional loaf pan and all maple syrup the first time, and a Bundt pan with a 50/50 combo of maple syrup and honey the second time. Both times I used regular whole wheat flour and it turned out great!
Kate
I love that! Thank you for sharing, BBell.
Janet
I love love love your healthy banana bread recipe, so when the pumpkin bread recipe crossed my Facebook feed a week or so ago, I couldn’t wait to make it. I am not disappointed!! Since my canned pumpkin puree measures 15 oz, or 3/4 cup, I divided one can into 2 cups, and mixed 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce in each to make 2 full cups. One went into the bread, and one is in the freezer for another loaf. It came out perfectly. I live at 7000 ft in elevation, and find no adjustments are needed, except the add-ins. This time, walnuts and pepitas. Soooooo good!
Kate
I’m glad you loved it, Janet!
Gabrielle Lowe
An absolute keeper! I’ve made this twice now using casava flour, honey, coconut oil and chocolate chips. The whole family loves it, including my picky 4 year old!
Kate
I’m glad it works well with casava! Thank you for sharing, Gabrielle.
Emily P
Has anyone used avocado oil as a substitute? It’s a mild flavored oil so I would think it would work
Hannah
PERFECT (healthy) fall pumpkin bread recipe! I love healthy versions of desserts but have had multiple times where they come out too dry due to absence of real sugar. This is NOT the case with this recipe- so moist, so soft, and light. 10/10 recommend!!!
Kate
Thank you, Hannah! I’m glad you love it.
Bren
I’ve tried this recipe twice now and both times the bottom doesn’t cook at all. I followed the recipe exactly. Not sure what I’m doing wrong.
Kate
Hi Bren, I’m sorry to hear that! Does your pumpkin seem really watery? Are you cooking at an elevation?
Dawn
Is it possible to substitue 1/2 cup brown sugar for honey?
Kate
Hi Dawn, changing the type of sugar will impact your results.
Dawn
I made this today, used brown sugar instead of honey as it was available. I also added some pecans so left it in for 1hour, was still not done. I put it back in a few times, still gummy in the middle. I ended up raising the temperature to 350 after reading how to repair uncooked pumpkin loaf. It has been another 30 minutes and I still see pumpkin on the knife when I check it. I will not make this again ,waste of time and money!
Kate
Hi sDawn, unfortunately changing the sugar likely impacted your result. I’m sorry it didn’t turn out.