Healthy Pumpkin Bread

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Healthy Pumpkin Bread (Moist, Wholesome, and Perfect for Fall)

This Healthy Pumpkin Bread is soft, moist, warmly spiced, and naturally sweetened with honey. Made with whole wheat flour, olive oil, and a full can of pumpkin purée, it delivers the perfect balance of hearty texture and tender crumb. It makes a nourishing breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack with tea or coffee, or a simple fall dessert.

Using ras el hanout in place of traditional pumpkin spice gives this bread a deeper, more aromatic flavor with hints of cinnamon, ginger, coriander, and nutmeg. Topped with crunchy pumpkin seeds, every slice feels warm, comforting, and beautifully seasonal.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Pumpkin Bread

  • Made with whole wheat flour for added fiber and a naturally nutty flavor
  • Sweetened only with honey
  • Uses extra virgin olive oil for extra moisture and richness
  • Deep, layered spice flavor thanks to ras el hanout
  • No refined sugar and no butter
  • Stays moist for days and is even better the next day

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple pantry ingredients but produces a bakery-style loaf with wholesome texture and warm fall flavor.

Dry Ingredients

  • White whole wheat flour or whole wheat pastry flour
    These flours give structure while keeping the bread light. You can also use half whole wheat and half all-purpose if preferred.
  • Ras el hanout
    A Moroccan spice blend that adds depth beyond traditional pumpkin spice. It contains cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, coriander, and more.
  • Baking soda
    Ensures the bread rises well and stays fluffy.
  • Salt
    Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.

Wet Ingredients

  • Pumpkin purée (100% pumpkin)
    A full 15-ounce can makes the bread incredibly moist and tender.
  • Honey
    Naturally sweetens the loaf and keeps it soft.
  • Extra virgin olive oil
    Adds richness, moisture, and a subtle fruity note.
  • Eggs
    Provide structure and help create a smooth, cohesive batter.

Topping

  • Pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
    Add a crunchy finish that complements the soft crumb.

How to Make Healthy Pumpkin Bread

Despite its impressive flavor and texture, this recipe comes together quickly with just two mixing bowls.

1. Prepare the Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8.5 x 4.5-inch loaf pan with olive oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

  • 2 cups white whole wheat flour
  • 2 ½ teaspoons ras el hanout
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Mix until well combined and fragrant.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk until smooth:

  • 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin purée
  • ½ cup honey
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 large eggs

The mixture should look thick and velvety.

4. Bring the Batter Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a silicone spatula, fold gently until just combined. The batter will be thick, and a few small lumps are fine. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.

5. Bake the Bread

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle ¼ cup pumpkin seeds over the surface.

Bake for 55 to 65 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

6. Cool and Slice

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This helps the crumb set and prevents crumbling.

Tips for Using Homemade Pumpkin Purée

Homemade pumpkin purée contains more moisture than canned. If you prefer to use it:

  • Spread the purée on paper towels
  • Press gently with more paper towels to remove excess liquid
  • Use the same quantity once thickened

This helps your bread bake evenly without becoming dense.

Serving Suggestions

This pumpkin bread is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with:

  • A cup of warm coffee or black tea
  • A spoonful of lightly sweetened Greek yogurt
  • A drizzle of date syrup or honey
  • Fresh fruit for a simple breakfast plate

Storage

  • Room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: Wrap slices in plastic and place in an airtight bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

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