Healthy Pumpkin Bread With Extra Protein

This healthy pumpkin bread with extra protein from yogurt is perfectly moist, gluten free, and makes a year-round treat for the whole family.

What makes this recipe healthy?

Unlike traditional, or store-bought, pumpkin bread, this recipe is low in sugar, is made with gluten-free flour, does not contain inexpensive oils like canola, is packed with fibre, antioxidants, and extra protein from Greek yogurt. Not only is this bread healthy, but it’s

• school safe (if you avoid adding walnuts)
• moist
• not too sweet
• smells amazing
• goes great with tea or coffee
• makes a healthy snack or breakfast

Check out these health benefits of pumpkin!

• Nutrient-Rich: Low in calories but high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, particularly vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium
• Supports Eye Health: High in carotenoids, particularly beta-carotene, which convert to vitamin A and promote good vision
• Boosts Immune System: Rich in vitamins C and E, which help strengthen the immune response
• Promotes Healthy Skin: Antioxidants and vitamins in pumpkin help nourish the skin by promoting healthy cell and collagen production
• Aids Digestion: High fiber content supports gut health and regularity
• Weight Management: Low-calorie count and high fiber help you to feel full longer, aiding in weight management
• Heart Health: Contains potassium which helps to regulate blood pressure and cardiovascular function
• May Improve Mood: Contains tryptophan, which is important for serotonin production, potentially enhancing mood and reducing anxiety. Also, the lack of refined sugar helps to stabilize mood and focus
• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Rich in antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation in the body
• Blood Sugar Regulation: Fiber may help stabilize blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for those with diabetes and those on a weight loss journey

Key ingredients you will need to make healthy pumpkin bread

• Gluten-free flour blend: Use a 1:1 GF flour blend that contains xanthan gum for binding
• Spices: You will need sea salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (all the pumpkin spice flavours!)
• Eggs: Two whole eggs at room temperature will give you a fluffy loaf
• Sweetener: We used just 1/2 cup of organic sugar and pure vanilla extract to sweeten this bread. We did add less than 1/4 cup of pure, dark chocolate chips but this is optional!
• Olive oil: Is much healthier than inexpensive vegetable oils, like canola or sunflower
• Pumpkin puree: You will need one cup of pure, unsweetened pumpkin puree (this is not the same as pumpkin pie filling!)
• Yogurt: We used 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt, which makes this loaf moist and adds the extra protein factor. Choose a yogurt that is high in protein and not fat-free for more nutrition

What else can you add to the batter?

Try these optional, additional ingredients to customize your healthy pumpkin bread:

• Pumpkin seeds: Sprinkle them on top of the batter before it goes into the oven
• Walnuts: Mix chopped walnuts right into the batter before baking
• Raisins: If you like a little bit of chewiness and extra sweetness, stir 1/4 cup of raisins into the batter before baking
• Icing: Mix a touch of milk into icing sugar and loosly drizzle the icing over the top of the bread before slicing (let it completely cool first!)

How to make pumpkin bread

Preheat the oven to 350F and line a loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking (or grease the pan with butter or coconut oil)

In one mixing bowl, stir together all the dry ingredients, including flour, sugar, spices, and baking soda

In another bowl, stir together the wet ingredients, including eggs, olive oil, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and yogurt

Add the bowl of wet ingredients into the dry and stir until combined. Stir in chocolate chips, nuts or raisins, if using, and pour the batter into the loaf pan

Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out of the center clean and dry

Let the loaf cool for at least 20-30 minutes before cutting into 8 slices. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months

If you love making your kid’s snacks more healthy, try these recipes next

Fudgy brownies made from black beans

Healthy snack made with chickpeas

Chocolate cake with hidden zucchini