15 Best Healthy Pumpkin Bread Recipes
~ I searched through soooooo many recipes before settling on this drool-worthy list of the Best Healthy Pumpkin Bread Recipes! From ideas for full-on chocolate decadence to recipes for your Instant Pot and bread machine, there’s so much inspiration here! And we’ve got everything from gluten free pumpkin bread to whole grain, paleo to dairy free … there’s truly something for everyone! ~
As I was sorting through recipes recently, to find the very best healthy pumpkin MUFFINS out there … I kept noticing all these amazing pumpkin breads, too.
And I figured, hey – we could all use a healthy slice of pumpkin bread to cozy up next to our pumpkin spice latte (which we all ordered nonfat, right?!?!). Something maybe a wee bit healthier than the (ahem) weighty behemoth you can grab from the Starbucks bakery display.
Well looky here, I not only found a lightened-up Starbucks copycat, but a whole slew of other great recipe ideas, too!
No matter what “healthy” means to you (whole wheat … paleo … gluten free …), I’ve got exciting inspiration for ya. Interesting ingredients, unique flavor twists, and surprising techniques.
There are plenty of traditional, sweet quick breads that made my list, but also some savory options that you can bake in your Instant Pot (how cool is that?!?) or your bread machine!
I’ve honestly been rifling through hundreds of pumpkin recipes these last few weeks. Not kidding – hundreds. Until my eyes kinda crossed.
But it was worth it! Take a look, and you’ll see what I mean …
Healthier (Copycat) Starbucks Pumpkin Bread from Allison at Celebrating Sweets
Love Starbucks’ pumpkin bread, but not its weighty nutrition profile? Then this recipe is a must-try! Although she’s reduced the sugar and made some healthier ingredient swaps, Allison promises that her version is still moist, tender and loaded with flavor … and that you won’t miss the extra fat and calories one bit!
Whole Grains • Dairy Free
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Paleo Pumpkin Bread from Laura at Joy Food Sunshine
Laura says her recipe is, “High in protein, fiber and nutrients but tastes like dessert!” And, she says she gets, “Cool-mom points for serving what tastes like a dessert for breakfast!” Hey – who doesn’t love bonus points – especially when they taste this delicious?!?
Gluten Free • Paleo • Dairy Free • Refined Sugar Free
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No Knead Instant Pot Pumpkin Rolls from Smruti at Herbivore Cucina
When you think of pumpkin bread recipes, your first thought might be of a sweet pumpkin quick bread loaf (like many of the recipes on this list). But these absolutely adorable yeast rolls are literally pumpkins! Plus, they’re loaded with pumpkin flavor and nutritious whole wheat … and they’re such a fun idea for all you Instant Pot lovers out there! (Side note: if you’ve got an Instant Pot on your holiday wish list, be sure to check out my guide on Which Instant Pot to Buy – it’ll help you decide if you’d like a Duo60 6-quart like mine, or maybe an entirely different model.)
• Whole Wheat •
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Flourless Pumpkin Loaf from Elysia at Haute & Healthy Living
The genius addition of shredded apple enhances the delicious fall flavors and the wonderful texture of this pumpkin bread. Elysia describes it as, “Dense yet still moist and fluffy. The perfect texture in my books. It’s basically like Fall in loaf form.”
Gluten Free • Paleo • Dairy Free • Refined Sugar Free
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Unprocessed and Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread from Laura at Family Spice
Full of real, unprocessed ingredients like honey, almond meal, almond butter and pumpkin – and accented by cranberries, pistachios, pepitas, and almond slices!
Gluten Free • Refined Sugar Free • Dairy Free
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Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Bread with Coconut Cream Ganache from Raia at Raia’s Recipes
Ohhhhhh … the glorious decadence! A fabulous blend of fall flavors with rich, dark chocolate. Lots and LOTS of chocolate!
Gluten Free • Paleo • Dairy Free • Refined Sugar Free (depending on your chocolate chips)
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Loaded Pumpkin Cornbread from Meg at This Mess is Ours
A unique, savory pumpkin cornbread that’s full of whole grains and topped with flavorful red onions, cotija cheese, and plenty of pepitas! Perfect alongside a warm bowl of soup! And no worries if you don’t have a cast iron skillet to bake this – Meg suggests that you can use a baking dish instead.
Whole Grains • Refined Sugar Free
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Pumpkin Cranberry Nut Loaf from Aysegul at Foolproof Living
Absolutely LOADED with various nuts and seeds, plus cranberries and oats. Bonus: it keeps in your fridge for up to 2 weeks, so it’s a great make-ahead option for busy-morning breakfasts or quick afternoon snacks!
Gluten Free • Dairy Free • Refined Sugar Free • Vegan
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Gluten Free Paleo Pumpkin Bread with Coconut Flour from Taylor at Food Faith Fitness
Quick and easy with just a few ingredients! Taylor describes it as, “SO moist, chewy and spicy-sweet. All the best parts of fall in a healthy recipe!”
Gluten Free • Paleo • Dairy Free • Refined Sugar Free
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Gluten Free Sourdough Pumpkin Bread (Oven Baked or Bread Machine) from Jennifer at Hybrid Rasta Mama
Two recipes in one! First a “faux” sourdough recipe you can bake in a traditional oven, plus an alternative way to make pumpkin sourdough in your bread machine! Note that this isn’t a sweet pumpkin quick bread (like many of the other recipes on this list), but a yeasted sourdough-style loaf. Also note: you should definitely try this SOON!
Gluten Free (but still Whole Grain if using her recommended flour) • Dairy Free • Sugar Free
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Healthy Paleo Pumpkin Bread with Tigernut and Cassava Flour from Kathryn at Superkid Eats
I was so incredibly intrigued by the two flours that Kathryn uses here, and I thought you might be, too! Definitely two new flours to consider keeping in your baking arsenal, whether you’re specifically following a paleo diet, or you’re just looking to diversify your options for nutritious ingredients.
Gluten Free • Paleo • Dairy Free (depending on choice of milk) • Refined Sugar Free
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Quick, Easy and Healthy One Bowl Pumpkin Bread from Christi at Love from the Oven
Ok, this is so cool! Christi incorporates lentil puree into her batter for a big nutritional boost, including protein and fiber. Christi explains that, “The lentils can replace some of the fat in your recipes and a lentil puree disappears flavor wise in a recipe like this, meaning your pickiest eaters will be none the wiser!” Well huh! I’m dying to try this idea!
• Whole Wheat •
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Healthy Pumpkin Bread with Walnuts from Elena at Happy Kitchen.Rocks
A yeasted bread made with whole grain flour, chia seeds, maple syrup, walnuts, beer, and malt. Delicious, vegan, and packed with nutrients. Elena compares it to European-style artisan breads, and says this crusty loaf isn’t overly sweet, so it’s nice for sandwiches, or with savory toppings like cheese.
Whole Wheat • Dairy Free • Vegan
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Coconut Flour Pumpkin Bread with Crumb Topping from London at Evolving Table
The walnut-cinnamon sugar crumble is a perfect topper for this pretty loaf! I can definitely see why London says there was a little fight over who got the last slice at her house!
Gluten Free • Paleo • Dairy Free • Refined Sugar Free
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Healthy Pumpkin Banana Bread from Joy at Build Your Bite
Made without any oil or butter and naturally sweetened with maple syrup, this nutritious loaf features whole wheat flour and protein-rich Greek yogurt. Plus … bananas! A wholesome marriage of banana bread and autumn pumpkin bread!
Whole Wheat • Refined Sugar Free
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My, oh my! So many yummy, healthier options! Your pumpkin spice latte will never be lonely again!
Pssssst … and while you’re in a pumpkin mood, be sure to check out some of our THK favorite pumpkin recipes:
Happy pumpkin season, friends! Enjoy it while it lasts … soon we’ll all be dreaming peppermint dreams with visions of sugar plums dancing in our heads!
I love this list. Thanks for including my recipe. I can’t wait to try some of the others!
You’re so very welcome, Kathryn! I was really intrigued and inspired by your recipe – you definitely taught me something! I had such fun putting this list together, sorting through oh-so-many great recipes to pick the very best ones to showcase – it sure did make me want to head to the kitchen and bake loaf after loaf of pumpkin bread! ~Shelley
Oh my goodness! What a delicious list of pumpkin breads! I can’t wait to try all the paleo versions. Thanks so much for including my death by chocolate one in your list!
Don’t these all look so fantastic?!? And while I hadn’t specifically set out to create a list focused on just paleo pumpkin bread recipes (or gluten-free), for example, it was a happy coincidence that so many recipes I fell in love with checked multiple boxes and offered nutritious options for my readers who are following a variety of eating plans. And OMG … your death by chocolate! Thank you so much for allowing me to include it in my list – insane decadence going on there!!! 😀 ~Shelley