Delicious Pumpkin Bread Low Calorie Recipe
Fall is here, and nothing beats the aroma of fresh pumpkin bread wafting through your kitchen! This incredibly moist, spiced pumpkin bread low calorie recipe delivers all the cozy autumn flavors you crave without the guilt. With just 120 calories per slice, you can indulge in this seasonal favorite while staying on track with your health goals.
This simple recipe takes only 15 minutes to prep and uses everyday ingredients you likely have in your pantry. Unlike our popular banana bread recipe, this version packs extra nutrients from real pumpkin puree. Get ready to fall in love with baking again!
What is Pumpkin Bread Low Calorie?
Ever wondered how something so deliciously indulgent can be secretly healthy? pumpkin bread Low calorie is the perfect marriage of autumn comfort and mindful eating. This isn’t your grandmother’s butter-laden loaf – it’s a cleverly crafted recipe that swaps heavy ingredients for lighter alternatives without sacrificing that signature moist texture and warm spice blend we all adore.
As they say, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and this guilt-free version will win over even the pickiest eaters. Ready to discover your new favorite fall treat?
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bread Low Calorie
Incredibly Moist and Flavorful Without the Calories
This pumpkin bread low calorie recipe proves you don’t need butter or oil to create a tender, moist loaf. The secret lies in using unsweetened applesauce and Greek yogurt, which add moisture while keeping each slice under 120 calories. Every bite bursts with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, creating that perfect fall flavor profile that makes your taste buds dance with joy.
Budget-Friendly Home Baking
Making this pumpkin bread Low Calorie at home costs a fraction of store-bought alternatives. A single loaf serves 12 people for under $4, compared to $8-12 for similar healthy baked goods at specialty stores. Plus, you control every ingredient, ensuring no artificial preservatives or unnecessary additives make their way into your family’s treat.
Versatile and Family-Friendly
This recipe works beautifully with various mix-ins like sugar-free chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or even a cream cheese swirl for special occasions. Unlike our dense zucchini bread recipe, this version has a lighter crumb that appeals to kids and adults alike. The mild pumpkin flavor isn’t overwhelming, making it perfect for those new to pumpkin-based desserts.
Ready to transform your kitchen into a cozy autumn bakery? Let’s start baking this amazing low calorie pumpkin bread that everyone will request again and again!
How to Make Pumpkin Bread Low Calorie
Quick Overview
This pumpkin bread low calorie recipe is incredibly straightforward and forgiving. The key to success lies in not overmixing the batter and using room temperature ingredients for even blending.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 55-60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Serves: 12 slices
The magic happens when pumpkin puree meets warm spices and lighter ingredients to create a perfectly moist, tender loaf that tastes indulgent but keeps your waistline happy.
Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Bread Low Calorie
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (non-fat)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup honey or pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar substitute (like erythritol)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup mini sugar-free chocolate chips (optional)
Pro tip: Using canned pumpkin puree ensures consistent moisture and flavor compared to fresh pumpkin.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or line with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, applesauce, Greek yogurt, eggs, honey, brown sugar substitute, and vanilla extract until completely smooth. Make sure no lumps remain – this ensures even distribution of flavors throughout your pumpkin bread low calorie creation.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. This pre-mixing prevents pockets of spices and ensures even leavening throughout the loaf.
Step 4: Create the Batter
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, gently folding with a spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix – a few small lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing leads to dense, tough bread instead of the tender texture we want.
Step 5: Add Optional Mix-ins
If using chocolate chips or nuts, gently fold them into the batter with just a few strokes. Reserve a handful to sprinkle on top for an attractive presentation.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top gently. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
Step 7: Cool Properly
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy while ensuring the structure sets properly.
What to Serve Low Calorie Pumpkin Bread With
This versatile pumpkin bread low calorie recipe pairs beautifully with both hot and cold beverages. Serve warm slices with a steaming cup of coffee, spiced chai tea, or sugar-free hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy experience.
For breakfast, toast a slice lightly and spread with a thin layer of almond butter or cream cheese. The protein boost makes it more satisfying and helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
Create an elegant dessert by serving with a dollop of whipped Greek yogurt mixed with a touch of maple syrup and cinnamon. Fresh berries or a light drizzle of sugar-free caramel sauce elevate the presentation for special occasions.
Top Tips for Perfecting Pumpkin Bread Low Calorie
Don’t Skip the Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is crucial for achieving that tender, moist texture without added fats. Make sure it’s plain and at room temperature to prevent curdling when mixed with other ingredients.
Measure Flour Correctly
Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level off with a knife rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents dense, heavy bread by avoiding too much flour in the recipe.
Test for Doneness Properly
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. It should come out with just a few moist crumbs – not wet batter, but not completely clean either. This ensures perfect moisture without underbaking.
Room Temperature Ingredients Work Best
Let eggs, yogurt, and other cold ingredients come to room temperature before mixing. This creates a smoother batter and more even texture in your finished pumpkin bread low calorie masterpiece.
Storage Makes It Better
This bread actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld and develop. Wrap tightly and let it rest overnight before slicing for the best texture and taste.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store your pumpkin bread Low Calorie wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The bread stays moist and flavorful when properly covered.
For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 2-3 hours or toast directly from frozen for a quick treat.
To refresh day-old bread, warm slices in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes or toast lightly. This restores the just-baked texture and enhances the warm spice aromas.
Never store pumpkin bread in the refrigerator, as this actually makes it go stale faster and creates a dense, dry texture.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Slice (1/12 of loaf) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 118 |
| Total Fat | 0.8g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.3g |
| Cholesterol | 31mg |
| Sodium | 195mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5g |
| Sugars | 8g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Vitamin A | 65% DV |
Nutritional values are approximate and based on standard ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, but canned pumpkin puree provides consistent moisture and flavor. If using fresh, roast and puree the pumpkin, then drain excess moisture with paper towels before measuring.
What’s the best substitute for eggs in this recipe?
Replace each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water. Let the flax mixture sit for 5 minutes before using.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly denser, but the flavor remains delicious.
How can I make it even lower in calories?
Replace the honey with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and use sugar-free chocolate chips. This can reduce calories to under 100 per slice.
Why is my pumpkin bread dense?
Dense bread usually results from overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Mix just until ingredients are combined, and measure flour by spooning it into the cup rather than scooping.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Yes! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or sugar-free chocolate chips work beautifully. Add up to 1/2 cup total mix-ins to maintain the proper texture.
How do I know when it’s fully baked?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The top should spring back lightly when touched, and the edges should pull away slightly from the pan.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients to make two loaves. Use two 9×5-inch pans and bake for the same amount of time, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
Bonus Tips for Success
Create a spice blend ahead of time by mixing larger quantities of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Store in an airtight container for quick pumpkin bread making all season long.
Try adding a cream cheese swirl by mixing 4 oz softened light cream cheese with 2 tablespoons honey and 1 egg white. Swirl through the batter before baking for an extra special treat.
Make mini loaves for gift-giving by dividing the batter between 4 mini loaf pans and reducing baking time to 35-40 minutes. These make perfect hostess gifts or treats for neighbors.
For extra pumpkin flavor, add 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice in addition to the individual spices listed. This intensifies the autumn taste profile.
Consider making pumpkin bread muffins by dividing the batter between 18 muffin cups and baking for 18-22 minutes. These are perfect for portion control and grab-and-go breakfasts.
Transform this recipe into a stunning bundt cake by using a 10-cup bundt pan and increasing baking time to 50-55 minutes. Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar substitute and milk for an elegant presentation.
This pumpkin bread low calorie recipe proves that healthy baking doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. With its perfect spice blend, incredible moisture, and guilt-free nutrition profile, it’s destined to become your new fall favorite. Happy baking!
