What Can You Replace Sugar With in Pumpkin Bread?

Natural sweeteners like honey , pure maple syrup , or even mashed ripe bananas are excellent alternatives to refined sugar in healthy pumpkin bread . These options not only cut down on processed sugar but also add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Maple syrup pairs especially well with pumpkin, enhancing its earthy sweetness while keeping your loaf moist and clean-label.

Is Canned Pumpkin Really Healthy?

Yes, canned pumpkin is incredibly nutritious—as long as you choose the right kind. Look for 100% pure pumpkin with no added sugars or preservatives. It’s low in calories and fat but rich in vitamin A , fiber , and antioxidants . In fact, the nutrient profile of canned pumpkin is nearly identical to fresh, making it a convenient and health-friendly ingredient in healthy pumpkin bread and other recipes.

How Many Calories Are in 1 Slice of Pumpkin Bread?

One slice of traditional pumpkin bread can run between 260 and 320 calories. However, a slice of healthy pumpkin bread typically has 160 to 190 calories , thanks to the use of whole wheat flour, less oil, and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. If you reduce added extras like chocolate chips or nuts, you can bring the count even lower.

How Healthy Is Baked Pumpkin?

Baked pumpkin is incredibly healthy. It’s a rich source of beta-carotene , which your body converts into vitamin A. It also provides vitamin C , fiber , and potassium , making it great for your immune system, digestion, and heart health. In healthy pumpkin bread , it adds both flavor and nutritional value, all while acting as a natural moistening agent that cuts the need for excess fat.

Healthy Pumpkin Bread: The Best 1-Bowl Recipe Ever (2025)

Description

Fluffy, one-bowl healthy pumpkin bread made with honey and whole wheat flour.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup pumpkin purée (unsweetened, canned or fresh)
1 ¾ cups white whole wheat flour
½ cup honey or pure maple syrup
2 large eggs (or 2 flax eggs for vegan: 2 tbsp flaxseed meal + 6 tbsp water)
⅓ cup melted coconut oil (or olive oil)
¼ cup almond milk (or any milk)
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, eggs or flax eggs, honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, milk, and vanilla.
Sprinkle in baking soda, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well.
Add the flour and stir until just combined—do not overmix.
Fold in any optional add-ins (chocolate chips or nuts).
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cool completely before slicing. Enjoy!

Notes

To make it vegan, use flax eggs and maple syrup
To make it gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend
You can reduce calories by swapping half the oil with unsweetened applesauce
Freezer-friendly—wrap individual slices for easy grab-and-go breakfasts

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Baked Goods, Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American, Clean Eating

Nutrition

Calories: 175
Sugar: 10g
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 4g