The Best Whole Wheat Pumpkin Bread: Healthy, Vegan-Friendly & Delicious

Prepare to fall in love with this incredible Whole Wheat Pumpkin Bread! Crafted with nutritious whole wheat flour, heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil, and pure pumpkin puree, this loaf is a testament to how wholesome baking can be utterly delicious. Each slice is wonderfully soft and tender, boasting delightful flecks of shredded coconut and generously studded with rich dark chocolate chunks. What’s even better? It’s naturally egg-free, and can be effortlessly made dairy-free and completely vegan by simply opting for vegan chocolate chips. This recipe is your go-to for a healthier, yet indulgent, treat that captures the essence of autumn.

*This post was originally published in October 2017 and has been thoughtfully updated with enhanced recipe tips, helpful suggestions, and new mouth-watering photos to inspire your baking. Rest assured, the beloved original recipe remains perfectly preserved, delivering the same fantastic results.

If the comforting flavors of pumpkin truly captivate your taste buds, you absolutely must explore some of our other delightful pumpkin creations. For another incredibly easy and equally delicious vegan option, you’ll definitely want to try this vegan pumpkin snack cake. It’s a dreamy confection featuring more dark chocolate chips and crowned with a luscious, rich chocolate ganache topping, perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Adore This Healthy Whole Wheat Pumpkin Loaf

This whole wheat pumpkin bread isn’t just another recipe; it’s an experience waiting to happen. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen, especially during the cozy fall months:

• Effortless Preparation: You only need a mere 11 staple ingredients and less than 10 minutes of active prep time. This means less stress and more time enjoying the process and the delicious outcome.
• Minimal Equipment Required: Forget about fancy gadgets or stand mixers! All you’ll need are a few basic bowls and a trusty whisk. This recipe proves that exceptional baking doesn’t require an arsenal of kitchen tools.
• Perfect Texture and Flavor: It bakes up consistently tender, moist, and incredibly fluffy, making it the ideal companion for your morning coffee or a soothing mug of tea on a crisp autumn afternoon. The subtle sweetness and warm spices are truly comforting.
• Holiday-Ready Convenience: This pumpkin bread is an excellent make-ahead option. Bake it now, freeze it, and effortlessly pull it out to impress guests during the busy holiday season, or simply enjoy it whenever a craving strikes.
• Irresistible Flavor Combination: We’re talking about the magical pairing of sweet, shredded coconut and decadent dark chocolate chunks swirling through a spiced pumpkin bread. Need we say more? This combination elevates a simple loaf to something truly extraordinary.
• Wholesome Goodness: Made with whole wheat flour and healthy fats, this bread offers a more nutritious alternative to traditional recipes without sacrificing flavor or texture. It’s a guilt-free indulgence you can feel good about.

Honestly, the most challenging part of preparing this healthy pumpkin bread recipe isn’t the baking itself, but the agonizing wait for the loaf to cool completely before you can finally slice into its inviting goodness! The aroma alone is enough to test your patience.

Key Ingredients for Your Whole Wheat Pumpkin Bread

Creating this flavorful and healthy whole wheat pumpkin bread requires a simple list of ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving its perfect taste and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• Whole Wheat Flour: Opting for whole wheat flour adds a wonderful nutty flavor and a significant boost of fiber compared to all-purpose flour. This makes your pumpkin bread more wholesome and satisfying.
• Coconut Sugar: A less refined alternative to white sugar, coconut sugar provides a caramel-like sweetness that complements the pumpkin and spices beautifully. It keeps the loaf naturally sweet without being overly rich.
• Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: This adds a lovely texture and a subtle tropical hint that pairs surprisingly well with the autumnal pumpkin flavors. Make sure it’s unsweetened to control the overall sugar content.
• Pumpkin Spice: The quintessential blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that defines the taste of fall. This spice mix is crucial for that classic pumpkin bread aroma and flavor.
• Baking Soda & Salt: Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, helping the bread rise and achieve its fluffy texture. A touch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Cashew or Almond Milk: These plant-based milks provide the necessary liquid without any dairy, making the recipe vegan-friendly. Their mild flavor won’t overpower the pumpkin.
• Pure Pumpkin Purée (not pumpkin pie filling): This is the star ingredient! Ensure you use pure pumpkin purée, which is simply cooked and mashed pumpkin, not the pre-spiced pie filling, to control the flavor profile. It provides moisture and that rich pumpkin taste.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A healthier fat choice, olive oil contributes to the bread’s moistness and tender crumb, along with a subtle, pleasant fruity note. It’s an excellent alternative to butter or other oils.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla adds depth and warmth, enhancing the overall sweetness and spice profile of the pumpkin bread.
• Dark Chocolate Chunks or Chips: The delightful surprise in every bite! Dark chocolate provides a lovely contrast to the sweet pumpkin, adding a rich, slightly bitter note that elevates the loaf to a dessert-like indulgence. Use vegan chips if needed.

How to Make This Delicious Whole Wheat Pumpkin Bread

This whole wheat pumpkin loaf is not only incredibly delicious but also remarkably simple to prepare, coming together with minimal fuss. Follow these straightforward steps to bake your perfect loaf:

• Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients. In a generously sized mixing bowl, combine your whole wheat flour, coconut sugar, unsweetened shredded coconut, pumpkin spice, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and uniformly distributed. This ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly dispersed throughout the loaf.
• Step 2: Mix Your Wet Ingredients. Grab a smaller separate bowl. Into this bowl, whisk together the plant-based milk (cashew or almond milk work best), pure pumpkin purée, extra virgin olive oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully emulsified.
• Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures. Gently pour the wet mixture from the small bowl into the large bowl containing your dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir the ingredients just until they are combined. It’s crucial not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough or dense bread. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
• Step 4: Incorporate the Chocolate. Carefully fold in half of your dark chocolate chunks (or chips) into the batter. This ensures that every slice will have delightful pockets of chocolate goodness.
• Step 5: Prepare for Baking. Pour the pumpkin bread batter evenly into your greased 9″ x 5″ loaf pan. Take the remaining half of the dark chocolate chunks and artfully poke them into the top of the batter. This allows them to melt beautifully on the surface, creating an appealing finish.
• Step 6: Bake and Cool. Place the loaf pan into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 45-50 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan for at least 20-30 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to finish cooling. Patience is key here; slicing too early can cause the bread to crumble.

Storage and Freezing Tips for Your Pumpkin Bread

Once you’ve baked this delicious whole wheat pumpkin bread, you’ll want to ensure it stays fresh and flavorful for as long as possible. Here are the best ways to store and freeze your loaf:

• Proper Storage: After the bread has cooled entirely to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it as a whole loaf or pre-cut it into individual slices for easier access. Stored correctly at room temperature, your pumpkin bread will maintain its delightful freshness and moisture for approximately 3-4 days.
• Extended Freezing: For longer enjoyment, this pumpkin bread freezes beautifully! Once the loaf is completely cool, wrap it tightly in a layer of plastic wrap, then another layer of aluminum foil (or place it in a resealable freezer bag). This double layer helps prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. For ultimate convenience, you can also slice the entire loaf before freezing, placing individual pieces between layers of parchment paper within the freezer bag. This allows you to grab a single slice whenever you desire, without having to thaw the entire loaf. Simply thaw slices at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave or oven.

Recipe Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Got questions about baking this whole wheat pumpkin bread? We’ve got answers to ensure your baking experience is a success!

Additional Recipe Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Bread

To ensure your whole wheat pumpkin bread turns out perfectly every single time, keep these extra tips in mind:

• Loaf Pan Size Matters: This recipe is specifically designed for a standard 9″ x 5″ loaf pan. If your pan is larger or smaller, you might need to slightly adjust the baking time. A smaller pan might require a little more time, while a larger one could bake faster. Always rely on the toothpick test for doneness.
• Milk Substitutions: While the recipe calls for almond or cashew milk to keep it dairy-free and vegan, if you don’t require the bread to be vegan, you can certainly use regular dairy milk as a direct 1:1 substitute. The flavor profile will remain delicious.
• Sweetener Flexibility: I personally prefer coconut sugar for its less processed nature and subtle caramel notes, but brown sugar is an excellent and equally delicious substitute. It will provide a similar depth of flavor and moisture.
• Flavor Variations: Feel free to customize your loaf! Instead of, or in addition to, dark chocolate chips, try folding in a generous half-cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful nutty crunch. Dried cranberries or raisins can also add a chewy texture and fruity tang.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: This is a golden rule for many quick bread recipes. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a tough and dense texture. Mix just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined, even if there are a few small lumps.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your wet ingredients (like milk and pumpkin purée, if refrigerated) are at room temperature helps them emulsify better with the oil and mix more smoothly with the dry ingredients, resulting in a more uniform batter and a better final texture.
• Check Your Oven Calibration: Ovens can sometimes run hotter or colder than their set temperature. If you find your baked goods consistently under or overcooked, consider getting an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy, which can significantly impact baking results.

More Irresistible Pumpkin Dessert Recipes

If you’re as enamored with pumpkin as we are, you’ll be thrilled to explore more ways to incorporate this versatile ingredient into your sweet treats. Here are some other delightful pumpkin-themed dessert recipes from Crumb Top Baking that you simply must try:

• Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats: These aren’t your average Rice Krispie treats! Our version is wonderfully marshmallow-free, sweetened with the wholesome goodness of honey and maple syrup, and elegantly finished with a drizzle of rich dark chocolate. They’re a perfect no-bake fall treat.
• Baked Pumpkin Donuts: Indulge in these soft and fluffy baked donuts, infused with warm pumpkin spice. They feature delightful pecans baked right into the top for an extra crunch and are drizzled with dark chocolate for a decadent finish. A healthier twist on a classic!
• Whole Wheat Pumpkin Muffins: These wholesome muffins are dairy-free and can easily be made vegan. They’re incredibly soft and fluffy, made with nutrient-rich whole wheat flour, a hint of peanut butter for extra richness, and studded with dark chocolate chips for a delightful surprise in every bite.
• Pumpkin Bundt Cake: A show-stopping dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious! This moist and tender bundt cake is made with real pumpkin puree, a generous amount of pumpkin spice, and features enticing swirls of chocolate throughout. It bakes up effortlessly in a bundt pan, making it perfect for entertaining.

We hope you enjoy baking and savoring this incredible Whole Wheat Pumpkin Bread. If you do make this recipe, we would absolutely love to hear what you think! Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.

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