Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze
As a dietitian, I love pumpkin spice season not only for the flavor itself, but because pumpkin is rich in so many good-for-you vitamins and minerals!
Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A which supports our immune system, the function of our vital organs, and our vision. Specifically, it is rich in B carotene, which is a pigment that gives it the vibrant orange color you see. This compound is the precursor to vitamin A and a powerful antioxidant that can reduce your risk of cancer. Pumpkin is also rich in fiber, which is my favorite topic! Fiber helps to supports your gut health, lower cholesterol, and stabilize blood sugar levels. To read more about the nutritional benefits of pumpkin, take a look at my blog post here!
One of my favorite fall treats is pumpkin bread. My version is a little healthier because it is made with less sugar, less butter, and swaps regular flour for oat and whole wheat. I love to top this pumpkin bread with chopped pecans that get toasted in the oven for a great crunch. The sweet maple glaze on the top adds some moisture and sweetness. Try out this pumpkin bread with maple glaze for breakfast, snack, or dessert this fall season - or anytime!
This easy pumpkin bread recipe with maple glaze and pecans is healthier than most, yet still contains all of the same pumpkin spice flavor! It's made with less sugar, less butter, and swaps regular flour for oat and whole wheat.
- 6 tbsp butter, melted (can use vegan butter or neutral oil)
- 2 eggs
- 15 oz pumpkin puree (1 regular sized can)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup white whole wheat flour
- 3/4 cup oat flour (see notes)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp milk of choice (may need more to get the right consistency)
- dash cinnamon
- Preheat the oven to 350 F.
- Prepare a 9x5 inch loaf pan by lining with parchment paper or greasing with butter or oil.
- If you don't have oat flour and are using whole oats, blend those in the blender until they are finely ground. Some larger pieces are fine.
- Melt your butter and let it cool. If you're using dairy butter you can brown it on the stove for extra flavor. Stir frequently until it is golden brown. Watch it closely, though!
- In a large bowl, mix together your pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla, and maple syrup until well combined. Add in the melted butter and mix well.
- Next, add in your dry ingredients: oat flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice. Using a spatula, mix until just combined.
- Pour into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top. Add chopped pecans on top of the loaf.
Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Start checking around 45 minutes as each oven is different.
- When baking, make your glaze by mixing powdered sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and milk with a whisk. Mix well. If you need to you can add more milk 1 tsp at a time.
- Once the loaf is done, let cool for about 10 minutes before taking out of the pan. Then pour over all your icing.
Enjoy! Store at room temp for 3 days or longer if in the fridge. The oat flour will go off sooner than if you made it with regular flour.
- You can use rolled oats or old fashioned oats in this recipe to turn into oat flour. Blend up 3/4 cups of oats in a blender until finely ground.
- Feel free to use all white whole wheat flour in place of the oat flour. It's still delicious!
- Make sure you use pumpkin puree with only pumpkin in the ingredients rather than a pumpkin pie filling.
- Store for 3 days at room temp or longer if in the fridge. The oat flour will go off sooner than if you made it with regular flour.
Hey there, I’m Lee! As a registered dietitian, I’m passionate about creating easy, nutritious recipes that inspire a balanced approach to eating. I love to experiment with new dishes in the kitchen and am a true chocolate enthusiast. I aim to demystify nutrition misinformation and share recipes that nourish your body and soul. Join me on this journey to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and delicious!
