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Naturally Sweetened Pumpkin Bread
ChocolateMedium

Naturally Sweetened Pumpkin Bread

Recipe by Isabel Boyce

From the Blog Author

This Naturally Sweetened Pumpkin Bread is one of my favorites because it reminds me of Sunday mornings spent laughing in the kitchen with my grandmother. I still hear the crackle of fresh pumpkin puree and the comforting scent of cinnamon as the batter rises. What I love most is how the bread is so moist and dense, yet it never feels gummy—just the right balance of that sweet, natural flavor. The real secret is the combination of ripe pumpkin, mashed banana, and a splash of maple syrup that keeps it naturally sweet without any added sugar. Fresh whole‑spice mix—cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of ginger—deepens the aroma, while a sprinkle of toasted nuts on top adds a crunchy finish that makes every bite delightful. A little tip: let the pumpkin puree chill in the fridge for an hour before mixing. This brings out a richer color and prevents the batter from getting too thick in the oven. Also, if you have a non‑sticking pan, the bread comes out easier, saving you a little extra hassle. If you try this, I’d love to hear how it turns out in your kitchen. Share your stories and photos with us—I’m always excited to see how you make it your own.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
1 hour 30 minutes
Servings
0
Difficulty
Medium

Ingredients

  • 2 cups flour
  • 4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup pumpkin purée
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1/3 cup neutral oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 11/2 teaspoons vanilla

Directions

1

Preheat oven to 325°F and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.

2

In separate bowls, mix the wet ingredients and the dry ingredients.

3

Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.

4

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

5

Bake for approximately 60 minutes.

6

Let the loaf cool completely before slicing and serving.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

1
DEIME Air Fryer 3 Qt, Small Airfryer Digital Space Saving Compact, Bake, Reheat, Roasts for Quick Easy Meals, Mini Compact & Quiet, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket (Black)
• Digital Controls: precise temperature and timer keep pastries golden and flaky every time. • Non‑stick Basket: releases cookies and brownies without a second cleaning, so you can focus on flavor. • Compact Size: fits under the counter, leaving room for trays of cake batter or a cookie sheet. • Quiet Operation: bake overnight without waking anyone, keeping the kitchen calm for your next batch. Why We Love It: The non‑stick basket saves cleanup time, letting you focus on creative dessert ideas—perfect for busy bakers who love sweet successes.
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2
Air Fryer Oven Large 20 QT, 10-in-1 Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo with Window for Family, Airfryer Oven with Rotisserie, 3 Dehydrating Racks
• 20‑QT Capacity: Bake large batches for families—or desserts that last—saving prep time. • 10‑In‑1 All‑in‑One: Cook toast, bake, air‑fry, roast, dehydrate—one appliance, no clutter. • Clear Window: Watch golden crusts finish perfectly without opening the door. • Rotisserie Feature: Evenly roast fruit or treats for a moist, caramelized result. • Dehydrating Racks: Turn fresh fruit into sweet, snack‑size treats faster. Why We Love It: Its big capacity and rotisserie make family‑sized desserts effortless, and the dehydrating racks turn fruit into tasty, homemade snacks in minutes.
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3
Ninja | Air Fryer | 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity fits 9lbs of Wings | 6-in-1 Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat & Dehydrate | Nonstick Basket, Crisper Plate & Recipe Guide | Grey | AF181
• 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity lets you bake cookies or cake layers for the whole party in one go. • 6-in-1 Max Crisp mixes air fry, bake, and dehydrate, so fewer appliances and more baking freedom. • Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate releases desserts cleanly, cutting cleanup time. • Recipe Guide gives fool‑proof dessert tips for first‑time bakers. Why We Love It: We love the big capacity for crowd‑sized treats. And Max Crisp gives every cookie a perfect edge.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store this naturally sweetened pumpkin bread to keep it fresh?

This pumpkin bread stays moist best when stored tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooled loaf, wrapped well, for up to three months. Ensure it is completely cooled before wrapping to prevent condensation.

Can I substitute the maple syrup in this naturally sweetened pumpkin bread recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the 1/2 cup of maple syrup with an equal amount of honey or agave nectar for an alternative natural sweetener. Keep in mind that these substitutions might slightly alter the final flavor profile and moisture level of the bread. Since this recipe is naturally sweetened, avoid using granulated white sugar.

What is the best way to ensure my pumpkin bread isn't dry after baking for 1 hour 30 minutes?

To prevent dryness, be careful not to overmix the batter after combining the wet and dry ingredients; mix only until just combined. Also, test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center after 1 hour 30 minutes; if it comes out with moist crumbs attached, it's ready. Overbaking is the primary cause of dry quick breads.