Healthy Pumpkin Bread Recipe with Applesauce

This healthy pumpkin bread recipe with applesauce is made with almond flour, real pumpkin puree, dark chocolate chips, and unsweetened applesauce making it a healthier pumpkin bread recipe than other traditional recipes. Recipes that use applesauce, like this pumpkin bread, are a great way to add a healthy touch to your favorite baked goods.

Pure pumpkin puree and applesauce provide natural sweetness, while almond flour creates a light and fluffy texture. Delicious dark chocolate chips are sprinkled in for bursts of rich, bittersweet flavor that perfectly complement the pumpkin flavor. Infused with the warm flavors of fall spices, this homemade pumpkin bread is perfect for a satisfying breakfast, afternoon pick-me-up, or anytime you crave a delicious and healthy treat.

The best part? This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps, so you can whip up a batch without getting lost in the kitchen for hours. Let the warm aroma of pumpkin spice fill your home as you bake this delectable and nutritious bread!

feature healthy pumpkin bread recipe with applesauce

This Healthy Pumpkin Bread with Applesauce is a delightful indulgence that caters to both gluten-free needs and a desire for wholesome goodness. I’ve kicked refined sugars and unhealthy fats for a guilt-free loaf bursting with flavor and packed with nutritious ingredients.

What You Need to Make This Pumpkin Bread Recipe with Applesauce

To make this tasty pumpkin bread you will need a few simple ingredients that are commonly used in gluten-free baking. You can find all of these are the local grocery store and/or online.

2 1/2 cups almond flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp
1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla bean powder
1 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp cloves
4 eggs, room temperature
1 cup pure pumpkin purée
1 cup applesauce
3 Tbsp coconut oil, melted
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (plus 1-2 Tbsp for the top of the loaf)

ingredients to make pumpkin bread with applesauce and chocolate chips

Ingredients Tips and Substitutions

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Make sure to use real pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling. To make the best pumpkin bread you need to use real pumpkin.

To keep this healthy recipe gluten-free I am swapping out traditional flour, like all-purpose flour, and using nutty almond flour.

Instead of premade pumpkin pie spice, we use each of the individual warm spices. Alternatively, you can use 2-3 tsp of premixed pumpkin pie spice if you’d like.

I am a huge fan of using vanilla bean powder, a pure form of vanilla made from dried vanilla beans. If you don’t have vanilla powder, use 1 tsp vanilla extract instead of the powder.

For the applesauce, you can opt for store-bought or make your own, using my easy applesauce recipe.

Coconut oil is a much healthier oil than vegetable oil and is my preferred oil of choice when baking.

Make sure to check out my essentials for gluten-free baking and keep your pantry fully stocked for all of your healthy cooking needs.

How to Make Healthy Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips

First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Then combine the almond flour with the pumpkin pie spices in a large bowl.

almond flour in bowl with pumpkin pie spices

Whisk the flour mixture together and set aside.

In a separate bowl, combine the eggs with the applesauce.

Next, add the pureed pumpkin to the mixing bowl.

organic pumpkin puree in with applesauce and eggs

Add the coconut oil.

coconut oil an a glass bowl with pumpkin applesauce and eggs

Stir to combine. Then pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly either with a spoon, spatula, or an electric mixer.

Gently fold the dark chocolate chips into the pumpkin mixture.

fold cacao chips into pumpkin bread batter

How Long to Bake Pumpkin Bread

First, line a loaf pan with parchment paper.

Pour the pumpkin bread batter into the pan, and top with chocolate chips.

Place into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until done, or until it passes the toothpick test. Poke a toothpick into the center of the tender pumpkin bread and if it comes out clean then it is ready. But if the toothpick comes out wet with batter then it needs more time. If needed, tent with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning of the edges.

pumpkin bread batter in loaf pan with cacao chips on top

When ready, remove the applesauce pumpkin bread from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool.

baked pumpkin bread in loaf pan on wire rack

Gently lift the loaf from the pan with the parchment paper to allow the loaf to cool completely.

healthy pumpkin bread on wire rack to cool

Easy Healthy Pumpkin Bread Recipe with Applesauce

This recipe is perfect for the fall months when the air gets crisp and the craving for pumpkin treats is strong. Feel good indulging in those pumpkin cravings without sacrificing your health. Made with almond flour for a gluten-free option and applesauce for natural sweetness, this pumpkin bread is a healthier twist on a classic. Enjoy the warm flavors of pumpkin season with this perfect fall treat.

easy healthy almond flour pumpkin bread recipe with applesauce on white platter

There is no reason to limit it to the fall, you can make this recipe any time of year. It has the perfect amount of spice to balance the natural sweetness of apple, pumpkin, and dark chocolate.