Warm, spiced, and irresistibly moist, this Low-Fat Pumpkin Bread with Applesauce is a fall favorite you’ll want to bake again and again. Perfect for cozy mornings, holiday gatherings, or even as a quick snack, this bread combines rich pumpkin flavor with a healthier twist. Thanks to applesauce, it stays tender without excess oil, making it a guilt-free treat that busy families can enjoy anytime.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
5 Reasons Why You’ll Love It
- Moist and tender texture
- Lower in fat but full of flavor
- Perfect for fall gatherings
- Freezer-friendly for meal prep
- Easy, no-fuss baking recipe
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 10 slices
Ingredients List
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Cooling rack
How to Make Step-by-Step
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until evenly combined.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 4: Add Mix-Ins
If desired, fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Low-Fat Pumpkin Bread with Applesauce
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
Batter
- 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pumpkin puree plain, not pie filling
- 0.67 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 0.67 cup granulated sugar
- 0.25 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg
- 0.25 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped nuts optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until well blended.
- In a large bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, applesauce, sugars, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in chocolate chips or nuts if using.
- Transfer batter to prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 48–55 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pan 10 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
Variations to Try
- Swap chocolate chips for dried cranberries for a festive twist.
- Add a cream cheese swirl for extra indulgence.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to a week if you prefer chilled bread.
- Freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic for up to 2 months.
Pro Tips
- For extra moisture, don’t overbake—check at the 45-minute mark.
- Use homemade pumpkin puree for a fresher flavor.
- Toast slices lightly before serving with butter or cream cheese.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 185
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 19g
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but it may make the bread slightly denser.
Can I replace the eggs?
Yes, use flax eggs or an egg replacer for a vegan option.
Do I need to peel apples if I use fresh puree?
No, blending cooked apples with skins on adds extra fiber.
Closing Notes
This Low-Fat Pumpkin Bread with Applesauce is a lighter take on a seasonal classic, giving you all the warm, spiced goodness without the guilt. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or as part of your holiday spread, it’s sure to become a staple in your fall baking. Bake, slice, and share the joy of pumpkin season.
