Wholesome pumpkin spiced loaf (Printable Version)

Moist spiced pumpkin loaf sweetened with maple syrup, oats, and nuts for a wholesome treat.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
02 - 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
03 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
06 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
07 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

09 - 1 cup pumpkin puree
10 - 2 large eggs
11 - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
12 - 1/3 cup olive oil or melted coconut oil
13 - 1/4 cup dairy or unsweetened plant-based milk
14 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Add-Ins

15 - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
16 - 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
17 - 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds (pepitas) for topping

# How To Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, rolled oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, eggs, maple syrup, olive oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
04 - Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined without overmixing.
05 - Fold in chopped nuts and optional chocolate chips evenly into the batter.
06 - Pour batter into prepared pan, smooth the surface, and sprinkle with pumpkin seeds.
07 - Bake for 45 to 55 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
08 - Allow loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely prior to slicing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes indulgent and cozy, but you're actually feeding your body whole grains and natural sweetness—no guilt required
  • The texture is perfectly moist and tender, never dry or crumbly, thanks to the balance of oil and pumpkin
  • It comes together in just 15 minutes of prep, making it ideal for busy mornings or unexpected guests
  • One slice keeps you satisfied longer than most breakfast options, with the combination of fiber and healthy fats
02 -
  • Room temperature ingredients blend together seamlessly while cold ingredients can create pockets of flour that don't hydrate properly. This one detail transforms the texture from good to genuinely luxurious.
  • Gentle folding is non-negotiable. I learned this the hard way when I overmixed out of impatience, and the resulting loaf was dense and heavy. These strokes matter more than they seem.
  • A toothpick test at 45 minutes tells you everything—clean means perfectly done, and a few moist crumbs means it's still cooking. Err on the side of slightly underbaked; carryover heat will finish it as it cools.
03 -
  • Bring your pumpkin puree to room temperature before mixing—cold pumpkin can shock the batter and create an uneven crumb structure
  • Toast your nuts lightly in a dry skillet for a minute before chopping and adding them; this deepens their flavor in ways that transform the entire loaf

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