Soft pumpkin spice bread filled with juicy apples for a cozy, nutrient-packed fall loaf that feels like comfort food in every slice.
A Cozy Pumpkin Apple Fall Favorite
Pumpkin and apple are two of the best flavors of fall, and this Pumpkin Apple Bread combines them into one wholesome, bakery-style loaf. Traditional pumpkin breads can be high in sugar, refined flour, and butter, but this lighter version focuses on nourishing ingredients while keeping the classic moist texture everyone loves. Pumpkin puree adds natural moisture and fiber, fresh apples bring sweetness and freshness, and Greek yogurt helps create a tender crumb while adding protein. Made with oat flour, whole wheat flour, warm spices, and reduced added sugar, this loaf is lower in calories and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a healthier dessert. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to bake all season long.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Seasonal Favorite: Combines two classic fall ingredients into one delicious loaf.
- Higher in Protein: Greek yogurt adds protein while keeping the bread moist.
- Lower in Sugar: Uses pumpkin, apples, and maple syrup for balanced sweetness.
- Rich in Fiber: Pumpkin, apples, and whole grains help keep you satisfied.
- Perfectly Moist: No dry pumpkin bread here—every slice stays soft.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and no mixer required.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Great for quick breakfasts and snacks throughout the week.
Time Breakdown & Servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1½ cups oat flour
- 1 cup white whole wheat flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ¾ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 cup finely diced Honeycrisp apple
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Ingredient Notes & Practical Substitutions
- Pumpkin Puree: Use plain canned pumpkin, not sweetened pumpkin pie filling.
- Greek Yogurt: Replace with dairy-free Greek-style yogurt for a dairy-free loaf.
- Oat Flour: Use certified gluten-free oat flour if needed.
- Apples: Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith all work well.
- Maple Syrup: Swap with monk fruit syrup or sugar-free maple syrup to reduce sugar further.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
You’ll only need a few basic baking tools to make this fall-inspired loaf.
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cooling rack
- Toothpick
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 1½ cups oat flour, 1 cup white whole wheat flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt. 🎃
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine 2 eggs, ¾ cup pumpkin puree, ¾ cup Greek yogurt, ¼ cup applesauce, ⅓ cup maple syrup, 2 teaspoons vanilla, and 2 tablespoons avocado oil until smooth.
- Combine the Batter: Slowly fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Add the Apples: Toss 1 cup diced apples with 1 teaspoon lemon juice, then gently fold them into the batter along with ¼ cup chopped walnuts if using. 🍎
- Fill the Loaf Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake: Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Bread: Let the loaf cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a cooling rack. ✨
- Slice and Serve: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing for the best texture.
Expert Tips for Best Results
- Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- Dice apples small so every slice gets even pieces.
- Do not overmix after adding the flour.
- Let the loaf cool completely before slicing.
- Toast nuts before adding them for extra fall flavor.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Using pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree.
- Adding too many apples, which can make the loaf soggy.
- Overbaking until the bread becomes dry.
- Measuring flour incorrectly.
- Cutting the bread while still warm.
Recipe Variations
- Vegan Version: Replace eggs with two flax eggs, use dairy-free yogurt, and choose maple syrup as the sweetener.
- High-Protein Version: Add ½ cup vanilla protein powder and increase Greek yogurt by ¼ cup.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use certified gluten-free oat flour and a gluten-free baking blend.
- Pumpkin Apple Chocolate Chip Version: Add ¼ cup dark chocolate chips for a dessert-style loaf.
- Pumpkin Apple Streusel Version: Add an oat, cinnamon, and pecan crumble topping before baking.
What to Serve With This Dish
- Plain Greek yogurt with cinnamon.
- A pumpkin spice latte.
- Hot apple cider.
- Almond butter spread on top.
- Fresh fruit.
Storage & Reheating Guide
Store: Keep covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 6 days.
Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or toast lightly before serving.
Estimated Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 195 |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Carbs | 28 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the exact ingredients and brands used.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin?
Yes. Homemade pumpkin puree works well as long as it has a similar thick consistency.
- What apples are best for pumpkin apple bread?
Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith are great because they hold their texture while baking.
- Can I freeze this bread?
Yes. Slice the loaf, wrap individual pieces, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Can I make this into muffins instead?
Absolutely. Bake in a lined muffin tin at 350°F (175°C) for about 18–22 minutes.
- How can I make this bread more protein-rich?
Add vanilla protein powder or serve each slice with Greek yogurt for extra protein.
Conclusion
This Pumpkin Apple Bread is the perfect blend of warm pumpkin spice, juicy apples, and wholesome ingredients. It’s cozy enough for fall mornings, nourishing enough for breakfast, and delicious enough to serve as dessert. Save this recipe to Pinterest so you can enjoy this healthier autumn favorite all season long! 🎃🍎