Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that won't derail your healthy eating goals? Then look no further! This Weight Watchers-friendly pumpkin bread recipe is the perfect solution. It's moist, spiced to perfection, and surprisingly easy to make. Get ready to enjoy a guilt-free slice of autumnal deliciousness! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a quick dinner idea or a satisfying dessert without the added calories.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour (or a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose for a lighter crumb)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sugar substitute (such as Splenda or Stevia; adjust to your preferred sweetness)
- ½ cup milk (skim or almond milk work well)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your bread releases easily.
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Thoroughly combining the dry ingredients prevents clumps in your final product.
- Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, applesauce, eggs, sugar substitute, and milk. This step creates a smooth and consistent batter.
- Combine: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough bread.
- Add Nuts (Optional): Stir in the chopped nuts, if using.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark to prevent overbaking.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling completely allows the bread to set properly.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Bread:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and milk helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough bread. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
- Storage: Store leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- Spiced it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
- Chocolate Chunk Delight: Fold in ½ cup of dark chocolate chips for an indulgent twist.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Prepare a simple cream cheese frosting (using a reduced-fat cream cheese) and swirl it into the batter before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
*Calories: (will vary depending on specific ingredients and portion size) This is an estimate and should be verified using a nutritional calculator with your exact ingredients.
This delicious and healthy Weight Watchers pumpkin bread is perfect for a cozy autumn afternoon or a healthy snack. Enjoy the homemade cooking experience and the satisfying taste of this simple yet impressive recipe. It's a delicious dish that's sure to become a family favorite! Remember to adjust the sweetness according to your preferences and always check your Weight Watchers points using their official tracking system.