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Pumpkin Bread

https://www.loveandlemons.com/pumpkin-bread/

If you love pumpkin, you HAVE to try this easy pumpkin bread recipe! Super moist, warmly spiced & filled with pumpkin flavor, it’s the perfect fall treat.

Happy pumpkin season! To be honest, I didn’t get the fall pumpkin frenzy for a long time. Why go crazy for pumpkin when apples, sweet potatoes, and hundreds of amazing squash varieties (spaghetti, delicata, acorn, and butternut, to name a few) are in peak season too? Enter: this pumpkin bread recipe. Super moist, warmly spiced, and filled with delicious pumpkin flavor, it might just have won me over to team pumpkin.

I typically crave pumpkin bread at two times of day: in the morning for breakfast or in the afternoon with a coffee or tea. Because I wanted this recipe to be one I could feel good about enjoying for breakfast, I made it on the healthy side. Honestly, it’s the best pumpkin bread I’ve had! It’s lightly sweet, so the bold, spiced flavors really shine through. And though it’s wonderfully moist, it’s not too rich, so I don’t feel weighed down after eating a slice (or two). If pumpkin season means having this recipe on repeat for a while, I’m 100% on board.

Healthy Pumpkin Bread Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy pumpkin bread recipe:

  • Whole wheat pastry flour – My favorite flour for healthy baking! Whole wheat pastry flour has more nutrients than all-purpose flour, but it’s more finely ground than regular whole wheat flour. As a result, baked goods made with it (like my blueberry muffins or carrot cake) come out light, puffy, and not at all dense.
  • Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice – In the past, I’ve just used cinnamon and nutmeg in my pumpkin bread. But, funnily enough, I was out of nutmeg when I was testing this recipe one day. I swapped in allspice, and I didn’t look back. Together, all three spices give this loaf an amazing autumn-spiced flavor.
  • Extra-virgin olive oil – Not only is extra-virgin olive oil healthy, but it also gives this bread the perfect moist texture. And because the pumpkin is moist on its own, you only need to use a small amount of oil here.
  • Almond milk – Almond milk is what I keep on hand, and it makes this recipe dairy-free. However, any type of milk (or even water!) will work in its place.
  • Pumpkin puree – It wouldn’t be pumpkin bread without pumpkin! My loaf uses a full cup, which adds irresistible pumpkin flavor and plenty of moisture.

Along with these key ingredients, grab some baking powder, baking soda, salt, eggs, cane sugar, and vanilla. Then, you’re ready to bake!

How to Make Pumpkin Bread

First, whisk together the wet and dry ingredients in separate bowls. Don’t skip this step by mixing everything together at once! It’s essential to avoid over-mixing the batter, which makes any quick bread gummy and dense.

Then, add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

Pour the batter into a prepared loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes, until the top springs back to the touch or a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the loaf to cool completely before slicing and serving. Then, enjoy!

Easy Pumpkin Bread Tips

  • Wait before you eat. It may be tempting to devour this loaf straight out of the oven, but if you can wait for it to cool, your patience will be rewarded. After cooling, the bread has a deeper pumpkin pie spice flavor and an even softer, moister texture.
  • Make extra, and freeze it! Like most baked goods, this pumpkin bread freezes well! I currently have a stash of slices in my freezer for quick breakfasts and snacks throughout the fall.
  • Waste not, want not. If you use canned puree, you’ll end up with about 3/4 cup leftover. Don’t let it go to waste! Make pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin muffins, French toast, waffles, cake, or cookies next!

Pumpkin Bread Recipe Variations

Do you like nuts, fruit, or chocolate in your pumpkin bread? Feel free to get creative with this recipe. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Make it vegan! Substitute 4 tablespoons ground flaxseed and 6 tablespoons warm water for the eggs. This version isn’t quite as puffy, but it’s still delicious.
  • Add some crunch. Stir in 1/2 cup of your favorite chopped nuts, and sprinkle some on top. Pecans or walnuts would be especially good!
  • Make it fruity. Fold 1/2 cup dried cranberries, dried tart cherries, raisins, or chopped dates into the batter.
  • Go the chocolate route. Sometimes, you just need a slice of pumpkin bread that’s studded with melty chocolate chips. If that’s what you’re craving, fold 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips into the batter, and scatter more on top for good measure.
  • Make your own pumpkin puree for the best pumpkin flavor. If you’ve never made homemade pumpkin puree, I heartily recommend trying it this fall. The stuff from the can is good, but the homemade kind is extra-sweet and bursting with flavor. Depending on the variety of pumpkin you use, your homemade puree may be more watery than the canned kind. If it seems thin, reduce the almond milk in this recipe by two tablespoons.

Let me know what variations you try!

pumpkin-bread-recipe

Pumpkin Bread

 

Author: Jeanine Donofrio

Recipe type: Breakfast, snack

  • 1½ cups whole wheat pastry flour*
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon allspice
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
  • ½ cup almond milk (or any milk)
  • ½ cup cane sugar
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 eggs**
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl whisk together the pumpkin purée, eggs, sugar, milk, olive oil, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Pour the dry ingredients into the bowl of wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix. Spoon the batter into the loaf pan and bake 45 to 50 minutes or the top springs back to the touch and a toothpick inserted comes clean.

*I like Bob’s Red Mill Whole Wheat Pastry Flour**Make this recipe vegan: In a small bowl, whisk together 4 tablespoons ground flaxseed and 6 tablespoons warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes, until thickened, and use in place of the eggs.

 

 

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Vegetarian Recipes

Ricotta Toast 4 Ways

I love a slice of avocado toast as much as the next person, but have you ever tried Ricotta Toast? Now, that’s what I call a breakfast upgrade! I whip creamy ricotta cheese with lemon zest, olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt to create a luxurious (but budget-friendly!) tangy spread that stores well in the fridge and tastes AMAZING on a slice of crispy sourdough toast. But my favorite part? There are endless ways to dress up ricotta toast, and I’ve shared four delicious variations below!

Overhead view of ricotta toast 4 ways.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this whipped ricotta toast recipe:

  • Whole Milk Ricotta: This is a creamy, slightly sweet, soft cheese made from the whey leftovers from making other types of cheese, like mozzarella. I recommend using whole milk ricotta to get the creamiest texture and best flavor for your toast.
  • Sourdough: You can use any type of bread you’d usually use to make toast. But, in my opinion, the best bread for ricotta toast is one that’s sturdy with a chewy crumb and crisp crust—like sourdough! I buy a whole loaf and slice it myself to get nice, thick slices. Other good options include whole grain, ciabatta, French bread, or bagels!
  • Lemon Zest: I zest a whole lemon and mix it with the creamy cheese. This adds the most delicious citrusy zing to the spread. Budget-friendly tip: Store the zested lemon in your fridge to make lemon water, lemonade, or to use in other recipes (like our homemade lemon curd!)
  • Olive Oil: Adds flavor and helps the cheese to whip up smooth and creamy.
  • Salt: It doesn’t matter if I’m making sweet or savory ricotta on toast; I always add a pinch of salt to make the flavors pop.

Tips & Suggestions!

  1. I highly recommend using whole milk ricotta. The higher fat content helps the cheese to whip up smooth and creamy with a cloud-like texture. Plus, the flavor is unbeatable! Lower fat options can be too watery and won’t whip to the same consistency. BUT if that’s all you have on hand, please don’t waste it! The texture won’t be the same as what’s shown in my process photos below, but it’ll still work as a topping for toast.
  2. Don’t have a hand mixer? Try your food processor! You could also whip it by hand, but it’ll take a lot longer and require some serious arm strength.
  3. It’s pretty common for ricotta to have a small amount of liquid (whey) on top when you open the container. Whenever that happens, I just stir it in before measuring my cheese.
  4. This creamy spread isn’t just for toast! I love it as a dip for fresh vegetables, mixed with pasta for a quick sauce, smothered on a sliced baguette as an appetizer, or as a spread on sandwiches. It’s really versatile and stores well in the fridge for a few days.

Make it Ahead

I love a breakfast I can prep ahead, so you already know this ricotta toast recipe is in my meal prep rotation! Make the whipped ricotta as directed in the recipe card, and store it in the fridge for 3-4 days. I usually give it a quick mix to reincorporate any liquid that may have separated before using. Then, all I do is toast my sourdough and add any toppings I fancy that day. It’s almost as easy as my overnight oats for breakfast meal prep. 😉

Ricotta Toast Variations

I think this whipped ricotta toast base recipe is delicious as-is, but it’s even better with toppings! I’ve tested many different topping combinations, but here are four stand-out favorites:

Roasted Grapes, Thyme, and Bacon

This topping is perfect for when you can’t decide between savory or sweet. Toss your grapes in a light coating of olive oil and roast in a 400°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until they become wrinkled and soft. You can cook the bacon however you’d like, but I recommend cooking it in the oven, as it’s already on and hot! Chop the cooked bacon into bite-sized pieces, layer your roasted grapes on top of the ricotta, and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves.

Overhead view of ricotta toast with roasted grapes, thyme and bacon.

Tomatoes, Basil, and Balsamic Reduction

Tomatoes, basil, and balsamic are ALWAYS a winning combination. Any kind of tomatoes work for this topping! Add a drizzle of balsamic reduction on top and fresh basil leaves, and you’re basically eating bruschetta for breakfast! YUM.

Overhead view of ricotta toast with blistered tomatoes, basil, and balsamic reduction.

Strawberry, Mint, and Honey

This whipped ricotta toast topping makes me dream of summer mornings. Bonus points if you grow your own mint and strawberries (season-dependent, of course!). Simply slice fresh strawberries, layer them on top of the toast, and sprinkle with torn mint leaves and a drizzle of honey. The flavors are so light and refreshing, and it really couldn’t be easier to make. You could also use other types of berries, like raspberries or blueberries.

Overhead view of ricotta toast with sliced strawberries, mint, and honey.

Mushrooms, Garlic, Wilted Spinach, and Red Pepper Flakes

For this one-pan topping, sauté sliced mushrooms (any type) in olive oil with a sprinkle of salt for about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute or so, then mix in fresh spinach until wilted. Season to taste before adding to your whipped ricotta with a pinch of red pepper flakes. The juicy mushrooms are irresistible, and the wilted spinach is a great way to sneak in some green veggies for breakfast, too.

Overhead view of ricotta toast with mushrooms, garlic, wilted spinach, and red pepper.

More Topping Ideas!

I honestly can’t think of a single savory or sweet ingredient that wouldn’t work well with this creamy, tangy lemon ricotta toast base recipe. Here are a few more ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Print

Ricotta Toast Recipe

Upgrade your breakfast game with this quick and easy Ricotta Toast recipe. It’s delicious as-is, but we’ve also included four tasty variations to try!
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Total Cost ($7.36 recipe / $0.92 serving)
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 8 to 10 slices
Calories 262kcal
Author Jess Rice

Equipment

  • Hand Mixer

Ingredients

  • 15 oz tub of whole milk ricotta (just shy of 2 cups) $2.67
  • 2 tsp lemon zest* $0.50
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil $0.19
  • ¼ tsp salt $0.01
  • 1 lb loaf of sourdough** $3.99

Instructions

  • Combine ricotta cheese, lemon zest, olive oil and salt in a medium mixing bowl.
  • Using a hand mixer, whip the ingredients together until they are smooth and creamy.
  • Slice sourdough into thick slices and toast.
  • Using a spatula or a butter knife, generously top the toasted sourdough. You can save any extra ricotta in the fridge and use it for easy meal prep throughout the week. The best part about this base recipe is that the ricotta mixture lends itself to both sweet and savory toppings.
  • Top the ricotta with any flavor combinations you love or just enjoy it as-is with a sprinkle of salt and a crank or two of freshly ground black pepper. Enjoy immediately for the best texture.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*I zested one whole lemon for this recipe and then saved the rest of the lemon in a ziplock baggie in the fridge for another recipe that requires lemon juice. I don’t recommend adding the lemon juice to the ricotta for this one, as the mixture will be too wet instead of being light and creamy.

**The bake-at-home sourdough loaves from Kroger are a nice option, but they don’t yield as many slices as a pre-sliced loaf, so use whatever you like best!

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 262kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 10g | Sodium: 459mg | Fiber: 1g

how to make Ricotta Toast – step by step photos

Ricotta, olive oil, and lemon zest in a mixing bowl.

Combine 15 oz ricotta cheese, 2 tsp lemon zest, 1 Tbsp olive oil, and ¼ tsp salt in a medium mixing bowl.

A hand mixer whipping ricotta in a mixing bowl.

Using a hand mixer, whip the ingredients together until they are smooth and creamy.

A loaf of sourdough bread cut into slices on a wooden cutting board.

Slice a 1 lb loaf of sourdough into thick slices and toast.

A hand spreading whipped ricotta on slices of sourdough toast.

Using a spatula or a butter knife, generously top the toasted sourdough. You can save any extra ricotta in the fridge and use it for easy meal prep throughout the week. The best part about this base recipe is that the ricotta mixture lends itself to both sweet and savory toppings.

Ricotta toast 4 ways on a wooden serving platter, one topped with strawberries and mint, the next with roasted grapes and bacon, another with blistered tomatoes and basil, and the last with mushrooms and wilted spinach.

Top the ricotta with any flavor combinations you love or just enjoy it as-is with a sprinkle of salt and a crank or two of freshly ground black pepper. Enjoy immediately for the best texture.

Ricotta toast 4 ways on a wooden serving platter, one topped with strawberries and mint, the next with roasted grapes and bacon, another with blistered tomatoes and basil, and the last with mushrooms and wilted spinach.

More Easy Toast Recipes

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