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Super moist and delicious pumpkin ginger bread. Made with healthy additions like applesauce, maple syrup, whole wheat flour, and pomegranate seeds. Every bite of this bread is filled with sweet pumpkin, and infused with hints of ginger and cinnamonโฆbeyond good. This recipe comesย by way of Joy Bauer and her latest book,ย Joyโs Simple Food Remedies, where every recipe is nothing short of delicious.


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Itโs hard to believe, but this is my first ever pumpkin bread recipe. In my six years of creating recipes Iโve yet to share a pumpkin bread recipe. I know, itโs shocking, but itโs true.
That all changes today, and itโs all thanks to Joy Bauer and her delicious (healthy) pumpkin gingerbread. If you read my last nine favorite things post, then you know that a couple of weeks ago I headed to New York to film something extra special with Joy. It was such a fun trip and we had a blast cooking a holiday meal for you allโฆcoming this December to her series Joyful Eats. Joy has been a friend for a while now, so it was great to finally do something together on camera!
Whatโs even more exciting? Joyโs latest cookbook (she has quite a few),ย Joyโs Simple Food Remedies, just came out a few weeks ago. Itโs full of DELICIOUS recipes that are geared towards curing whatever happens to be ailing you. Looking to boost your energy? Cure a hangover? Reduce wrinkles? Need a holiday detox? Joy has amazingly yummy and healthy recipes for all these, and so much more. Itโs honestly so impressive. I couldnโt be more in love with this cookbook. Itโs aย health focused cookbook that actually has delicious recipes that leave you feeling satisfied.


When Joy sent me her cookbook a few weeks ago, I was swamped with projects. I only had time take a quick peek inside. But immediately, I was drawn to so many recipes. Iโm talking french fries, pumpkin chili, chicken noodle soupโฆso many good ones to choose from.
And then I came across this pumpkin ginger bread. I knew I needed to bookmark it to make, so that I could share with you all in November. It just looked SO delicious! And Joy makes her pumpkin bread with pomegranate arils, which you all know how much I love.
I waited for a cold day to bake this up, and guys, I was not disappointed. It might be healthy, but trust me, it tastes so good. This pumpkin bread is heavy on the pumpkin flavor, perfectly sweet, and has hints of maple throughout. Itโs super moist, and spiced with my favorite mix of fall spicesโฆginger, cinnamon and nutmeg.

To make this bread, youโll need your basic baking dry ingredients, plus a can of pumpkin puree, applesauce, and pomegranate arils. Itโs all made in one large mixing bowl.
The pumpkin keeps the bread incredibly moist, while the applesauce replaces the oil and sugar. Thus keeping the bread free of any processed sugars, and low on the oil. Itโs genius.
My only change was toย topย the bread with the pomegranate seeds, as opposed to baking them into the bread. I love fresh pomegranate so much. So I wanted to keep the seeds out of the bread itself, and only used them for serving.
OK, and I maybe added a smear of salted butter. Because warm pumpkin bread just needs a little salty butter. The bread is amazing on its own, but my mom has me trained for life to always top any warm bread with a little butter.
See, I simply couldnโt help it.


Leftovers are great toasted up for breakfast. Theyโre also a delicious pick-me-up midday snack. But my personal favorite? As an any time of day dessert, accompanied by a steaming mug of hot chocolate (DO THIS!). Basically, this is just the perfect bread, with major health benefits. Youโre going to love it!
Oh, and I love the idea of baking up this bread as homemade hostess gifts. Or even as gifts for friends and family over the holidays.
And as if that wasnโt enoughโฆtoday happens to be Joyโs birthday!! So, give her a follow on Instagram, wish her a very happy birthday, and make sure to pick up a copy of her new cookbook. Itโs filled with recipes for all occasions, and it too would make a great gift for the holidays!

If you make this pumpkin ginger bread please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, donโt forget to also tag me onย Instagram!ย Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Healthy Pumpkin Ginger Bread

Ingredientsย
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup whole milk , (Joy uses almond milk)
- 1 can (15 ounce) pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup real maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds, plus more for serving
Instructionsย
- 1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Mist a 9ร5 inch loaf pan with oil.2. Add the eggs, milk, pumpkin, oil, applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla to a medium bowl and whisk until combined.ย 3. Add the flours, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, baking soda, and baking powder to a large bowl and mix well. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the pomegranate seeds (do not overmix).ย 4. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and tap the bottom a few times on the counter to even everything out. Bake on a middle rack for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (60 minutes will result in a super moist, cake like consistency; 65-plus minutes will still create a moist but firmer consistency. Both textures are delicious). Let the bread cool for at least 10 minutes. Slice and serve with pomegranate seeds.ย
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.


























I have probably made this 10 times, I love it and love that it has no refined sugar. Thanks so much for the recipe, I have never actually put the pomegranate seeds in it, but love it without, may try frozen seeds.
Hey Carrie,
Happy Sunday!! Love to hear you enjoyed this recipe, thanks for making it so often and your comment! XxT
This turned out fantastic, though reading reviews this might because I set the oven to 400f on accident and cooked 65 minutes, next time I think I’ll try 375 the top was a little toastier/darker than we prefer
Hey Samantha,
Fantastic! Thanks so much for making this recipe and your comment, so glad it turned out nicely for you! Happy Sunday! XxT
I had no issues with my bread, it was delicious! After reading reviews first I covered the bread with foil half way and cooked 70 min. I added raisins. Perfect consistency and great flavor! Topped with a honey and cinnamon butter ๐
Thanks Megan! So glad you enjoyed this bread! xT