Low Calorie Pumpkin Bread with Greek Yogurt & Applesauce Recipe

If you love the warmly spiced flavors of fall but want to keep things on the lighter side, this Low Calorie Pumpkin Bread with Greek Yogurt & Applesauce is an absolute game-changer. It’s moist, tender, and packed with cozy pumpkin and pumpkin pie spices, yet made healthier with Greek yogurt and unsweetened applesauce, lending it incredible softness and a subtle sweetness without extra calories. Whether you want a guilt-free snack, a breakfast treat, or a nutritious dessert, this bread hits all the right notes and will quickly become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is key to achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture in this Low Calorie Pumpkin Bread with Greek Yogurt & Applesauce. Each item plays a vital role—from the flours providing structure, to the moist ingredients that keep every bite irresistibly soft, and the spices bringing in that signature autumnal warmth.

• All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups / 180g): The base for your bread’s tender crumb, all-purpose flour provides a soft, yet sturdy texture.
• Almond flour (½ cup / 60g): Adds a subtle nuttiness and helps keep the bread moist while boosting its nutritional value.
• Salt (½ tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Baking powder (3 tsp): The leavening agent that ensures your bread rises perfectly fluffy every time.
• Sugar of choice (½ cup / 100g): For a low-calorie option, monk fruit sweetener works wonders, giving sweetness without the guilt.
• Pumpkin pie spice powder (1 tsp): Brings those classic warming spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove—to make each bite feel cozy and festive.
• Pumpkin puree (½ cup / 122g): The star ingredient, offering rich flavor, vibrant color, and natural moisture.
• Greek yogurt (½ cup / 120g): Infuses the bread with creaminess and protein, keeping it wonderfully moist while reducing fat.
• Unsweetened applesauce (⅓ cup / 113g): Acts as a natural sweetener and tenderizer, helping reduce oil without compromising moisture.
• Light olive oil (3 Tbsp / 42g): Adds just enough healthy fat for richness and softness.
• Unsweetened almond milk (2 Tbsp): Keeps the batter smooth and ensures the perfect consistency.

How to Make Low Calorie Pumpkin Bread with Greek Yogurt & Applesauce

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper. This small prep step makes sure your pumpkin bread releases effortlessly after baking, preserving its beautiful shape and moist crust.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, salt, baking powder, sugar of choice, and pumpkin pie spice. Blending these dry ingredients well ensures even distribution of leaveners and spices, which is essential for a uniform rise and that perfectly spiced bite throughout.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir the pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, unsweetened applesauce, light olive oil, and almond milk until smooth. This mixture will bring a wonderful creaminess and moisture that defines the texture of your bread, making it tender without needing excess oil or sugar.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together

Carefully pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and fold gently. Mixing just until combined avoids overworking the batter, which can make the bread dense. Look for a smooth, thick batter with no dry streaks.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden Perfection

Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, testing doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center—it should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. This baking time develops a golden crust while keeping the inside super moist.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let your pumpkin bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set, then move it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is important for slicing cleanly and enjoying the bread at its best texture. Whether warm or at room temperature, it’s perfect!

How to Serve Low Calorie Pumpkin Bread with Greek Yogurt & Applesauce

Garnishes

For an extra touch, consider topping your pumpkin bread slices with a dollop of vanilla Greek yogurt or a light cream cheese spread. A sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped toasted nuts on top adds crunch and visual appeal without tipping the calorie scale.

Side Dishes

This pumpkin bread pairs beautifully with a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee for breakfast or an afternoon snack. It’s also fantastic alongside a crisp green salad for a light lunch that doesn’t skimp on satisfying flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the bread thick and serve it with fresh apple slices and a drizzle of honey for an inviting autumnal platter. For a fun twist, turn the bread into mini French toasts by dipping slices in egg wash and pan-frying lightly—perfect for a brunch treat that surprises and delights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover pumpkin bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Freezing

This Low Calorie Pumpkin Bread with Greek Yogurt & Applesauce freezes beautifully. Slice before freezing and separate layers with parchment paper so you can grab just what you need. Freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw slices overnight in the fridge or briefly at room temperature.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly-baked warmth, reheat slices in a toaster oven or a microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. The bread’s moist texture revives quickly, and you’ll feel like it just came out of the oven again.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to help maintain the bread’s structure and moistness.

Is it okay to use canned pumpkin for the puree?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is the easiest option. Just be sure to use pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

Can I replace Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative?

Definitely. Try using a thick dairy-free yogurt like coconut or almond milk yogurt to keep the texture creamy while maintaining the moisture and tang that Greek yogurt provides.

Why does this recipe use both Greek yogurt and applesauce?

Combining Greek yogurt and unsweetened applesauce reduces the amount of oil needed and naturally sweetens the bread. Greek yogurt adds protein and creaminess, while applesauce keeps it soft and tender without extra calories.

Is there a way to make this recipe sweeter without sugar?

Yes! Using monk fruit sweetener or another natural zero-calorie sweetener lets you enjoy the sweetness without added carbs or calories. Adjust sweetness to taste, since some sweeteners differ in intensity.

Final Thoughts

This Low Calorie Pumpkin Bread with Greek Yogurt & Applesauce is a wonderful way to enjoy all the flavors of pumpkin season without any guilt. It’s moist, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, perfect for sharing with loved ones or keeping all to yourself. Grab your ingredients and get baking—you’re going to love how this wholesome bread fills your kitchen with warmth and comfort!

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