Pumpkin bread is a popular fall treat made from pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, sugar, and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It’s a quick bread, meaning it doesn’t require yeast to rise. With its rich pumpkin flavor and dense, cake-like texture, it’s no wonder pumpkin bread is such a beloved autumn favorite.
Nutrition Facts for Pumpkin Bread
The calorie and nutrition content of pumpkin bread can vary greatly depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used. However, here are some general nutrition facts for a typical slice of pumpkin bread:
- Calories: 180-210 calories per slice
- Total fat: 5-12 grams per slice
- Saturated fat: 1-2 grams per slice
- Trans fat: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 25-40 mg per slice
- Sodium: 150-300 mg per slice
- Total carbohydrates: 30-40 grams per slice
- Dietary fiber: 1-3 grams per slice
- Sugars: 15-25 grams per slice
- Protein: 3-5 grams per slice
As you can see, a single slice of pumpkin bread is high in carbohydrates and calories, primarily from added sugar. It also provides a moderate amount of fat, as well some fiber, protein, and micronutrients like vitamin A, iron, and zinc.
Calories in 2 Slices of Pumpkin Bread
Given the above nutrition facts, two slices of pumpkin bread would contain:
- 360-420 calories
- 10-24 grams total fat
- 2-4 grams saturated fat
- 0 grams trans fat
- 50-80 mg cholesterol
- 300-600 mg sodium
- 60-80 grams total carbohydrates
- 2-6 grams fiber
- 30-50 grams sugar
- 6-10 grams protein
The exact calorie count can vary based on specific ingredients and recipes. But on average, two standard slices of pumpkin bread contain about 390 calories.
Ways to Reduce Calories in Pumpkin Bread
If you want to lighten up pumpkin bread, there are several simple substitutions you can make:
- Use unsweetened applesauce instead of oil to reduce fat and calories.
- Replace some or all white sugar with a lower calorie sweetener like erythritol, stevia, maple syrup, or honey.
- Swap out all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour, which provides more fiber.
- Add in nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra nutrition and crunch.
- Top with Greek yogurt instead of high-calorie cream cheese frosting.
Baking pumpkin bread in mini-loaf pans or muffin tins can also reduce calories by cutting portion sizes. Enjoying just one slice instead of two will cut the calories in half.
Health Benefits of Pumpkin Bread
While not the lowest calorie treat, pumpkin bread does offer some notable health benefits when consumed in moderation:
- Fiber – From the whole grains and pumpkin, pumpkin bread provides both soluble and insoluble fiber for digestive health.
- Vitamin A – Pumpkin is rich in beta carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A to support eye and immune health.
- Potassium – Bananas are sometimes added to pumpkin bread, providing potassium to control blood pressure.
- Flavonoids – Pumpkin contains antioxidants like flavonoids to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
Conclusion
Two slices of typical pumpkin bread contain around 390 calories and provide nutrients like fiber, vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants. Enjoying pumpkin bread in moderation as part of a balanced diet can be healthy. But limiting portion sizes and substituting in less caloric ingredients can help lighten up this autumn treat.