Maple Pumpkin Bread Recipe with Erin Dolan: Delicious and Diabetes-Friendly

Pumpkin maple bread captures the essence of fall with its warm spices and comforting aroma. Try Erin's Maple Pumpkin Bread!

Recipe Information

Serves: About 12 slices
Serving size: 1 slice
Difficulty: Easy
Cook time: About 40 minutes

Why This Recipe Works for Diabetes

This recipe has a clearly defined serving size, with approximately 15 g of carbohydrate per slice. The pumpkin, spelt flour and walnuts bring a combination of flavor and texture, while the warm spices make this a comforting homemade option.

As with any recipe containing carbohydrate, portion size and individual blood glucose responses are important when managing diabetes.

Nutritional Highlights

Per serving (1 slice – approx.):

• Carbohydrates: 15 g

Nutrition information supplied with the original recipe. Other nutritional values have not been provided.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups spelt flour (sub gluten-free or whole wheat flour)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp orange zest
• 2 eggs (flax eggs for vegan)
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/3 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Method

Prepare the pumpkin puree

Erin used fresh pumpkin: cut it into big chunks, remove the seeds and place on a baking sheet with a little water. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes or until the flesh is soft and scoopable. Cool, scoop out the flesh and process until smooth. (Canned pumpkin puree works too.)

Make the bread

1. In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients (the first 7 ingredients) and mix together.
2. In a separate large bowl, beat your eggs or make your flax eggs. Add maple syrup, orange juice and vanilla extract and whisk until combined. Whisk in the pumpkin purée and coconut oil.
3. Add the pumpkin mixture to the dry mixture and mix together with a wooden spoon.
4. Pour the batter into a greased and floured loaf pan.
5. Add chopped walnuts on top and drizzle 1 tablespoon of maple syrup over the nuts.
6. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for about 40 minutes or until done in the middle.
7. Allow to cool and then remove from the pan.
8. Slice and spread with spiced coconut cream or cinnamon cream cheese.

Serving Suggestions

For the spiced coconut cream, whisk together coconut cream, cinnamon, orange zest, vanilla and a drizzle of maple syrup. Alternatively, serve with cinnamon cream cheese.

Diabetes-Friendly Tips

The original recipe provides approximately 15 g of carbohydrate per slice, so keeping to the suggested serving size can help with carbohydrate awareness.

If using the optional toppings, remember that maple syrup also contributes carbohydrate. Individual blood glucose responses can vary, so consider how this recipe fits into your overall meal or snack.

Check out @crazyaboutdiabetes on Instagram for more ideas, or explore more Glucology recipes.

It's always a good idea to consult with a registered dietitian or healthcare professional to tailor your meal plan to your individual nutritional needs and diabetes management goals.

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes. Erin's original recipe uses fresh pumpkin. Cut it into large chunks, remove the seeds and bake with a little water until the flesh is soft enough to scoop out. Once cooled, process the flesh until smooth.

2. Can I use a different type of flour?
The original recipe suggests substituting the spelt flour with gluten-free or whole wheat flour.

3. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes. The original recipe suggests using flax eggs as a vegan alternative to eggs.

4. How many slices does the recipe make?
The recipe makes approximately 12 slices, with a serving size of 1 slice.

5. How much carbohydrate is in one slice?
The original recipe states that one slice contains approximately 15 g of carbohydrate.

Originally from Florida, USA, Erin has been living with type 1 diabetes for over 31 years. She is a world traveler, from living in Australia to cycling over 2,500 miles across Central America and backpacking through Europe and Asia. Erin is a Diabetes Health Coach and creator of Crazy About Diabetes, where she empowers other people with diabetes to live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. Her workshops and programs offer support to people with diabetes on mental health, nutrition, and lifestyle. She now lives in Lahinch, County Clare, Ireland, with her husband and two children, where she embraces sea swimming and surfing.

If you liked this post, check out more articles that could help you with nutrition

- A Guide to Eating Well with Diabetes

- Dinner Tips for the Festive Season

- Eating Tips to Help you be Mindful

Explore our blog for more diabetes-friendly recipes.

Disclaimer: This blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or a qualified health provider with any questions about your condition. If you have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately, or visit your nearest emergency care center.

General information, not medical advice. Always talk to your diabetes care team about your care.