Seasonal Recipes — Fall Recipes
Naturally Sweet Pumpkin Date & Walnut Bread
Molly Moore / 27 August 2025
If you are looking for a cozy fall recipe that is hearty, nourishing, and just the right amount of sweet, this Pumpkin Date & Walnut Bread is one to try. The natural sweetness of soft dates blends perfectly with pumpkin puree, warm spices, and a little crunch from walnuts. It is wholesome enough for breakfast, but also makes a lovely afternoon snack or healthier dessert.
Dates add natural caramel-like sweetness while boosting fiber and minerals, and walnuts bring in healthy fats that make every slice feel satisfying. Together, they create a loaf that tastes indulgent but is secretly packed with nutrients.
Why This Pumpkin Date & Walnut Bread Is a Healthy Fall Recipe
- Naturally sweetened with dates instead of refined sugar, which gives it depth of flavor and a better nutrient profile.
- Pumpkin puree adds vitamin A and antioxidants to support skin and immune health.
- Walnuts provide omega-3 fatty acids that help with brain and heart health.
- Whole grain flour adds fiber to keep you feeling full.
- Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg support digestion and give that classic fall flavor.
This bread is the perfect balance of hearty and wholesome, making it a pumpkin recipe you can enjoy all season long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 eggs or flax eggs (for a vegan option)
- 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour or a blend of whole wheat and oat flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 cup chopped dates (soaked in warm water for 10 minutes if very dry)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
How to Make Pumpkin Date & Walnut Bread
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, coconut oil, applesauce, and vanilla until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Stir the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped dates and walnuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success
- Soften your dates: If they are firm or dry, soak them briefly in warm water for the best texture.
- Make it nut-free: Swap walnuts for pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
- Try muffins instead: Spoon the batter into a muffin tin and bake for 18 to 22 minutes.
- Store leftovers: This bread keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for longer storage.
Try this Chai Spiced Pumpkin Bread recipe next
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Date & Walnut Bread is the kind of fall recipe that feels special but is easy enough to make on a weekday. It is naturally sweetened, full of hearty texture, and delivers that cozy pumpkin flavor everyone loves. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack with tea, or as a wholesome dessert, it is sure to become one of your favorite pumpkin recipes of the season.
You might also like
Weekly lifestyle inspiration.
In your inbox.
We think you’ll like
Get inspired with more content like this
Seasonal Recipes — Fall Recipes
Favorite Fall Soup Recipes: Nourishing & Creamy
Seasonal Recipes — Fall Recipes
7 Cozy Healthy Pumpkin Recipes to Try This Fall
Seasonal Recipes — Fall Recipes