This Grain-Free Pumpkin Loaf is the perfect October treat for a festive dessert or to pair with a hot cup of coffee on a chilly morning — if we ever get chilly weather here in TX.
I know there are a lot of pumpkin bread recipes out there, but here I use a nutty brown butter, a blend of spices, and a hint of maple to make the loaf feel like fall and I’m tellin’ y’all it is GOOD. Topped with a mapley-spiced cream cheese icing, this is a healthier take on the Starbucks cult-classic pumpkin loaf — with that craveable *moist* texture we all love.
I also love how versatile this can be. Skip the icing and toast up for breakfast with a swipe of nut butter, or ice it and serve as a dessert. It’s perfect for any occasion.
A few notes about the ingredients used in this Grain-Free Pumpkin Loaf:
- I use a blend of paleo flours to keep the crumb light and to avoid a dense loaf.
- As far as flour swaps go, just stick to the flours listed here since other flours like coconut or cassava are not 1:1 swaps.
- You can swap the browned butter for ½ cup of avocado oil, melted ghee, or melted coconut oil if you want to keep this paleo.
- Canned pumpkin can vary in how watery it is. If your pumpkin is very thin, you may need to add a tablespoon or two of additional tapioca flour as a binder.
Grain-Free Pumpkin Loaf
Serves: 10 People
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Ingredients
For the Loaf
- 1 stick unsalted butter - or sub ½ cup avocado oil, 1/2 cup melted ghee or ½ cup melted and cooled coconut oil (*See note)
- 2 large eggs - room temperature
- ¾ cup coconut sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 cup pure pumpkin puree - not pumpkin pie filling
- 1 Tbsp. pure vanilla extract
- Zest of one small lemon
- 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1 ½ tsp. baking soda *see note below if making muffins!!
- 1 ½ cup almond flour
- ½ cup tapioca flour
- 2 tbsp. ground flax seeds
- 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp. kosher salt
For the Icing
- 4 oz. dairy-free cream cheese – I used Kite Hill
- 2 Tbsp. unsweetened almond milk
- 2 Tbsp. maple syrup
- 3 Tbsp. powdered sugar
- 1 Tsp. pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp. pumpkin pie spice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375. Line a loaf pan with a parchment paper sling, and spray with cooking oil spray. Set aside.
- If using the butter, In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the butter. Allow the butter to melt and simmer, swirling the pan as it begins to get foamy, cooking for about 4-5 minutes. Once it begins to look golden and smell nutty, remove from the heat. Set aside to cool (to help speed up the process, I typically pour the browned butter in a bowl and place in the fridge).
- Meanwhile, in a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, or in a medium mixing bowl using electric beaters, beat the eggs at medium speed for 2-3 minutes until very frothy and pale yellow. It’s important you beat the eggs for the full time so that they take on air, which will help the loaf rise.
- When the brown butter is cool to the touch, add it (or the avocado oil, ghee or coconut oil*) to the eggs along with the coconut sugar, maple syrup, pumpkin puree, vanilla, lemon zest and juice, and the baking soda. Whisk well to combine. Let it set for about two minutes prior to adding the dry ingredients.
- Add the almond flour, tapioca flour, ground flax, pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, and salt. Mix on low until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Transfer the loaf to the middle rack of the oven, and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a knife can be inserted into the center of the loaf and it comes out clean. If the top of your loaf starts to become overly browned, tent with foil and continue cooking until the bread is cooked through.
- While the loaf is cooking, make the icing. In a medium bowl, using a hand mixer, add the cream cheese, almond milk, and maple syrup. Beat on low until smooth and creamy. Slowly add in the powdered sugar, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt. Beat for one minute until well combined. Transfer to the fridge until you’re ready to ice the loaf.
- Use the parchment sling and remove the bread from the pan and transfer to a baking sheet fitted with a wire rack. Using a butter knife or offset spatula, smooth the frosting over the surface of the loaf, allowing some to drip down the sides. Transfer to the fridge to allow the glaze to set a bit. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
*If you are using butter, follow the directions as listed to start by growing the butter. If you are using avocado or coconut oil, add that in step 4 when it says to add the brown butter.
To Make Muffins:
To make these into muffins, you'll just need to make a few minor changes.
- Preheat over to 350 degrees F and grease a muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray (or use muffin liners).
- Use 2 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp baking soda
- Evenly distribute the batter into the muffin tin about 3/4 full. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean, about 12-14 minutes.
- Once cooled, add frosting, if desired.
Photography and styling by Eat Love Eats.
63 Comments
Payton Welsh
January 19, 2023 at 1:34 pmWhat is the macros on this recipe?
Natalie
November 20, 2022 at 7:23 pmDo you think you could use arrowroot starch instead of the tapioca flour?
Alex
November 23, 2022 at 4:23 pmyes you can!
Kristin
October 30, 2022 at 10:36 pmI was so looking forward to this but my bread did not cook through in the middle. I followed the ingredients to a tee, and my pumpkin purée was not watery so I don’t think that was the issue. I put back in the oven for an extra 25 minutes, but this only resulted in the top and bottom of the bread being slightly over cooked (despite using tent) while the middle remained mushy. Bummed 🙁
Alex
November 1, 2022 at 2:47 pmHi Kristin, Thank you for trying out the recipe- I am so sorry and also bummed that it didn’t turn out right for you!
Katelyn
October 26, 2022 at 4:38 pmHi Alex – I have an ingredient question: for this recipe, do you buy flax seeds and grind them at home or do you buy pre-ground flax seeds? If so, is there a brand you recommend and is ground flax seed different than flax meal? Thanks in advance! I’m looking forward to making these!
Jenna Schnepf
October 25, 2022 at 4:43 pmBest pumpkin bread recipe ever! Not too sweet and the frosting is delicate and adds a nice finish and flavor. Love and make it on repeat!
Lemon + pumpkin spice = love
October 23, 2022 at 10:23 pmSo delicious! I never would have thought to add lemon to pumpkin spice, and I’m loving the flavors together.
Andria
October 22, 2022 at 11:59 pmWow wow wow! Really incredible. So moist and light yet wildly flavorful. Used coconut oil and it was just perfect. I’m an awful baker and it was fool proof. Obsessed!
Amy
October 21, 2022 at 2:09 amHello, my son has a flax seed allergy, any alternative option for that?
Alex
October 26, 2022 at 3:09 pmYou can omit the flax in this recipe!
Theodora
November 27, 2021 at 5:58 pmI made this for Thanksgiving, and everyone LOVED it! Even those who aren’t GF/DF. Definitely a recipe that we will be making again and again!
Kelsey
November 21, 2021 at 10:15 ami’ve made these muffins 4x already! i subbed half apple sauce, half pumpkin because it’s what i had on hand. not as pumpkin-y but still great!
Sarah
November 12, 2021 at 2:18 pmThis is so good – I am loving your baking recipes! Making it for a second time – does the loaf need to be kept refrigerated or can it be stored at room temp after cooling? Thanks!
Alex
November 15, 2021 at 6:44 pmI store mine at room temp! Either way works!
Carla Stinton
November 3, 2021 at 11:07 pmI’ve made this loaf 3x already this fall. About to make it again tonight! I just don’t have cream cheese on hand! But that won’t stop me… this loaf is UNREAL.
Allison
October 29, 2021 at 2:00 amThis was sooooo good! I also substituted the tapioca 1:1 with coconut flour and it tasted great!
Aymee Zayas
October 28, 2021 at 12:47 pmHello! Any recommendations on what can I replace the flax seed with?
Kim
October 9, 2022 at 2:56 pmIt turned out great! Best gluten free muffins I’ve ever made. They held together, were springy, and tasted great.
Jen
October 26, 2021 at 4:00 pmWhat a yummy recipe! I omitted the lemon and added chocolate chips the second time I made these and found them a little more “Autumn” flavored 😉
Nadia
October 25, 2021 at 7:36 pmI literally cannot believe how good this recipe is!!! It is the best pumpkin bread i have ever had in my life! I skipped the icing and added enjoy life chocolate chips only because i had everything on hand and they were amazing! And now i have a good excuse to try them again with the icing 😉 I want to make these for everyone i care about!!!!!!!!
Naomi Saunders
October 25, 2021 at 12:50 pmWhat is the weight of a stick of butter? Butter only comes in 250g blocks where I live. 😃😃
Alex
October 26, 2021 at 7:34 pmIt is about 113g!
Victory
October 24, 2021 at 9:47 pmI made this today and it was soooo good!! I couldn’t find tapioca flour so I used corn starch instead and it turned out fine. The icing was delicious! I will have to make this a yearly tradition 🙂
KC
October 23, 2021 at 11:58 pmRarely rate and comment, but this is by far the best pumpkin loaf I have ever made. Like, perfect amount of spice, the crust on the outside is just right, and the dairy free pumpkin spice glaze is so good.
Alex, I’m so excited that your getting into baking. While I am 95% cook (not a baker), I am always looking for slightly healthier baking options that dont require expert baking skills.
Alex
October 24, 2021 at 1:20 pmThank you so so much!!! I am so glad you loved it!
Amanda
October 25, 2021 at 2:04 amUn-freakin-believable. Best grain free treat I have ever had. We put salted butter on our slices instead of the frosting but WOW. JUST WOW.
Kari pesce
October 23, 2021 at 2:44 pmHi. Can you freeze this bread? Also could you add chic chips? Tj add no you!
Alex
October 24, 2021 at 1:21 pmyes you can definitely freeze! I have muffins in my freezer now! And choc chips would be a delicious add in! 🙂
Audrey
October 22, 2021 at 11:04 pmHelp! I have made this AMAZING loaf perfectly three times now – but this third time is the first time I’ve made the icing in the recipe. However I used a Greek Yogurt cream cheese (still thick!) vs. the recommended Kite Hill. I followed the measurements to a T, but I used a 1995 immersion blender to mix as I don’t have a hand mixer, and I made it way too thin! Recommendations on how to thicken up the icing?
Alex
October 24, 2021 at 1:23 pmI think the immersion blender blends it, but doesn’t “whip” it as much to get that creamy texture you want.
Chelsea
October 22, 2021 at 8:20 pmDelicious! I’m SO impressed with this recipe. Perfect crumb and nice crunch on the outside. Will definitely make again!
Casey Ann Muzzi
October 22, 2021 at 3:15 pmI recently went to Anchorage to visit my nephew & his wife. Your very used cookbook was in her kitchen. I ordered it on the spot. I have cooked quite a few recipes and love them all. I’m so EXCITED !!! to cook this one today. Can I swap sweet potato purée for pumpkin ????? Thank you
Alex
October 22, 2021 at 8:40 pmHi Casey!! I am so glad you ordered the book I hope you enjoy it as much as your nephew!
and yes– you can use SP puree– it, of course, will tweak the taste a bit, but the texture should stay just the same!
Cherese Villalta
November 4, 2021 at 5:40 pmThis is the best grain free bread I’ve had. You couldn’t even tell there was almond flour in it. The texture was so smooth and not grainy.
Kirsten
October 20, 2021 at 7:37 pmHi Alex, what can I use instead of ground flaxseed?
Codi Knight
October 17, 2021 at 11:40 pmThese are outstanding! I used Farmer’s Market Pumpkin Puree from Central Market and I didn’t think it was watery. My family is a big fan of mini muffins so I made them as minis. I baked them for 20 minutes then once cooled, dipped the tops in the icing. My kids raved and my house smelled amazing!! Thank you Alex!
Cassidy
October 17, 2021 at 9:50 pmThe instructions do not include to add the baking soda anywhere so I missed that step and the bread did not turn rise! I noticed afterwards that it was in the ingredient list but not the instructions.
Alex
October 18, 2021 at 11:53 amHi! I just checked and it is in the instructions, when you add the pumpkin/lemon zest/etc!
Jen
October 26, 2021 at 3:58 pmActually, it’s the baking powder that doesn’t specifically get mentioned when to add. I just included it with the other dry ingredients.
Michelle
October 17, 2021 at 2:42 amAmazing!! Everyone loved it! Only question is how was your icing so white?
Maggie
October 12, 2021 at 2:25 amThis came out amazing. The cream cheese frosting was perfect.
Sonja Nelson
October 10, 2021 at 4:49 pmAlex – You cracked the code on this recipe -take it to the bank now! I’ve tried for years to recreate my moms pumpkin bread recipe, which contained veggie oil, white sugar and white flour. Your recipe does it. We’ve made 2 loaves in 24 hours, first with raisins and then with chocolate chips. I went with avocado oil and made it in one bowl, beating eggs with a whisk. I’m sharing this recipe far and wide, it’s a super star.
Alex
October 11, 2021 at 11:43 amwow thank you so much!
Vicky
October 10, 2021 at 12:14 amSuper delicious muffins! Cook time was definitely longer than suggested. They were good warm but honestly, they were DELICIOUS after being chilled in the fridge…tasted just like pumpkin pie!
Marisa
October 7, 2021 at 11:24 pmMade these as muffins and they were absolutely delicious. Some grain free breads/muffs taste so eggy, but these had a perfect moist crumb. I will say they took significantly longer than 12-14 minutes..it was closer to 30 minutes for 12 muffins.
Janel
October 7, 2021 at 3:36 pmThis is probably breaking the rules but I couldn’t find tapioca flour anywhere so I used corn starch instead and it turned out amazing! Also, I subbed cream cheese with greek yogurt and added corn starch to the icing as well to make it thicker and wow I’m impressed. The fridge time does make all the difference though after applying the icing, so that may be what others are having issues with consistency wise of the icing. Thank you so much for this recipe, Alex! You never fail to impress.
Lisa Batz
October 6, 2021 at 8:26 pmHi Alex! This is Lisa, I met you on Rise Fitness zoom call, I was the first person to sign on. Sounds delicious!
Do you think the coconut sugar can be replaced with raw honey? Thank you! I love all of your recipes!
Alex
October 8, 2021 at 1:09 pmHi Lisa!! Thank you so much for joining that call, was so fun!
I wouldn’t swap honey for the coconut sugar in this particular recipe- i think it would alter it too much and it wouldnt turn out the same.
angela
October 5, 2021 at 3:31 pmI baked mine for 75mins and still seems too wet in middle, is that normal?
I bake a lot of gluten free loafs and always takes 65mins
Alex
October 5, 2021 at 9:49 pmIt shouldn’t have taken that long! it’s definitely moist but shouldn’t be wet. Did you see the note re: different types of pumpkin puree? That could make a difference.
Megan
October 4, 2021 at 3:47 pmCan I sub the tapioca flour with arrowroot? Excited to try this!
Megan
October 3, 2021 at 8:06 pmHands down, this the BEST pumpkin loaf I’ve ever made (grain-free or otherwise!). Thank you so much for this amazing recipe! I didn’t have tapioca flour on hand, so I substituted an equal amount of arrowroot flour. I also decreased the amount of coconut sugar and added Lily’s Dark Chocolate Chips. I will be making this all fall!
KJR
October 3, 2021 at 1:41 amDelicious! I followed the recipe almost exactly and it came out so good!
I didn’t have powdered sugar so I made my own with coconut sugar. I made the loaf and my bake time ended up being about 49 minutes. Can’t wait to share it with neighbors and co-workers tomorrow!
Cameron
October 2, 2021 at 1:41 amThis was amazing. My icing was runny and I have idea what I did wrong. I’ve looked over the recipe 10 times but the bread was unbelievable. You killed it again Alex!
Francesca
October 1, 2021 at 9:21 pmOoooh can’t wait to make this! I have reg cream cheese, does that make a difference in the recipe?
Alex
October 2, 2021 at 11:59 amYou can def use regular cream cheese!!
Katie
October 6, 2021 at 10:01 pmHi! Just wanted to confirm for muffins it’s 2 tsp baking POWDER and only 1/2 tsp baking SODA? It’s very different than the loaf so I wanted to make sure! Thanks! : )
Alex
October 7, 2021 at 12:26 pmyes!
Cameron
October 1, 2021 at 7:01 pmReally good! Love the lemon with the pumpkin flavors! I went for muffins and needed to bake mine longer.
Brittany
October 1, 2021 at 2:04 pmMy son is allergic to almonds…. Do you think I could sub oat flour for the almond flour?
Alex
October 1, 2021 at 6:51 pmohhh. I am not sure how it would turn out I am so sorry! These grain-free flours are just so testy so it’s hard to say for sure until I try it out.
Amanda Knudtsen
October 7, 2021 at 3:31 amTry this recipe for an oat pour option https://simplyrealhealth.com/mini-gluten-free-pumpkin-muffins/