Best Ever Paleo Pumpkin Bread
Ok, I couldn't resist any longer. Every year when the first signs of fall begin to roll in, the air gets crisp, and then leaves begin to change and fall to the ground. I'm immediately reminded of colorful New England and the harvest season where glowing colors of Autumn are all around you from the rainbow tree's to the farmer stands. I on the other hand immediately start craving the warming spices of cinnamon and nutmeg and desire all things PUMPKIN! I love pumpkin. Just about any way it will come, I'll eat it. However, I can get a little carried away if i'm not careful. Which, if your anything like me is hard to avoid especially with all those pumpkin latte's floating around. I try and refrain myself and wait till at least October actually hits to start bringing out the yummy orange sweet goodness. It was well worth the wait when I got this amazing gluten-free, Paleo pumpkin bread recipe on the first try! That doesn't usually happen too often, especially with gluten-free baking and using pumpkin in the same combination.
Pumpkin (curcurbita) is part of the squash family and generally is admired during fall seasons for it's ornamental use. I however, like to use them for their amazing taste and health benefits. Pumpkins are one of the most nutrient packed fruits you can eat. Actually being labeled as a "superfood" because they include so many antioxidants, healthy fats for proper brain function, and warding off diseases like cancer. They are also full of fiber which is helpful for digestive issues and preventing diabetes. Pumpkins are also full of beta-carotene-essential for eye health, and vitamins K & A, which have immune boosting powers.
This recipe is my perfect dream of a sweet & slightly spicy slice of pumpkin bread. Just like the family recipe I remember. It's both moist and dense just how I like it, but without having all the extra butter and sugar. I replaced the butter with grape-seed oil, and used half the amount of sugar. Also replacing the typical refined sugar used in most recipes and instead, I used clean coconut sugar and local honey. Since they are both ingredients found in nature, your body has an easier time processing them. Although, sometimes sugar is just sugar to your body, I cut the amount in half and it still came out sweet enough. I may even try to reduce the amount more next time. If you do so in your own recipe, I'd love to hear your feedback. As always, Organic ingredients are best to get the most flavor and nutrients out of your recipe.
Don't forget to share my recipe with friends, or save it to your Pinterest if you enjoyed and want to keep it on hand for later use:)
