Healthy Indulgence: Delicious Weight Watchers Chocolate Pumpkin Bread with PB2

For years, I proudly wore the badge of a “peanut butter snob.” Growing up in Canada, Kraft peanut butter was the undisputed king in our kitchen – nothing else quite measured up! The thought of using powdered peanut butter, like PB2, in my recipes was met with a skeptical raise of an eyebrow. I imagined sacrificing all the rich, creamy texture and deep flavor of traditional peanut butter for the sake of a few points. However, a desire to create healthier, low-point baking options for my Weight Watchers journey finally pushed me to experiment. And I’m incredibly glad I did! One of my first ventures into the world of powdered peanut butter was this Weight Watchers Chocolate Pumpkin Bread, and to my utter surprise, it turned out astonishingly delicious, moist, and satisfying.

While the traditionalist in me still believes that nothing truly replaces the decadent richness of regular peanut butter, for a low-point alternative, this pumpkin bread recipe is an absolute triumph. It perfectly blends the nutty essence of peanut butter, the sweet comfort of chocolate chips, and the earthy warmth of pumpkin into a wonderfully moist and flavorful loaf. This harmonious trio successfully curbs cravings without derailing your weight loss goals. Each slice of this delightful bread is a mere 5 points on the current WW program, making it an ideal guilt-free treat for breakfast, a snack, or a light dessert.

Why This Weight Watchers Chocolate Pumpkin Bread is a Must-Try

1. It’s a Healthier, Guilt-Free Indulgence

Let’s be honest, we all crave something sweet from time to time. The challenge with most baked goods is that they often come loaded with excessive sugar, unhealthy fats, and calories, making them counterproductive to a healthy eating plan. This Weight Watchers Chocolate Pumpkin Bread stands out as a brilliant solution. It offers all the comforting satisfaction of a traditional baked treat while being significantly lighter. By thoughtfully incorporating ingredients like pumpkin puree and powdered peanut butter (PB2), we transform a potentially high-calorie indulgence into a wholesome, fiber-rich, and low-fat alternative. Pumpkin not only adds natural sweetness and incredible moisture but also brings a boost of vitamins and antioxidants. Applesauce replaces much of the oil or butter typically found in bread recipes, further reducing the fat content. This means you can enjoy a delicious slice of bread without the usual guilt, making it easier to stick to your wellness journey.

2. The Perfect Harmony of Fall Flavors

The flavor profile of this loaf is nothing short of irresistible. The unique combination of nutty peanut butter, sweet and rich chocolate chips, and the warm, earthy notes of pumpkin creates a taste experience that is both comforting and exciting. The powdered peanut butter provides that familiar peanut flavor without the added fat, allowing the pumpkin and chocolate to truly shine. The blend of spices, including pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon, further enhances these autumnal flavors, making every bite a delightful sensory experience. This well-balanced treat is satisfying in a way that will make you forget it’s a “diet” food, ensuring you’ll be eager for another slice. It’s perfect for cozy mornings or an afternoon pick-me-up.

3. Exceptionally Low in Calories and Weight Watchers Points

The real magic behind this recipe’s health benefits lies in the ingenious use of powdered peanut butter (PB2) in place of conventional peanut butter. Regular peanut butter, while delicious and nutritious in moderation, is calorie-dense due to its fat content. PB2, made from pressed, roasted peanuts, removes most of the oil, drastically cutting down on calories and fat while retaining the robust peanut flavor and protein. This simple swap is a game-changer for those tracking Weight Watchers points or general caloric intake. Each serving of this Chocolate Pumpkin Bread is remarkably low in points, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat without consuming a large portion of your daily allowance. This strategic ingredient choice empowers you to indulge responsibly and maintain consistency with your weight loss goals.

Essential Ingredients for Your Weight Watchers Chocolate Pumpkin Bread

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delectable loaf. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (for sweetness and moisture)
• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce (a fantastic fat substitute)
• 3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree (ensure it’s not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/2 cup PB2 powder mixed with 1/4 cup water (our low-fat peanut butter hero)
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (for that quintessential fall aroma and taste)
• 1 tsp cinnamon (adds warmth and depth)
• 1.5 tsp baking powder (for a light and airy texture)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 Tbsp mini chocolate chips (or your preferred low-sugar alternative)

Baking Your Weight Watchers Chocolate Pumpkin Bread: A Simple Guide

Follow these easy steps to bake a perfectly moist and flavorful chocolate pumpkin bread:

1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the eggs and brown sugar together until well combined and slightly fluffy. Then, add in the unsweetened applesauce and canned pumpkin puree, mixing for a few more minutes until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
3. Incorporate PB2: In a separate small bowl, combine the PB2 powder with 1/4 cup of water, stirring until it forms a smooth, creamy paste. Add this reconstituted peanut butter to your wet ingredient mixture and beat for another few minutes, ensuring the peanut butter flavor is thoroughly distributed.
4. Add Dry Ingredients and Chocolate: Gently stir in the all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and baking powder. Mix until just combined – be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough loaf. Finally, fold in 3 tablespoons of the mini chocolate chips, reserving the remaining 1 tablespoon for topping.
5. Fill and Top: Pour the prepared batter evenly into your sprayed loaf pan. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over the top of the batter.
6. Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, slice into 10 equal portions and enjoy your delicious, low-point Weight Watchers Chocolate Pumpkin Bread!

This recipe yields 10 satisfying slices. Here’s the nutrition information for one slice: Calories 127, Fat 4 g, Saturated fat 1.32 g, Carbs 21 g, Fiber 1.63 g, Sugars 9.19 g, Sodium 52.43 mg, Protein 5 g.

Weight Watchers Points Breakdown for Each Ingredient

Understanding the points value of each ingredient helps illustrate why this recipe is so Weight Watchers friendly. These values are based on the WW app recipe creator:

• Eggs: 0 points
• Brown sugar: 16 points (total for the recipe)
• Unsweetened applesauce: 0 points
• Canned pumpkin puree: 0 points
• PB2 powder with 1/4 water: 5 points (total for the recipe)
• Pumpkin pie spice: 0 points
• Cinnamon: 0 points
• Baking powder: 0 points
• All-purpose flour: 13 points (total for the recipe)
• Mini chocolate chips: 13 points (total for the recipe)

This totals to approximately 5 points per serving on the current WW program, making it an excellent choice for a controlled treat.

For those using older versions of Weight Watchers, here are the approximate points per serving:

• Freestyle SP (blue & purple): 4 points (using WW recipe builder)
• Smart Points (green): 5 points (using SP calculator)
• Points Plus: 3 points (using PP calculator)

Creative Variations for Your Pumpkin Bread

While this recipe is fantastic as is, don’t hesitate to get creative with substitutions and additions to suit your taste or what you have on hand:

• Pumpkin Alternatives: If canned pumpkin isn’t available, you can substitute with an equal amount of mashed sweet potatoes, ripe mashed banana, or even nonfat Greek yogurt for similar moisture and texture. Each will subtly alter the flavor profile, but all make excellent low-point alternatives.
• Chocolate Choices: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips. Lily’s No Sugar Added white chocolate chips would add a delightful creamy sweetness, or try dark chocolate chips for a richer, more intense flavor. You could also swirl in a tablespoon of cocoa powder for an extra chocolatey kick.
• Add-ins: Consider folding in a handful of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans for healthy fats), dried cranberries for a tart counterpoint, or even a tablespoon of shredded coconut for added texture and flavor. Just remember to account for any additional points these might add.

Expert Tips for a Perfect Loaf Every Time

To ensure your Weight Watchers Chocolate Pumpkin Bread turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until the flour streaks disappear. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough, dense bread rather than a moist, tender one.
• Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary. Always test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, your bread is ready. If it’s still wet, bake for a few more minutes.
• Proper Cooling: While it’s tempting to slice into a warm loaf, allowing it to cool completely on a wire rack is crucial. This helps the bread set properly and prevents it from becoming gummy.
• Storage: This Weight Watchers Chocolate Pumpkin Bread stores exceptionally well. Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to seven days. For longer storage, you can freeze the entire loaf (wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil) or individual slices for up to three months. Thaw frozen slices overnight in the refrigerator or warm briefly in the microwave for a quick treat.
• Serving Suggestions: Enjoy a slice warmed up with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast. It also makes a wonderful light dessert, perhaps with a dollop of fat-free whipped cream or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon.

More Low-Point Baking Inspirations

If you loved this Weight Watchers Chocolate Pumpkin Bread, you might also enjoy these other healthy baking recipes designed to keep you on track:

• Baked Banana Donuts: A delicious way to enjoy a sweet treat without frying.
• Pillsbury Biscuits Are The Star Of This Apple Cinnamon Crumble: An easy and comforting dessert.
• Easy Apple Cinnamon Rolls Using Pillsbury Rolls: A simplified version of a classic favorite.