Jane Fonda has done it all—acting, activism and revolutionizing at-home workouts. But when it comes to cooking, she keeps things simple. In fact, it doesn’t get much simpler than one of the only recipes on her website: a pumpkin spice loaf full of warm, cozy flavors that just happens to have 8 grams of protein per slice to help you feel more full and energized for longer. It’s the kind of bake that feels right at home with a cup of coffee on a chilly morning, and it’s easy enough to whip up whenever a pumpkin craving hits.
The recipe sticks to classic ingredients—pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves—balanced with just the right amount of sweetness from a mix of white and brown sugar. Instead of butter, Fonda opts for margarine, and nonfat yogurt helps create a soft, moist texture without making the loaf too heavy.
The method is simple: whisk together the dry ingredients in one bowl, beat the wet ingredients in another, then gradually combine them before pouring the batter into a loaf pan. After about an hour in the oven at 350°F, you’re left with a beautifully golden-brown bread filling your kitchen with pumpkin spice. The full recipe can be found on Jane Fonda’s website, and once you’ve tried it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you like. Want more texture? Stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans. Craving something a little sweeter? Dark chocolate chips would be a perfect addition.
You could also swap the margarine for butter if that’s what you have on hand, or use Greek yogurt instead of nonfat yogurt to add even more protein. You can also try our High-Protein Pumpkin Bread, which takes a similar approach but incorporates whole-wheat flour and nuts for a little extra fiber and crunch.
This is the kind of recipe that’s perfect for just about any occasion—whether you’re looking for an easy breakfast, an afternoon snack or even a simple dessert. It’s sweet enough as a treat but balanced enough to enjoy any time of day. Serve it warm with a little almond butter for extra flavor, toast it up with a smear of cinnamon-honey butter or just enjoy a slice as is. No matter how you eat it, it’s the kind of recipe that’s bound to become a favorite.
