This Vegan Pumpkin Bread Recipe delivers everything you crave in a fall treat—moist texture, warm spices, and irresistible pumpkin flavor. This recipe is surprisingly simple to make and uses pantry staples to create a delicious loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Pumpkin Bread
This recipe goes beyond the basic pumpkin bread to bring you a loaf that’s:
- Perfectly Moist: Forget dry, crumbly pumpkin bread! This recipe uses a combination of pumpkin puree and applesauce for ultimate moisture.
- Packed with Flavor: A blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger creates a comforting aroma and delicious taste.
- Easy to Make: No complicated steps or fancy equipment needed! This recipe comes together in just one bowl.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or dried cranberries.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Wet Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup non-dairy milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vegan Pumpkin Bread Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, applesauce, oil, pumpkin puree, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Vegan Pumpkin Bread Batter
Tips for the Best Vegan Pumpkin Bread
- Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense bread. Lightly spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough texture. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Test for Doneness: Even if your bread is beautifully golden, always test for doneness with a toothpick.
- Cool Completely: Let the bread cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help prevent it from breaking apart.
Vegan Pumpkin Bread Baking
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread: Fold in 1 cup of vegan chocolate chips for an indulgent treat.
- Nutty Pumpkin Bread: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delicious crunch.
- Cranberry Orange Pumpkin Bread: Add ½ cup of dried cranberries and the zest of one orange for a bright and festive twist.
Serving Suggestions
“This vegan pumpkin bread is incredibly versatile,” says Sarah Thompson, renowned vegan pastry chef. “Enjoy it warm with a dollop of vegan butter, top it with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or pair it with a cup of coffee for a delightful breakfast.”
Sliced Vegan Pumpkin Bread
FAQs
Can I freeze this vegan pumpkin bread?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.
What can I substitute for applesauce?
You can use an equal amount of mashed banana or another ½ cup of pumpkin puree in place of the applesauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
My bread sunk in the middle. What happened?
This could be due to underbaking or opening the oven door too often during baking. Make sure to check for doneness with a toothpick and avoid opening the oven door until the last 15 minutes of baking.
Can I use store-bought pumpkin pie filling?
It’s best to use plain pumpkin puree for this recipe. Pumpkin pie filling already contains added sugar and spices, which will alter the flavor and texture of the bread.
This vegan pumpkin bread recipe is a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy the flavors of fall. It’s moist, flavorful, and sure to become a new favorite!
