Name: Vegan Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk; 1/4 tsp lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar); 15 oz pumpkin puree (1 can); 2 tbsp maple syrup; 1 cup muscovado sugar (or brown sugar); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp pumpkin pie spice; 2 cups whole wheat flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp baking powder

Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclaimer.

A light and moist vegan pumpkin bread recipe that’s full of fall flavors and made with plant-based ingredients. It’s a healthy plant-based quick bread you will come back to again and again!

It doesn’t really matter what time of year it is, I’m always in the mood for everything pumpkin and looking for plant-based breakfast ideas! When Trader Joe’s makes their pumpkin splash, I get all excited and giddy inside. So when autumn arrives I’m ready for ALL the vegan pumpkin recipes!

I love seeing normal everyday grocery items turn into something special by adding a bit of pumpkin to it.

Maybe I love pumpkin so much because autumn is my favorite season, or maybe it’s because it’s just so amazingly delicious and versatile! From savory recipes, to sweets, pumpkin shines!

This vegan pumpkin bread recipe is no exception! It’s big on that rich pumpkin flavor and pumpkin spice, only it stays true to a whole food plant-based diet. I could enjoy vegan muffins and quick breads like this one all year long!

There’s no oil, uses high fiber whole grains, and it’s refined sugar free if using muscovado sugar! This makes a slice of this pumpkin bread a sweet indulgence you don’t have to feel guilty about enjoying.

plant-based pumpkin bread loaf and three slices on serving tray

Why you’ll love this Vegan Pumpkin Bread Recipe…

Whole food plant-based ingredients
Whole wheat flour gives this bread added fiber
Refined sugar free option
Vegan (dairy-free and egg-free)
Moist and fluffy consistency
Full of rich pumpkin flavor from one whole can of pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice
Perfect as a quick nutrient rich breakfast or an easy vegan snack recipe!

Ingredients

pumpkin puree, flour, milk, sugar, and spices in small bowls

Unsweetened Almond Milk-Be sure to use unsweetened original almond milk. You can also use soy, or another plant-based milk.

Lemon Juice-Use fresh squeezed lemon juice if possible. If you don’t have fresh lemon at home, you can also use apple cider vinegar. When combined with the almond milk it creates a quick dairy free homemade buttermilk.

Pumpkin Puree-I used canned pumpkin puree for ease. However, you can make your own pumpkin puree by roasting pie pumpkins. Use a scale to measure out 15 oz or about 1.87 cups.

Brown Sugar (or Muscavado Sugar)-If you’re looking to make a whole food plant-based version opt for the muscovado sugar. It’s an unrefined sweetener. However, if you do not have this type of sugar in your pantry, you can use brown sugar.

Maple Syrup-This gives the bread a touch more sweetness and added moisture.

Vanilla Extract-Brings out the natural flavors of the pumpkin and the pumpkin pie spice.

Pumpkin Pie Spice-This is a combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice you can make your own. Combine 2 tbsp cinnamon, 1 tsp ginger, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, and 1/2 tsp allspice. Use 2 tablespoon of the mix.

Whole Wheat Flour-You must use whole wheat flour or white whole wheat flour for this recipe. Subbing almond flour will not result in the same light and fluffy texture. If you want to make this gluten-free, see my notes below.

Baking Soda and Baking Powder-The combination of baking soda and baking powder is what helps this loaf rise.

Tools and Equipment

How to Make this Vegan Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 F. Whisk together almond milk and lemon juice. Set aside and allow to sit for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Combine pumpkin, brown sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Beat together until sugar is dissolved.

pumpkin bread wet ingredients in glass bowl

Step 3: Combine whole wheat flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and baking powder in a large bowl. Whisk together until combined.

Step 4: Add almond milk, and wet ingredients to bowl of dry ingredients. Carefully fold ingredients together until combined. Don’t over mix.

vegan pumpkin bread batter in glass bowl

Step 5: Line 9 inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Pour batter into loaf pan. Spread batter evenly across the top. At this time you can sprinkle pumpkin seeds or dairy free chocolate chips across the top.

Step 6: Place an aluminum foil tent over the top. Bake for 60 minutes in preheated oven at 350 F. Insert a toothpick through the center if it comes out clean it is completely baked.

pumpkin bread loaf topped with pumpkin seeds

Variations

How do I make this gluten-free?

If you’d like to make this recipe gluten free, I recommend using a blend of oat flour, and buckwheat flour. You could also use Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1:1 blend.

I have not made this recipe gluten-free, so results may vary. However, if you use almond flour this will definitely not rise. Almond flour absorbs more liquid, and it will turn out dense and rather mushy.

How do I make this refined sugar free?

In order to make this recipe refined sugar free simply substitute brown sugar for muscovado sugar. Muscavado sugar is an unrefined cane sugar with added natural molasses to create a moist sugar similar to brown sugar.

vegan pumpkin bread loaf on serving tray

Optional Added Ingredients

Stir in 1/2 cup of dairy free chocolate chips and sprinkle a few on the top to make this a vegan chocolate chip pumpkin bread.
Do you have a few pumpkin seeds? Sprinkle these on top before baking for a beautiful crunchy top.
Do you love nuts? Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans, or walnuts for added crunch, texture, protein, and healthy fats!

pumpkin bread loaf with slice cut off the end

What do you serve with vegan pumpkin bread?

I enjoy this vegan pumpkin bread with a cup of herbal tea or coffee in the morning.

If you’d like to add a spread on top, you could slather it with this vegan pumpkin fluff made with coconut cream, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice!

It’s an extra special treat, and really more of a dessert when served this way!

pumpkin loaf with two slices cut off the end

How do I store and keep vegan pumpkin bread?

Store-Wrap bread in saran wrap or aluminum foil. Store at room temperature in a cool dry place.

Keep-The bread will keep and remain fresh for up to 7 days, however it tastes best when it is at it’s peak of freshness between 3-4 days.

Freeze-Wrap loaf in saran wrap, and place in a freezer safe bag, removing all air. Label the bag with the date, and store in the freezer for 2-3 months. When ready to serve remove from the freezer and allow bread to thaw at room temperature.

Top Tips for Making this Vegan Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Add an aluminum foil tent over the top to keep the top from burning and allow the center to cook completely.
Allow to cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Then carefully remove from the pan by gently pulling the edges of the parchment paper. Allow to cool completely before slicing.

Check out these other vegan pumpkin recipes!