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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! When Trader Joe’s makes their pumpkin splash, I get all excited and giddy inside.
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.
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.
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 snack
Ingredients
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
- Pumpkin Fluff: Vegan Pumpkin Dip
- Vegan Pumpkin Muffins
- Vegan Pumpkin Smoothie
- Pumpkin Pie Spiced Vegan Trail Mix
- Vegan Pumpkin Soup
- Vegan Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie Bars
- Pumpkin Vegan French Toast Casserole
- Vegan Pumpkin Scones by Nora Cooks
Vegan Pumpkin Bread Recipe
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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Whisk together almond milk and lemon juice. Set aside and allow to sit for 10 minutes.
- Combine pumpkin, muscovado sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Beat together until sugar is dissolved.
- Combine whole wheat flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and baking powder in a large bowl. Whisk together until combined.
- Add almond milk, and wet ingredients to bowl of dry ingredients. Carefully fold ingredients together until combined. Don't over mix.
- 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.
- 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.
Video
Notes
- 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.
This definitely looks like a healthy Bread. Pumpkin sounds very interesting and this bread look soft and moist too. Have to try making some for family.
So delicious! I especially love the pumpkin seeds on top – they are so pretty and add the perfect extra touch of texture!
Pumpkin bread is one of my favourites but I don’t get around to making it too often. Definitely giving this delicious recipe the thumbs up – it is packed full of fall flavour and is super delicious.
I’m always looking for new vegan recipes and this pumpkin bread sounds scrumptious. Can’t wait to give it a try!
I love plant-based recipes! They are perfect for every lifestyle and always taste amazing! I like to think of them as a guilt-free snack.