Vegan Pumpkin Bread Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Vegan Pumpkin Bread Recipe with you because it’s honestly one of my go-to treats when the weather starts to cool down. There’s something so cozy about the warm spices combined with the natural sweetness of pumpkin that just feels like a hug in loaf form. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this pumpkin bread hits all the right notes every time.

What makes this Vegan Pumpkin Bread Recipe extra special is how simple it is to whip up—no crazy ingredients or complicated steps. Plus, it’s moist and tender without relying on eggs or dairy, so it’s perfect for anyone looking for a plant-based delight. I love that you can customize it with your favorite mix-ins too, which keeps things interesting and delicious every single time.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Vegan Pumpkin Bread Recipe come together to create a tender, flavorful loaf that’s straightforward to make and full of autumn vibes. I always recommend using good-quality pumpkin puree and real vanilla extract for that truly comforting depth of flavor.

• Applesauce: This replaces eggs for moisture and binds the ingredients while keeping the bread vegan and tender.
• Vegetable oil: Adds richness and helps keep the bread moist and soft.
• Sugar: Sweetens the bread; you can tweak the amount to your taste or use unrefined sugar for a deeper flavor.
• Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that provides natural sweetness and that classic pumpkin flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds a bit of warmth.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the spices.
• All-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together.
• Baking powder: Helps the bread rise and become fluffy—but be sure to bake right after mixing to get the best rise!
• Cinnamon: Adds that essential pumpkin-spice note that makes this bread irresistible.
• (Optional) Add-ins: Raisins, walnuts, or chocolate chips add texture and extra flavor pops—choose what you love.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing things up with this Vegan Pumpkin Bread Recipe by adding different nuts or chocolate chips depending on my mood. You can easily tweak the spices for a stronger pumpkin spice vibe or keep it simple with just cinnamon for a more subtle warmth.

• Variation: I once added chopped crystallized ginger, and it gave the bread a surprising zing that my family couldn’t get enough of—try it if you want a festive twist!
• Nut-Free: Skip nuts entirely if you have allergies, or swap walnuts for sunflower seeds for crunch without the nuts.
• Less Sweet: If you’re watching sugar, start with ¾ cup and taste the batter; it’s still delicious with less sweetness.
• Muffin Option: Pour the batter into muffin tins to make pumpkin bread muffins perfect for lunchboxes or grab-and-go breakfasts.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Oven Preheated and Pan Ready

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because the baking powder in the recipe is double-acting, meaning it needs immediate heat to help your bread rise properly. Meanwhile, grease your loaf pan—I’ve found a light coating of vegetable oil or a non-stick spray works best to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Your Wet Ingredients Together

In a large bowl, whisk the applesauce, vegetable oil, sugar, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and combined. This part is where the magic starts—your batter will look rich and a little glossy, and it’s the base for that moist texture we love.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients and Stir Carefully

Next, sift or whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl. Then add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Now, here’s a big tip: stir just until combined. It’s okay if the batter looks a little lumpy—that’s perfect because overmixing can make your bread tough. If you want to add raisins, walnuts, or chocolate chips, fold them in gently now.

Step 4: Bake and Test for Doneness

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and pop it into the oven immediately. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, but start checking at 50 minutes by inserting a toothpick or fork into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your pumpkin bread is ready! If there’s wet batter, bake for a few more minutes and test again.

How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping slices of this pumpkin bread with a thin spread of vegan butter or almond butter when it’s warm—it melts in so nicely! Sometimes, I sprinkle a little powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar on top for a quick, pretty finish that adds a subtle crunch and sparkle.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with a warm cup of chai tea or coffee for a cozy morning treat. For brunch, I like serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a big bowl of dairy-free yogurt topped with granola to keep breakfast light but satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve wrapped the pumpkin bread slices in parchment paper tied with twine and tucked in a cinnamon stick as a charming gift. You can also serve thick slices stacked with layers of vegan cream cheese frosting for a festive pumpkin bread “cake” that surprises and delights your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or put it in an airtight container and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. This method keeps the bread soft and flavorful—just avoid refrigerating if possible, as that can dry it out faster.

Freezing

Freezing works great if you want to save some for later. I slice the loaf first, wrap each slice individually with plastic wrap, then place them all in a freezer bag. That way, I can pull out a slice or two whenever I want without defrosting the whole thing.

Reheating

For reheating, I pop a slice in the toaster oven or microwave for about 20 seconds—just enough to warm it through without drying it out. Adding a little vegan butter on top when warm makes it taste freshly baked all over again!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pumpkin Bread Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen every fall, and I hope it finds a special spot in yours too. It’s one of those comforting, crowd-pleasing recipes that’s easy to make but impresses with flavor and texture. Trust me, whether you’re new to vegan baking or just love pumpkin everything, you’ll enjoy making and sharing this delightful pumpkin bread as much as I do!

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