Vegan Pumpkin Bread Recipe

If you love the cozy flavors of fall but want a quick, easy treat that feels special, this Vegan Pumpkin Bread Recipe is going to be your new best friend. I absolutely love how this pumpkin bread turns out—it’s moist, lightly spiced, and just sweet enough without being overwhelming. Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch, a snack, or a holiday gathering, this bread works beautifully and keeps everyone coming back for more.

When I first tried this Vegan Pumpkin Bread Recipe, I was amazed by how simple the ingredients are yet how satisfying the final loaf is. You’ll find that using applesauce instead of eggs keeps the bread perfectly moist while making it completely plant-based. Plus, the pumpkin puree adds that true, deep autumn flavor that feels so comforting any time of year.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Vegan Pumpkin Bread Recipe is in how these ingredients come together to create something warm and inviting. Each component plays its part, whether it’s the natural sweetness of applesauce or the gentle spice from cinnamon. Here’s what you’ll want on hand before we start baking.

• Applesauce: Acts as an egg substitute to keep the bread moist and tender without dairy or eggs.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bread rich and moist, plus it helps the pumpkin flavor shine.
• Sugar: Balances the spices and pumpkin; you can adjust sweetness based on your taste.
• Pumpkin Puree: The star of the show that brings moisture and classic fall flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors, making everything taste more rounded and vibrant.
• Salt: Amplifies the other flavors, so don’t skip it!
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure; you can try whole wheat for a heartier twist.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise beautifully—make sure your oven’s preheated to activate it properly.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and that signature pumpkin bread spice note.
• Optional Add-Ins: Raisins, walnuts, or chocolate chips add texture and extra flavor if you want to customize.

Variations

I like to switch up this Vegan Pumpkin Bread Recipe every once in a while to keep things exciting. You’ll find it fun to experiment with different add-ins or spice blends, making the loaf feel brand new each time. Don’t be shy about personalizing it!

• Nutty Twist: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans gives a pleasant crunch and pairs well with the pumpkin flavor—I often toss these in for that extra texture.
• Sweet Add-Ins: Stir in raisins or dairy-free chocolate chips; my family goes crazy for chocolate and pumpkin together!
• Spice it Up: Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice or add a pinch of nutmeg and cloves for a deeper flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Try a gluten-free flour blend to make this bread suitable for friends with sensitivities.

How to Make Vegan Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your loaf pan. This is an easy step but super important because the baking powder in the recipe is double-acting, so you want to get the bread into a warm oven right away to help it rise beautifully. Trust me, it makes a noticeable difference in your loaf’s texture.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the applesauce, vegetable oil, sugar, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. I use a whisk here to blend everything evenly. Mixing these well ensures your bread will have consistent flavor and moisture.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Combine

Add in your flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix! Those little lumps are totally okay and will give your bread a nice rustic crumb. Overworking the batter can make the bread tough, and nobody wants that.

Step 4: Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for about 50 to 55 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick or fork into the middle—it should come out clean with no wet batter attached. I like to start checking around 50 minutes to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the loaf.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Let your vegan pumpkin bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling step is key for slicing cleanly without crumbling. Then, slice up and enjoy the warm, pumpkin-y goodness!

How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I like to spread a little vegan butter or nut butter on warm slices, which adds richness and creamy contrast to the spiced pumpkin flavor. For a special touch, a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar always feels festive and delicious.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee—perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon breaks. If you’re serving brunch, fresh fruit or a simple salad lightens the mood and complements the dense, moist bread nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like slicing this vegan pumpkin bread into mini pieces and serving it with dairy-free cream cheese frosting or a spiced glaze drizzle. It looks beautiful on a platter and feels special without a lot of extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I wrap the pumpkin bread tightly in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps it moist and fresh. After that, moving it to the fridge helps prolong its life for up to a week, but bring it back to room temp before serving.

Freezing

I often slice the loaf before freezing so I can pull out just one or two pieces at a time. Wrap slices tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Pumpkin bread freezes beautifully and lasts for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a slice in the toaster oven for a few minutes or microwave it briefly, then add a smear of vegan butter or spread of nut butter. This awakens the flavors and returns the bread to that just-baked warmth we all crave.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pumpkin Bread Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen whenever I want something easy, comforting, and delicious. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug in every bite. I really hope you try it soon and enjoy that perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and moist pumpkin goodness—it’s a total crowd-pleaser!

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