As the crisp fall air settles in and the leaves turn vibrant shades of orange and gold, nothing beats the comforting aroma of freshly baked pumpkin loaf wafting through your kitchen. This vegan pumpkin loaf recipe is the perfect cozy treat, blending the natural sweetness of pumpkin with warm spices and a moist, tender crumb.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking for a wholesome, plant-based dessert, this loaf will quickly become your go-to for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.
What makes this recipe truly special is how it combines wholesome ingredients without compromising on flavor or texture. It’s easy to prepare, doesn’t require any complicated techniques, and uses pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
Best of all, it’s entirely plant-based, free from eggs and dairy, making it friendly for those with dietary restrictions or anyone wanting to eat more mindfully. Let’s dive in and make a loaf that’s as delicious as it is nourishing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan pumpkin loaf is a wonderful addition to your baking repertoire for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly moist and tender thanks to the natural moisture from the pumpkin puree and the use of plant-based oils.
The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves brings out the quintessential fall flavors that are both comforting and aromatic.
Additionally, it’s a versatile recipe that allows for easy customization. You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruits to tailor it to your taste.
It’s also a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients from pumpkin, which is rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants.
Finally, this loaf stores well, making it a perfect make-ahead treat for busy mornings or last-minute guests. Pair it with a hot cup of tea or coffee, and you have a delightful moment of seasonal bliss.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat pastry flour for a healthier option)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- ¾ cup organic brown sugar or coconut sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce (acts as an egg replacer)
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp ground ginger (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup vegan chocolate chips or dried cranberries (optional)
Equipment
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Cooling rack
- Optional: food processor or blender (if making homemade pumpkin puree)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your loaf pan lightly with oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Whisk well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- In a separate medium bowl, mix the wet ingredients: pumpkin puree, brown sugar, applesauce, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; stir just until no streaks of flour remain.
- If using, fold in the chopped nuts and/or vegan chocolate chips or dried cranberries to the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with the spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Let the pumpkin loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips & Variations
To keep your loaf moist, don’t overbake it! Start checking at 50 minutes and adjust as needed.
If you want to boost the nutrition, swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or oat flour. You can also add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed for extra omega-3s.
For a nut-free version, omit the nuts and substitute with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch. If you prefer a sweeter loaf, add a splash of maple syrup or agave nectar to the wet ingredients.
Try adding a swirl of vegan cream cheese or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking for an extra special treat.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 slice) |
---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 30 g |
Protein | 3 g |
Fat | 7 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Sugar | 12 g |
Vitamin A | 120% DV |
Vitamin C | 8% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan pumpkin loaf is delicious on its own, but you can elevate your serving experience with a few simple touches. Spread a layer of vegan butter or nut butter on a warm slice for a creamy, rich flavor.
You might also enjoy it with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar. For a more indulgent option, serve alongside a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream.
Pair your pumpkin loaf with a warm chai latte or spiced coffee for the ultimate fall-inspired snack. If you’re looking for other delightful vegan treats, check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or try the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.
Conclusion
This vegan pumpkin loaf is a must-try for anyone seeking a wholesome, flavorful fall treat that’s both easy to make and nourishing. It captures the essence of pumpkin spice season with its warm, fragrant spices and tender crumb, all while being completely plant-based and allergy-friendly.
Whether you enjoy it as a cozy breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a simple dessert, this loaf will not disappoint.
One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability—you can customize it to fit your taste preferences and dietary needs without losing the heartwarming pumpkin flavor. Plus, it pairs beautifully with many beverages and toppings to create a satisfying eating experience.
For more vegan baking inspiration, don’t miss exploring our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes or the Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas. Happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Pumpkin Loaf
Description: A moist and flavorful vegan pumpkin loaf perfect for fall. Easy to make and packed with warm spices.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT55M
Total Time: PT1H10M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, brown sugar, oil, almond milk, and vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 9g | Carbs: 32g
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