I’m so excited to share this Vegan Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Recipe with you! It’s one of those cozy treats that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, combining the rich, autumnal flavor of pumpkin with melty vegan chocolate chips that everyone loves. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a weekend brunch, or just because, this bread truly hits the spot.
What makes this Vegan Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Recipe stand out is how easy it comes together with simple pantry ingredients, and yet it’s packed with flavor and a perfect texture. I remember the first time I made this, and my family went crazy for it—it’s moist, hearty, and the little pockets of chocolate throughout are seriously addictive. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your baking rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Moist: The pumpkin puree keeps the bread tender and full of natural moisture, so it never dries out.
- Easy to Make: No fancy equipment or obscure ingredients—perfect for any home baker.
- Vegan Friendly: This recipe uses plant-based ingredients and still delivers on flavor and texture.
- Chocolate Chip Heaven: Packed with just the right amount of vegan chocolate chips, making every bite a delightful surprise.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Vegan Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Recipe plays a crucial role in balancing flavor and texture. Keep an eye on fresh pumpkin puree and quality vegan chocolate chips for the best results.
- Plain flour: A versatile base that gives the bread structure—measuring accurately here is key.
- Brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and moisture.
- Caster sugar: Helps with sweetness and creates a light crumb.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist without overpowering flavors.
- Soy milk: A neutral plant-based milk to bind ingredients and add moisture.
- Pumpkin puree: The star of the show—natural sweetness and that ultimate fall flavor.
- Vegan chocolate chips: I recommend folding these in last to keep their shape and get melty bursts of chocolate.
- Apple cider vinegar: Helps create a tender crumb by reacting with baking soda.
- Maple syrup (optional): Adds a nice depth of sweetness and pairs beautifully with pumpkin spice.
- Pumpkin spice: The classic blend that brings warmth and festive vibes.
- Baking soda: Ensures the bread rises nicely and develops a soft texture.
- Baking powder: Adds extra lift for a fluffy loaf.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
Variations
I love that you can easily tweak this Vegan Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Recipe to suit your mood or pantry. Whether you want it spicier, sweeter, or more indulgent, feel free to experiment—I’ve tried a few ways I’ll share with you.
- Add nuts: Toasted walnuts or pecans add a fantastic crunch and complement the chocolate and pumpkin perfectly—my family adores this twist.
- Other spices: Swap pumpkin spice for cinnamon or even a pinch of cardamom for a slightly different flavor profile I find really interesting.
- Gluten-free: I’ve made this successfully with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend; just watch the batter consistency as it tends to be thicker.
- Swap maple syrup: If you prefer, you can leave out the maple syrup or use agave nectar—either way, it still tastes amazing.
How to Make Vegan Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Wet Ingredients
Start by mixing the soy milk and apple cider vinegar in a large jar or mixing bowl. I found whisking in the vegetable oil, maple syrup (if using), and pumpkin puree here creates a smooth, creamy mixture that will keep your batter super moist without clumps. Setting this aside while you prepare the dry ingredients lets the vinegar start doing its magic—this little trick really helps the bread rise.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate big bowl, whisk together plain flour, brown sugar, caster sugar, pumpkin spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until everything is evenly mixed. It’s important to mix these well so you get uniform flavor and consistent rising without spots of baking powder clumps—that can happen if you rush!
Step 3: Gently Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour your wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a large wooden spoon or spatula. I always remind friends not to overmix here—just fold until combined. Overworking the batter develops gluten and can turn your bread tough instead of tender. The batter should be thick but easy to stir.
Step 4: Fold in Vegan Chocolate Chips
Now, sprinkle in the vegan chocolate chips, folding them in carefully to keep their shape. I discovered that adding the chips at the last minute prevents them from melting fully into the batter, giving you lovely nuggets of chocolate in the finished bread. Save some chips to sprinkle on top before baking for that extra chocolatey appeal.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan, and top with extra chocolate chips if you want (I always do!). Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 50 to 60 minutes. The best way to tell it’s done is to insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready. Resist the urge to open the oven door too often to avoid sinking.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the bread cool in the tin until it reaches room temperature before removing it. This resting time helps the bread set and slice cleanly without crumbling. I love having a slice as is or lightly toasted with vegan butter for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Pro Tips for Making Vegan Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Measure Flour Carefully: I recommend weighing your flour using a digital scale to avoid dense bread—too much flour can dry it out.
- Don’t Overmix Batter: Stir just until ingredients come together; overmixing leads to a tough loaf.
- Add Chocolate Chips Last: This little trick keeps the chips from melting entirely into the batter for perfect melty chunks.
- Check Oven Temperature: If your oven runs hot, start checking the bread at 50 minutes to avoid drying out or burning edges.
How to Serve Vegan Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple—just an extra sprinkle of vegan chocolate chips on top before baking seals the deal. Sometimes, I add chopped nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving for a pretty touch. When I want to make it extra special, a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce over a warm slice is heavenly.
Side Dishes
This pumpkin bread goes great with a cozy cup of spiced chai or your favorite coffee. I often serve it alongside fresh fruit or dairy-free yogurt for a complete, comforting breakfast or snack. It’s also fantastic paired with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or gift, I like slicing the bread and wrapping pieces individually in parchment with a festive ribbon—people appreciate a homemade treat that’s easy to grab. You can also cut it into mini muffins using a muffin tin for bite-sized enjoyment, perfect for kids or crowd-pleasers at potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, and it stays just as moist and delicious as fresh. If your kitchen is warm, fridge storage helps the bread last longer but can slightly firm up the texture—just bring it back to room temp or toast before serving.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully! I slice it first, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. When I want a quick treat, I just pop a slice in the toaster or let it thaw on the counter. Freezing keeps the bread fresh for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheating is simple—I like to toast slices for a few minutes to restore that freshly-baked warmth and bring out the chocolate chips’ gooey goodness. If you’re reheating a whole loaf, wrap it in foil and warm it gently in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
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Can I use canned pumpkin for this Vegan Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is actually my go-to because it’s consistent and easy to find year-round. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not canned pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugars and spices.
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What if I don’t have pumpkin spice—can I substitute?
No worries! You can easily make your own blend with ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. I usually use about 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ginger, and a pinch of nutmeg and cloves combined for each teaspoon of pumpkin spice.
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Can I make this bread nut-free?
Yes, this recipe doesn’t call for nuts by default, so it’s naturally nut-free. Just be sure to use vegan chocolate chips that are produced in a nut-free facility if you have allergy concerns.
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How do I know when the Vegan Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread is done baking?
Use a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf—when it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. If the toothpick has wet batter, the bread needs more time. I usually start checking at 50 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to bake, especially as the seasons change and I crave something comforting with a little indulgence. It’s simple enough to make anytime but special enough to impress friends and family. I really hope you give it a try—once you do, I bet it’ll become your cozy go-to treat too!
PrintVegan Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 slices
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf combining the natural sweetness of pumpkin puree with warm pumpkin spice and melty vegan chocolate chips. Perfect for an autumn snack or breakfast treat, it’s easy to make, oil-based, and free from animal products.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/3 cup (80ml) vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup (60ml) soy milk
- 3/4 cup (170g) pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (230g) plain flour
- 1/2 cup (70g) brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (110g) caster sugar
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Add-ins
- 1/2 ~ 1 cup (80~160g) vegan chocolate chips (plus more for sprinkle)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking the pumpkin bread.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large jar or bowl, whisk together the soy milk, apple cider vinegar, vegetable oil, maple syrup (if using), and pumpkin puree until completely smooth. Set aside.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another large bowl, whisk together the plain flour, brown sugar, caster sugar, pumpkin spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
- Mix Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir with a large wooden spoon until just combined to avoid over-developing gluten.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold the vegan chocolate chips into the batter gently to preserve their shape and prevent them from melting into the batter.
- Transfer & Sprinkle: Pour the batter into a loaf tin and evenly sprinkle additional vegan chocolate chips on top for extra chocolatey crunch.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the loaf tin to room temperature. Then remove from the tin, slice, and serve. Enjoy plain or toasted.
Notes
- Mix the batter gently to avoid developing too much gluten for a tender crumb.
- Add vegan chocolate chips at the final step to prevent them from melting fully in the batter.
- Use digital kitchen scales for the most accurate ingredient measurement.
- For a sweeter loaf, feel free to increase the amount of chocolate chips or maple syrup slightly.
- This bread keeps well stored wrapped at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerated up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 422mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0g