If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting treat that’s totally plant-based, this Vegan Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Recipe is an absolute gem. I love this recipe because it’s a wonderful way to welcome fall flavors into your kitchen without any complicated steps or weird ingredients — just straightforward, wholesome goodness that everyone can enjoy.
When I first tried this bread, I was blown away by how moist and flavorful it turned out, with that perfect balance of pumpkin spice and melty vegan chocolate chips throughout. Whether you want a sweet breakfast, a snack to keep you fueled during the day, or a dessert that feels like a warm hug, you’ll find that this recipe fits the bill beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need fancy products—just pantry basics and pumpkin puree.
- Perfectly Moist Texture: Thanks to the pumpkin and oil, it’s moist but not soggy, every single time.
- Vegan & Allergy-Friendly: No eggs or dairy here, making it great for plant-based eaters.
- Melty Chocolate Chips: They add sweet pockets of joy, making this bread extra irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient plays a role in creating the perfect salty-sweet harmony in this Vegan Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Recipe. When you pick your pumpkin puree and chocolate chips, quality matters — it really brings the flavor to life.
- Plain Flour: The base of the bread that gives it structure without being too dense.
- Brown Sugar: Adds warmth and molasses depth that balances out the pumpkin spices.
- Caster Sugar: For sweetness and to keep the texture light and tender.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bread moist and soft—avoid using too little or it can get dry.
- Soy Milk: My go-to plant milk because it’s neutral and works well with vinegar to create a vegan “buttermilk” effect.
- Pumpkin Puree: Make sure it’s pure pumpkin (not pie filling) for the best results.
- Vegan Chocolate Chips: The star element that melts in little pockets throughout the loaf.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Reacts with the baking soda to give the bread a nice rise and light texture.
- Maple Syrup (Optional): Adds a subtle natural sweetness and enhances the autumn flavor vibe.
- Pumpkin Spice: The magic mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to bring the season right into your kitchen.
- Baking Soda & Baking Powder: These make sure the bread rises properly and stays fluffy.
- Salt: Just a pinch amplifies all the other flavors without being noticeable on its own.
Variations
I love how versatile this Vegan Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Recipe is, so don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it. You can tweak the sweetness, swap out the chocolate chips, or even throw in some nuts or dried fruits if you want to mix things up.
- Add Nuts: My family goes crazy when I toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for some crunch alongside the chocolate chips.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to increase the pumpkin spice if you want a more intense autumn flavor.
- Make It Gluten-Free: I’ve tried swapping plain flour with a gluten-free blend, and it works well—just be sure to check for the right rising agents.
- Use Different Plant Milks: Almond, oat, or coconut milk all change the flavor slightly and sometimes make it a bit creamier.
How to Make Vegan Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Wet Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large jar or bowl, whisk together the soy milk, apple cider vinegar, vegetable oil, maple syrup, and pumpkin puree until super smooth. This little mix is your vegan “egg” magic, so make sure it’s creamy and well combined before you move on.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk the plain flour, both sugars, pumpkin spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl until they’re evenly distributed. This ensures your pumpkin bread will have nice even flavor and texture.
Step 3: Combine and Fold in Chocolate Chips
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir with a wooden spoon. You want just enough mixing so everything comes together – don’t overdo it or your bread might turn out tough. Last, fold in the vegan chocolate chips carefully to avoid melting them into the batter.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Pour the batter into a greased or lined loaf tin, then sprinkle a few more chocolate chips on top for visual appeal and extra melty surprise. Pop it in the oven for 50-60 minutes, then check by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. Let it cool completely before slicing for the best texture.
Pro Tips for Making Vegan Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Gentle Folding: When adding chocolate chips, fold them in gently to keep pockets of chocolate, not melted streaks.
- Check Oven Temperature: I learned that ovens can vary—use an oven thermometer to avoid overbaking.
- Don’t Overmix: Mixing until just combined keeps the bread tender rather than chewy or dense.
- Cooling Time: Letting the bread cool in the tin helps it set up and makes slicing easier without crumbling.
How to Serve Vegan Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top my slices with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a smear of almond butter to add another layer of flavor. Some fresh orange zest over the top can really brighten it up if you want a zingy touch, too.
Side Dishes
This pumpkin bread pairs beautifully with a warm cup of chai tea, coffee, or your favorite plant-based milk latte. For a heartier brunch, I enjoy serving it alongside sautéed greens or a simple fruit salad to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, I’ve served this bread as mini loaf muffins lined with cute paper cases—perfect for giving as gifts or for holiday gatherings. You could also create a layered dessert by toasting slices and adding vegan cream cheese and pumpkin spice jam on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is warm or humid, I recommend refrigerating it to keep it fresh, but be sure to bring it back to room temp or toast to revive the softness.
Freezing
This bread freezes wonderfully. I slice it first, wrap the slices in plastic wrap or parchment, then store them in a freezer bag. It makes for super convenient grab-and-go snacks or last-minute breakfasts.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop slices straight into the toaster or warm them for about 30 seconds in the microwave. Toasting brings back a lovely crisp edge while keeping the inside soft and melty.
FAQs
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Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this Vegan Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices. This helps you control the sweetness and flavor balance.
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What’s the best way to prevent the chocolate chips from sinking?
Gently folding the chips into the batter right before baking and sprinkling some on top helps keep them dispersed throughout without sinking to the bottom.
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Can I substitute the soy milk with another plant-based milk?
Yes, you can use almond, oat, or coconut milk. Just ensure it’s unsweetened and shake well before measuring to avoid separation issues.
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How long will this bread stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, it’s fresh for about 3 days. After that, refrigeration or freezing is your best bet to avoid drying out.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Vegan Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to treats, especially when I want something that feels indulgent but is still wholesome. It’s the kind of recipe I whip up whenever I want my kitchen to smell like fall, and my family always disappears the loaf faster than I expect. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try and enjoy every delicious, chocolate-studded bite!
PrintVegan Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 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, tender loaf bursting with warm pumpkin spice and studded with vegan chocolate chips. Perfect for a cozy autumn treat or anytime you crave a flavorful, dairy-free, and egg-free sweet bread. Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients, this bread offers the comforting flavors of pumpkin and chocolate in every slice.
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 sprinkling on top)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature 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 the mixture is very smooth. Set this aside to allow the vinegar and soy milk to react, creating a vegan ‘buttermilk’.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the plain flour, brown sugar, caster sugar, pumpkin spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a large wooden spoon, gently mix until just combined to avoid developing too much gluten which can make the bread tough.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Add the vegan chocolate chips and fold them gently into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed without melting into the batter.
- Transfer to Loaf Tin: Pour the batter into a loaf tin, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle additional vegan chocolate chips on top for a decorative and tasty finish.
- Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pumpkin bread from the oven and let it cool in the tin until it reaches room temperature. Then, take the bread out of the tin, slice, and enjoy it as is or toasted for extra flavor.
Notes
- Mix the batter gently to prevent developing too much gluten which can lead to a dense texture.
- Add the vegan chocolate chips at the very last step to avoid them melting in the batter and losing their shape.
- Using digital scales will help you measure ingredients accurately for best results.
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: 0mg