This easy dairy-free pumpkin bread is soft, moist, and full of warm fall spices! Made with a whole can of pumpkin purée, vegetable oil, brown sugar, and simple pantry ingredients, it's a delicious homemade pumpkin loaf that doesn't need any milk or butter. Perfect for fall breakfasts, afternoon snacks, and freezer-friendly baking!
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, packed brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and thoroughly combined.
Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet pumpkin mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a silicone spatula until the flour is incorporated and no large pockets of dry ingredients remain. Avoid overmixing.
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides to make removing the finished bread easier.
Transfer the Batter
Pour the pumpkin bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a silicone spatula to spread the batter evenly across the pan.
Bake the Pumpkin Bread
Place the loaf pan on the center rack of the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If wet batter remains, continue baking and check again after approximately 5 minutes. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil.
Cool Before Slicing
Remove the pumpkin bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully lift the loaf out using the parchment paper and transfer it to a wire cooling rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing.
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Notes
Pumpkin Purée: Use one 15 oz can of 100% pure pumpkin purée. Do not substitute pumpkin pie filling, which contains additional sugar and spices.
Flour: Measure the flour using the spoon-and-level method to avoid adding too much.
Oil: Use a neutral-flavored vegetable oil. This recipe doesn't require butter or milk.
Mixing: Stir the wet and dry ingredients together just until combined. Overmixing can produce a dense or tough loaf.
Loaf Pan: A 9 x 5-inch loaf pan is a practical choice, but pan dimensions and materials affect baking time.
Baking Time: Begin checking the bread at approximately 55 minutes. The center should be fully baked before removing the loaf.
Cooling: Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Cool completely before slicing.
Optional Add-Ins: Try adding approximately 1/2 cup of dairy-free chocolate chips or chopped nuts, provided they're suitable for your family's allergies. These variations may affect the finished texture.
Allergen Safety: Always check ingredient labels and allergen information on packaged products, especially when baking for someone with a life-threatening dairy allergy. Prevent cross-contact by using clean equipment and preparation surfaces.
Storage
Room Temperature: Store completely cooled pumpkin bread in an airtight container for up to 2 days in a cool kitchen.
Refrigerator: Wrap tightly or store in an airtight container for up to 5 to 7 days.
Freezer: Wrap the cooled loaf tightly or freeze individual slices in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months for best quality.
Thawing: Thaw frozen pumpkin bread in the refrigerator overnight. Individual slices can be gently warmed after thawing.