Nora Cooks Vegan Pumpkin Bread - Easy Recipe for Moist Fall Loaf

An Introduction to Nora Cooks Vegan Pumpkin Bread

As more people adopt plant-based diets for health, environmental, and ethical reasons, vegan baking has become increasingly popular. Vegan versions of classic baked goods allow people to enjoy treats like breads, muffins, and cakes without using any animal products. One beloved fall recipe that has a delicious vegan makeover is pumpkin bread.

Nora Cooks is a popular food blog that features hundreds of vegan recipes. The site's founder, Nora, developed a wonderful recipe for vegan pumpkin bread that is tender, spicy, and full of flavor. This moist and dense quick bread has become a reader favorite on the site.

Benefits of Vegan Pumpkin Bread

There are several advantages to making Nora's vegan pumpkin bread recipe rather than traditional pumpkin bread that contains eggs and dairy:

• It's dairy-free and egg-free, making it suitable for vegans and people with food allergies or sensitivities.
• Pumpkin is high in vitamin A, providing important antioxidants.
• It has no cholesterol since it uses plant-based ingredients.
• The recipe is quite simple to make, requiring just one bowl.
• No animal products are used, aligning with ethical reasons for following plant-based diets.

Key Ingredients in Nora Cooks Vegan Pumpkin Bread

While the full recipe can be found on Nora Cooks, here is an overview of the key ingredients that give this bread its signature flavor and texture:

• Pumpkin puree - Provides moisture and pumpkin flavor. Canned pumpkin works well.
• Plant-based milk - Soy or almond milk help achieve a rich texture.
• Flax eggs - Ground flaxseeds whisked with water bind the batter instead of eggs.
• Wet ingredients - Brown sugar, oil, and vanilla pudding mix provide sweetness.
• Dry ingredients - Flour, baking powder, spices like cinnamon and ginger add warmth.
• Nuts - Chopped walnuts or pecans provide crunch.

Step-By-Step Instructions for Making Nora Cooks Vegan Pumpkin Bread

Here is a walkthrough of how to make this delicious vegan quick bread at home:

Prep the Dry and Wet Ingredients

Start by gathering all the dry ingredients: whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Whisk these together in one bowl.

In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients: pumpkin puree, plant-based milk, vegetable oil, brown sugar, vanilla pudding mix, and flax eggs. Mix well using a sturdy spoon.

Make the Flax Eggs

Flax eggs provide the binding properties typically achieved with eggs in baking. To make them, combine ground flaxseed meal with warm water in a small bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes until thickened.

Mix the Batter

Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and stir just until combined - be careful not to overmix. Fold in any additional add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.

Bake the Bread

Grease a loaf pan and pour the batter inside. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake at 350F for 55-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Slice the Loaf

Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan. Then run a knife along the edges and invert onto a cutting board. Slice into thick pieces and serve with vegan butter or enjoy plain.

Tips for Making the Perfect Vegan Pumpkin Bread

Here are some helpful tips for getting great results when baking Nora's famous vegan pumpkin bread:

Use Very Ripe Pumpkin Puree

For the most flavor, be sure to use pumpkin puree that is dark orange and very ripe tasting. Underripe puree can make the bread bland.

Don't Overmix the Batter

Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined. Too much stirring will cause the gluten in the flour to toughen, resulting in a dense bread.

Check for Doneness with a Toothpick

Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, the bread is fully baked through.

Let the Bread Cool Completely Before Slicing

Allowing the loaf to cool down to room temperature before slicing prevents crumbling and allows the flavors to develop.

Store in an Airtight Container

Leftover pumpkin bread will stay fresh longer when stored in a tightly sealed container at room temperature.

Customizing and Flavoring Vegan Pumpkin Bread

One of the great things about this recipe is how adaptable it is:

Swap in Different Flours

For gluten-free bread, use all-purpose gluten-free flour. Subbing spelt or oat flour works well too.

Add Mix-ins

Stir in raisins, chocolate chips, chopped apples or pecans before baking for a flavor twist.

Adjust the Spices

Tailor the spices to your taste preferences. More ginger adds heat, while extra cinnamon boosts warmth.

Top with Streusel

For a crunchy streusel topping, mix brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and vegan butter and sprinkle on before baking.

Make Pumpkin Cupcakes or Muffins

For smaller portions, pour the batter into lined muffin tins and reduce the bake time to 25 minutes.

Serving Ideas for Vegan Pumpkin Bread

Here are some delicious ways to serve your freshly baked loaf:

Breakfast Toast

Top slices with peanut butter or avocado for a satisfying plant-powered breakfast.

Snack with Tea or Coffee

Enjoy a slice on its own or with vegan cream cheese as an afternoon pick-me-up.

Dessert Option

Serve with non-dairy ice cream for an easy fall dessert.

Holiday Bread

This spiced loaf makes a perfect addition to Thanksgiving or autumn dinner spreads.

Gifts for Friends

Wrap up loaves or muffins in pretty packaging to give as tasty homemade gifts.

The Importance of Plant-Based Eating

Beyond being a delicious baked good, Nora's vegan pumpkin bread recipe aligns with the many benefits of plant-based eating. Diets focused on whole plant foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and legumes confer many health advantages including:

• Lower risk for chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes and cancer
• Decreased inflammation
• Better gut health and digestion
• Increased energy and mental clarity
• Weight loss or maintenance
• Reduced environmental impact

So enjoy a slice of wholesome and compassionate vegan pumpkin bread, and savor its great taste and nutrition!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.