Pumpkin bread

 As the leaves start to change and the air turns crisp, there's something truly magical about the flavors of fall. One of my favorite seasonal ingredients is pumpkin—its rich, earthy sweetness pairs perfectly with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. This pumpkin bread is a comforting treat that’s not only delicious but also made with simple, wholesome ingredients.

Whether you're enjoying it with a warm cup of tea on a chilly morning or as a cozy afternoon snack, this pumpkin bread is the perfect way to celebrate the autumn season. It's packed with nourishing ingredients like oat bran, applesauce, and pumpkin purée, so you can feel good about every bite. The best part? It's free from refined sugar, oil, and gluten, making it a guilt-free indulgence for all.

Let’s dive into the recipe to bake up your own loaf of this soft, fragrant, and perfectly spiced pumpkin bread. Trust me, your kitchen will smell heavenly! 

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Cozy Pumpkin Bread 

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups oat bran 
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ⅛ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup canned pumpkin purée (plain, not pumpkin pie filling)
• ⅓ cup erythritol (or other sweetener)
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce 
• ¼ cup almond milk 
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pumpkin seeds (optional, for texture)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven: to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the oat bran, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.

3. Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, combine the pumpkin purée, erythritol, unsweetened applesauce, almond milk, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well-mixed.

4. Combine: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

5. Optional add-ins: If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pumpkin seeds.

6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool: Let the pumpkin bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Storage:

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerate for a week or freeze for up to 3 months.

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I hope you love this vegan pumpkin bread as much as I do! It’s the ultimate fall comfort food, and it's so easy to make. Whether you're baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this bread is sure to bring a little warmth and coziness to your day. Feel free to experiment with different add-ins like chopped nuts or seeds for extra texture and flavor.

If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear how it turns out! Let me know in the comments or share your creation on social media. Happy baking! 🍂🎃