You’ve probably seen your share of banana bread posts over the last few weeks. The current state of things around the world has most of us reflecting and getting more creative in their down time. My love affair with Starbucks Pumpkin Bread was severed years ago & I’ve been looking for an alternative since. Introducing my super healthy, delicious and moist Harvest Spice Bread!
Guys, I have been working for months to perfect this recipe. It’s a heavenly blend of synergistic spices such as ceylon cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. These invigorating spices and flavors remind me of Fall Harvest, my favorite season!
To lightly sweeten this deliciously moist bread I used coconut sugar. To bind the batter I used a blend of applesauce and pumpkin puree. My clients and family love this bread a ton because it’s not overly sweet and just downright divine. The pumpkin doesn’t overpower the apple and vice versa. I usually have to make 2 loaves because 1 loaf will be demolished in a day.
This bread slices beautifully once it has cooled. My non-vegan friends, family and even clients haven’t been able to guess this Harvest Spice Bread is vegan. It’s moist, fluffy, perfectly spiced while having the golden amount of sweetness.
What Do I Need To Make Vegan Harvest Spice Bread?
The number one item I will tell you to have on hand is a glass loaf dish. I love Pyrex’s Easy Grab Loaf Dish because it’s extremely high quality and super affordable at just over $7. I’ve used both silicone and glass (I don’t use aluminum). Glass just fairs better each time and eliminates the use of parchment paper.
How Do I Make Vegan Harvest Spice Bread?
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F and greasing your loaf pan with a vegan butter. I love Earth Balance soy free buttery spread.
Then, in a small bowl, combine a tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons water. Set aside to thicken. This will serve as your flax egg or egg replacement.
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, applesauce, coconut sugar, avocado oil, flax egg and plant-based milk until well combined and smooth. Now, add the flour then you’re going to add the baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves on top of the flour. Mix gently until just combined. I like using my handheld cake mixer to blend my ingredients but you can also mix by hand. I’ve found that using my cake mixer has given me a smoother and softer loaf, almost cake like.
Pour into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the loaf cool for 30 minutes in the pan, then carefully transfer the loaf to a cooling rack.
This bread will slice beautifully once cooled for about 30 minutes. If you slice ahead of time you risk the loaf falling apart on you. It’s totally up to you either way 🙂
What Else Can I Add To Harvest Spice Bread?
You can add a low glycemic alternative like cacao nibs or vegan chocolate chips if you prefer. If you’re a bit more adventurous with your palate try adding sunflower butter or any nut butter as a topping. I LOVE adding sunflower butter with a date syrup drizzle and dash of ceylon cinnamon! Vegan whipped cream? Why not! Feel free to add nuts and seeds to your batter or sprinkling on top, get creative!
Does Harvest Spice Bread Freeze Well?
Yes, this bread like most quick breads freezes very well. To freeze, cool your loaf completely first. Slice then place in parchment paper than place in a freezer friendly storage bag. We don’t use plastic so Stasher Bags are our go-to for food storage. We also use sustainable & unbleached parchment paper. When you’re ready to eat it just remove from freezer and set on your counter for a few minutes until softened/thawed.
Are There Any Substitutes I Can Use For Certain Ingredients?
100%! You can use brown rice flour or chickpea (garbanzo bean) flour rather than oat flour. I’ve used unsweetened hemp, almond and oat milk for this recipe and it came out great. You can also use soy milk if you have a preference. A swap for coconut sugar would be date sugar. You just may need to increase the amount a smidgen depending on your preference.
So, what are you waiting for! Get in the kitchen and make some vegan Harvest Spice Bread! Tag me in your pics/stories on Instagram! @.TheWholistic.Healer & @HealthyHairToToe.
Check out the recipe card below and pin to Pinterest for later 🙂
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