The days are getting shorter and the nights are getting cooler. For gardeners and farmer’s market connoisseurs, that can mean only one thing: it’s pumpkin season!
Sweet pumpkin pie and savory pumpkin soup are the hallmarks of fall. But there are a lot more ways to enjoy pumpkin than the old standbys. That’s why we put together this list of the best vegan pumpkin recipes.
From bread to chili to homemade pumpkin spice lattes, we’ve got your pumpkin cravings covered!
Table of Contents
1. Pumpkin Pie
Vegan, Nut-free | Total time: 9 hrs 10 min
This vegan pumpkin pie features a delicious graham cracker crust and an easy-make pumpkin filling. It only takes 10 minutes to prep and is the perfect recipe for novice pie makers, especially if you need to bring a homemade dessert to Thanksgiving. You’ll have to let this pie chill overnight, but trust us, it’s worth the wait.
2. Pumpkin Bread
Vegan, Nut-free | Total time: 1 hr 25 min
This deliciously moist pumpkin bread is way better than what Starbucks has to offer this time of year. It has a deeper flavor, melts in your mouth, and is 100% plant-based. Plus, it doesn’t take a ton of effort to make and can be customized with added ingredients like chocolate chips, walnuts, and craisins.
3. Pumpkin Soup
Vegan, Nut-free | Total time: 30 mins
Whether you’re after a savory side dish or a filling meal, this delectable pumpkin soup is here to please. Canned coconut milk adds an intense creaminess that most vegan soups lack while fresh spices like thyme and sage crank up the yum factor. Try it topped with hot sauce, cinnamon, or shiitake mushroom bacon.
4. Pumpkin Cheesecake
Vegan, Gluten-free | Total time: 6 hrs 30 min
Vegan cheesecake is a tough thing to get right, but this vegan pumpkin cheesecake recipe absolutely nails it. A chewy crust made of dates and walnuts, and cashew cheese and pumpkin filling topped with coconut whip cream? Yes, please! This dessert takes a little extra time and skill to make, but it is well worth it.
5. Pumpkin Chili
Vegan, Gluten-free, Nut-free, Low Fat | Total time: 50 min
It isn’t fall without a big pot of chili simmering on the stove. This amazing pumpkin chili will take your autumn game to the next level and have you wondering why you ever made chili without pumpkin. Packed full of veggies and protein-filled beans, a bowl of this chili satisfies while bringing some serious nutrients to the table.
6. Pumpkin Spice Cake
Vegan, Nut-free, Coconut-free | Total time: 55 min
Not only is this pumpkin cake super easy to make, but it has a unique vegan frosting that mimics cream cheese frosting. That perfect pairing of sour and sweet melds seamlessly with the array of spices in the cake to create a taste explosion you’ll be craving all year long.
7. Pumpkin Muffins
Vegan, Oil-free | Total time: 30 min
These moist-yet-crumbly vegan pumpkin muffins are the perfect fall treat. And they can be whipped up in less than 30 minutes. Best of all, they utilize applesauce in place of oil, so you can feel good about this awesome autumn indulgence.
8. Pumpkin Bars
Vegan, Gluten-free, Refined-sugar-free, Low Fat | Total time: 50 min
If you’re looking for a sweet treat that can power you through those crisp autumn days, these deliciously healthy pumpkin bars are here to help. Made with nutrient-packed, whole-food ingredients, these bars are basically healthy, personal-sized pumpkin pies. Don’t worry, though, with a heaping dose of spices and sweet agave, your taste buds will never know you’re eating something healthy.
9. Pumpkin Pancakes
Vegan | Total time: 28 min
Pumpkin gets plenty of representation at dinner and dessert, but what about breakfast? Indulge in autumn the moment you get out of bed with these amazing vegan pumpkin pancakes. These indulgent flapjacks are sweet and spicy and sure to leave you feeling satisfied.
10. Soft-Baked Pumpkin Cookies
Vegan, Gluten-free | Total time: 25 min
Soft yet chewy, sweet yet spicy, these pumpkin cookies are the perfect embodiment of the dichotomy brought by the sunny days and crisp nights that come with autumn. They’re also pretty simple to make and so very tasty. Substitute vegan alternatives for the frosting to create a truly decadent animal-friendly treat.
11. Pumpkin Cupcakes
Vegan | Total time: 35 mins
These vegan pumpkin cupcakes won us over with their incredible maple pecan frosting. But if you’re watching your sugar intake, these are good enough to eat without that delectable topping. Plus, these cupcakes are super simple to make and only take 15 minutes to prep.
12. Pumpkin Spiced Latte
Vegan, Gluten-free, Refined-sugar-free | Total time: 10 min
No need to leave the house to indulge in this seasonal favorite; you can make your own vegan pumpkin spiced latte right at home! This recipe is best with espresso, but if you don’t have the means, a strong cup of coffee will work just fine.
13. Pumpkin Smoothie
Vegan, Gluten-free, Refined-sugar-free, Low fat | Total time: 5 min
You’d never know this amazing vegan pumpkin smoothie only has 4 base ingredients (plus a plethora of delicious spices). The flavor is so smooth, creamy, and complex. This cold beverage is the perfect substitute for a pumpkin spiced latte on those warm fall days.
14. Pumpkin Roll
Vegan | Total time: 3 hrs 32 mins
With a spongy, delectable base and to-die-for whipped ermine frosting, you won’t find any fall treat more satisfying than this pumpkin roll. It takes a bit of skill to create and bake a cake roll, especially a vegan version, but if you’re familiar with the process you absolutely must try this variation.
15. Pumpkin Pasta Sauce
Vegan, Gluten-free, Oil-free, Low Fat | Total time: 20 min
Pumpkin pasta sauce may sound a little strange at first, but if you’ve ever enjoyed savory pumpkin soup or chili, you know how versatile this ingredient can be. In this case, the combination of spicy cayenne, chili pepper, and garlic combines with the more nuanced flavors of sage, ginger, and pumpkin to create a taste explosion like no other.
16. Pumpkin Waffles
Vegan | Total time: 30 mins
If you can make pumpkin pancakes, why not try your hand at pumpkin waffles? This delicious recipe uses many of the same great spices as the other breakfast favorite we featured but presents them in a texture-rich package that no kid or adult can say no to.
17. Pumpkin Mousse
Vegan, Oil-free, Gluten-free, Refined-sugar-free, Nut-free | Total time: 10 min
This pumpkin mousse recipe only requires four ingredients and is ready in less than 10 minutes. There’s no better way to satiate your fall cravings than this simple recipe! You don’t even have to turn on the stove or oven to create this awesome dessert.
18. Pumpkin Scones
Vegan | Total time: 30 min
These whole-wheat vegan pumpkin scones make the perfect breakfast or dessert. They can be finished in a variety of ways to fit any occasion. For a decadent post-dinner treat try the full maple glaze and pecans. Or, for the perfect coffee buddy, skip the glaze altogether and dip these scones straight into your cup.
19. Pumpkin Pudding
Vegan, Gluten-free, Oil-free | Total time: 2 hrs 10 min
My favorite part about cooking with pumpkin might be the color—I just can’t get over the unique beauty of rusted auburn. This pumpkin pudding recipe puts all that beautiful orange right on display. Best of all, this delicious recipe only requires a handful of ingredients and 5 minutes of prep.
20. Pumpkin Curry
Vegan, Gluten-free, Nut-free, Refined-sugar-free | Total time: 40 min
Curry is such a beautifully versatile food, so why not make a vegan pumpkin curry? As it turns out, these two vastly different flavors come together perfectly. The earthy sweetness of the pumpkin melds perfectly with the savory spice of turmeric, ginger, and cumin to create your new favorite fall dinner.
21. Pumpkin Risotto
Vegan, Oil-free, Nut-free | Total time: 1 hr 15 min
Bring a little bit of Italy to your fall celebrations with this delicious pumpkin risotto. It’s creamy, warm, and the perfect way to enjoy a brisk autumn night. Nutritional yeast brings the umami while coconut cream and white wine pair to give it that unique risotto flavor and texture.
22. Pumpkin Fruit Dip
Vegan, Gluten-free | Total time: 5 min
This vegan pumpkin fruit dip tastes just like autumn. And it can be ready to eat in five minutes! Pair it with sliced apples from your next apple picking trip — or enjoy it with whole strawberries for a sweet treat. For an extra crunch, you can even mix in chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
23. Pumpkin Ravioli
Vegan | Total time: about 90 minutes
This amazing pumpkin ravioli recipe features pumpkin three ways. It’s in the dough, the filling, and the sauce! If you consider yourself a true pumpkin lover, then you better add this incredible recipe to your bucket list. If autumn were a meal, this would be it.
Ready to go straight for the pumpkin chili? Here’s our printable recipe card:
Best Vegan Pumpkin Recipes: Pumpkin Chili
Ingredients
- 1 small yellow or white onion diced
- 1 cup bell peppers deseeded and diced
- 1 cup baby bella mushrooms sliced or diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 15 ounces canned corn
- 15 ounces canned red kidney beans
- 15 ounces pumpkin puree
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ to 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
- Olive oil optional
- Fresh cilantro or parsley optional
- Vegan cheddar cheese shreds optional
- Sliced avocado optional
- Chopped scallions optional
Instructions
- Warm oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions. Sauté until tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the spices. Toss until the vegetables are fully coated.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the pot. Mix well.
- Simmer for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the liquid is thick and reduced. Keep in mind that the liquid will thicken as the chili cools.
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