Delightful Vegan Pumpkin Apple Bake: Your Go-To Healthy Fall & Holiday Casserole

//#ad// This wholesome post is proudly sponsored by Bare Snacks, but all thoughts, delicious recipes, and culinary adventures are entirely my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep my kitchen creative and my appetite endless!

Embrace the cozy flavors of autumn with this incredible pumpkin apple bake, crafted with real pumpkin puree and fresh apples, naturally sweetened with ripe bananas. It’s a perfect plant-based treat for a hearty breakfast, a festive holiday side dish, or a comforting dessert!

As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, my kitchen fills with the comforting aromas of fall. It’s the season for warm spices, root vegetables, and all things pumpkin and apple. This year, I’m celebrating with a recipe that truly embodies the essence of autumn: a Vegan Pumpkin Apple Bake that’s as delightful to prepare as it is to devour. And speaking of things that get a lot of use around here, my laptop, much like my blog, Flora & Vino, is approaching its fourth birthday!

It’s a minor miracle, honestly, that the glowing keys on my keyboard have only *just* started acting up this week. The “y” and “l” keys now require a rather enthusiastic tap-tap-tapping to register, leading to some amusing typos. You wouldn’t believe how many words feature a “y” or an “l”! Given all the food I photograph, you might think a sticky spill was the culprit, but I can’t recall any such incident. Perhaps it’s just a sign of a well-loved, well-used tool. Either way, it’s a reminder that some things, even when a little sticky, can still be wonderfully sweet and comforting. And that brings me perfectly to this Pumpkin Apple Bake.

This heartwarming bake is crafted with creamy pumpkin puree and tender apples, sweetened naturally with ripe bananas. It’s a fantastic recipe to whip up when you’re craving something unique and delicious for a cold-weather breakfast, a festive holiday brunch, or a nourishing dessert. It perfectly combines the best of fall flavors in one wholesome dish.

The Ultimate Healthy Breakfast & Holiday Casserole

Ever since I created my incredibly popular Vegan & Grain-Free Sweet Potato Casserole, I’ve been eager to develop another vibrant, orange-hued casserole for the colder months. And what better star ingredient than pumpkin? But while pumpkin alone is fantastic, introducing crisp, sweet apples takes it to a whole new level. This isn’t just a pumpkin casserole; it’s a harmonious blend of two fall favorites, resulting in a dish that’s truly special.

This Pumpkin Apple Bake is a celebration of natural sweetness, creamy textures, and warm, inviting spices. It’s lightly sweet, perfectly spiced with cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, and offers a delightful nutty undertone from pecans. The best part? It’s crowned with a satisfying crunch from crushed apple chips, transforming it into an irresistible, healthy casserole. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy morning meal, a festive holiday brunch, or a wholesome dessert, its inviting aroma and comforting flavors are sure to gather everyone around the table. It’s also vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free, making it a wonderful option for various dietary needs without compromising on taste.

What You Need to Make This Delicious Pumpkin Apple Bake

Creating this naturally sweetened, wholesome Pumpkin Apple Bake requires a simple yet powerful combination of ingredients that bring out the best of fall flavors. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

• Pumpkin Purée: The star of the show, providing a rich, earthy base and vibrant color. Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
• Flax Eggs: A fantastic vegan binder made from ground flaxseed and water, replacing traditional eggs and adding healthy omega-3s.
• Coconut Milk: Adds a beautiful creaminess and subtle richness to the bake, making it incredibly moist and indulgent. Full-fat canned coconut milk works best for this.
• Large Ripe Banana, Mashed: Our primary natural sweetener, providing a lovely sweetness and helping to bind the ingredients while adding moisture. The riper the banana, the sweeter the bake!
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: The quintessential fall spice blend, bringing warmth and aromatic depth to every bite.
• Cinnamon, Divided: A classic spice that pairs beautifully with both pumpkin and apple, enhancing their natural sweetness. We use it both in the pumpkin mixture and to coat the apples.
• Large Apple, Peeled and Diced: Adds a delightful tart-sweet contrast and tender texture to the bake. Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala are excellent choices for their flavor and ability to hold shape during baking.
• Chopped Pecans: These add a wonderful nutty flavor and satisfying crunch, making them a perfect complement to the soft pumpkin and apple.
• Bare Snacks Apple Chips, Crushed: The secret ingredient for an amazing textural contrast. These naturally sweet, crispy apple chips add an irresistible finishing crunch and a burst of concentrated apple flavor without any added sugars.

That’s it! Simple, wholesome ingredients for an extraordinary fall treat.

How to Make This Irresistible Pumpkin Apple Bake

Making this delightful Pumpkin Apple Bake is straightforward, allowing you to enjoy the comforting flavors of fall with minimal effort. Here’s a step-by-step guide to bringing this casserole to life:

1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven: To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 square baking pan with nonstick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures your bake won’t stick and will come out perfectly.
2. Create Your Flax Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the ground flaxseed and filtered water. This mixture needs about five minutes to thicken and form a gel-like consistency, acting as your vegan egg binder. This is a crucial step for the bake’s structure.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients & Spices: Once the flax egg has gelled, add the pumpkin puree, mashed ripe banana, coconut milk, pumpkin pie spice, and ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the same mixing bowl. I find using canned pumpkin puree incredibly convenient for this recipe, but feel free to substitute with your own freshly roasted and pureed pumpkin if you prefer!



4. Whisk Until Smooth: Whisk the mixture thoroughly with a fork until all ingredients are well combined and the batter is wonderfully smooth. This ensures an even distribution of flavor and a consistent texture throughout the bake.
5. Prepare the Apples: In a separate small bowl, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon over your diced apple pieces. Toss gently until the apples are completely coated. This step infuses the apples with warm spice and prevents them from clumping.
6. Fold in the Apples: Add the cinnamon-coated apples to the large mixing bowl with the pumpkin mixture. Stir gently until the apples are evenly distributed throughout the batter.



7. Pour into Pan and Top: Pour the pumpkin apple mixture into your prepared square pan, spreading it evenly. Then, generously sprinkle the chopped pecans along the top of the dish. This creates a lovely, crunchy, nutty crust.
8. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The bake is ready when the top is beautifully golden brown and feels slightly firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
9. Rest and Garnish: Allow the casserole to sit and cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps it set and makes for easier serving.



The Perfect Crunch with Bare Snacks Apple Chips

One of the elements that truly elevates this Pumpkin Apple Bake from good to extraordinary is the addition of Bare Snacks apple chips. After the casserole has baked to a beautiful golden brown and rested for at least 10 minutes, sprinkle it generously with crushed Bare Snacks apple chips just before serving. This step is a game-changer!

I absolutely *love* the sweet, crunchy finish these apple chips provide. They’re perfectly crispy, offering a wonderful textural contrast to the soft, creamy interior of the bake. Unlike other toppings, Bare Snacks apple chips are simply baked apples, meaning they add pure fruit flavor and natural sweetness without any added sugars or artificial ingredients. This makes them the ideal healthy and delicious garnish. The burst of concentrated apple flavor combined with their satisfying crunch truly completes this dish, making every bite a delightful experience. Serve it warm for a comforting treat, or enjoy it cold as a refreshing snack. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to one week, or frozen for longer-term enjoyment, making it an excellent meal prep option.



How to Serve Your Versatile Pumpkin Apple Bake

This Pumpkin Apple Bake is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways, making it a perfect addition to your fall and holiday menus. Its comforting flavors and wholesome ingredients make it suitable for any time of day.

Enjoy this bake for a cozy breakfast, a delightful brunch, or a satisfying dessert. It reheats beautifully, so you can easily prepare it the night before a busy morning or a holiday gathering. Simply reheat individual servings in the microwave or a warm oven for a quick and warm breakfast. As a holiday side, it brings a naturally sweet and festive touch to any meal. Imagine serving it alongside your Thanksgiving spread or as part of a Christmas brunch buffet – it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

For some fun variations, don’t hesitate to get creative. Try substituting pears for apples to give it a slightly different fruit profile. If you’re not a fan of pecans or just want to try something new, walnuts make an excellent alternative for the nutty topping, adding their own distinct flavor and crunch. You could also drizzle a little maple syrup on top just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness, or add a dollop of vegan whipped cream for a more decadent dessert experience. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also beautifully enhance the sweet and savory notes.

However you choose to enjoy it, this Pumpkin Apple Bake is designed to bring warmth and deliciousness to your table. Enjoy!



Why You’ll Adore This Vegan Pumpkin Apple Bake

• Naturally Sweetened: No refined sugars here! Ripe bananas and the natural sweetness of pumpkin and apples provide all the deliciousness.
• Wholesome & Healthy: Packed with nutrient-rich pumpkin, fiber-filled apples, healthy fats from pecans, and omega-3s from flax.
• Vegan & Gluten-Free: Perfect for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking for a plant-based, gut-friendly option.
• Incredibly Flavorful: The harmonious blend of pumpkin, apple, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice creates a truly comforting and aromatic experience.
• Versatile: Works perfectly as a nourishing breakfast, a festive holiday side dish, or a satisfying healthy dessert.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is accessible for all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Even non-vegans will love this bake! Its delicious taste and comforting texture make it a hit with everyone.

Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Apple Bake

• Choose Ripe Bananas: The riper your bananas (with plenty of brown spots), the sweeter and more flavorful your bake will be.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bake towards the end of the baking time. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture. It should be golden brown and set in the center.
• Allow it to Rest: Don’t skip the resting time! This allows the bake to set properly, making it easier to slice and serve.
• Evenly Dice Apples: Ensure your apple pieces are roughly the same size so they cook evenly and integrate well into the bake.
• Fresh vs. Canned Pumpkin: While canned pumpkin puree is convenient, if you have time, freshly roasted and pureed pumpkin can add an even deeper, richer flavor.
• Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon to your personal preference. A pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger could also be a lovely addition.
• For Extra Moisture: If you prefer a slightly moister bake, you can add an extra tablespoon or two of coconut milk to the mixture.

More Cozy & Delicious Pumpkin Recipes

• Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Bread

• Vegan Pumpkin Spice Bread

• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Breakfast Bars

• Pumpkin Spice Pecan Granola

• Vegan Pumpkin Buckwheat Pancakes

• Pumpkin Apple Bliss Balls

• Pumpkin Spice Chickpea Cookies

• Pumpkin SunButter Chocolate Chip Muffins

I Want to Hear From You!

If you get a chance to make this delightful Pumpkin Apple Bake recipe, I would absolutely love to hear about it! Your feedback truly helps me create more delicious and helpful content for you.

Please be sure to leave me a comment, a star rating, and a review below to let me know how it turned out. Your thoughts are invaluable! If you share your creations on Instagram, give me a shout by tagging @flora_and_vino and using the hashtag #floraandvino. I love seeing your beautiful dishes!

You can also check out my Pinterest page to discover and pin more healthy, plant-based recipes like this one for later. And if you enjoyed this post and want to stay updated with all my latest recipes and kitchen adventures, head over to my homepage and subscribe to get new updates delivered right to your inbox!

XO Lauren




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Pumpkin Apple Bake

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  Author: Flora & Vino
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  Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
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  Yield: 4-6 servings
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  Diet: Vegan

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Description

This wholesome Pumpkin Apple Bake is made with creamy pumpkin puree and fresh apples, naturally sweetened with ripe bananas. It’s the perfect healthy, vegan, and gluten-free breakfast, holiday side dish, or cozy dessert for fall!

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Ingredients

• 1 15 oz. can pumpkin purée 
• 3 flax eggs (3 TBSP ground flaxseed + 9 TBSP filtered water)
• 2/3 cup full-fat coconut milk (canned)
• 1 large ripe banana, mashed
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon, divided
• 1 large apple, peeled and diced (e.g., Fuji, Honeycrisp, Gala)
• 3/4 cup chopped pecans
• ½ cup Bare Snacks Fuji Red Apple Chips, crushed




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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 square baking pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. 
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the ground flaxseed and filtered water to create your flax egg. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the mixture to thicken and gel. 
3. Next, add the pumpkin puree, mashed ripe banana, coconut milk, pumpkin pie spice, and ¼ tsp of the ground cinnamon to the bowl with the flax egg. Whisk thoroughly with a fork until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined. 
4. In a separate small bowl, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon over the diced apple pieces. Toss gently until the apples are completely coated. Add these cinnamon-coated apples to the large mixing bowl and stir until they are evenly distributed throughout the pumpkin mixture. 
5. Pour the entire pumpkin apple mixture into the prepared square baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
6. Evenly sprinkle the chopped pecans along the top of the dish, then carefully place the pan into the preheated oven.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and feels slightly firm to the touch when gently pressed. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean. 
8. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. Just before serving, sprinkle generously with the crushed Bare Snacks apple chips for an added crunch and burst of apple flavor. Serve warm or cold! 
9. Store any leftover Pumpkin Apple Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Notes

Recipe inspiration adapted from Wholesomelicious.

• Prep Time: 25 min
• Cook Time: 40 min
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Side Dish
• Method: Oven-Bake
• Cuisine: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Refined Sugar-Free, Fall, Holiday

Photography by Hot Pan Kitchen