If you’ve ever walked into Starbucks on a crisp autumn morning, you know the irresistible smell of fresh-baked pumpkin bread. Their pumpkin loaf has become a seasonal favorite, pairing perfectly with a hot latte. But what if I told you that you could make a Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Copycat recipe right at home? This homemade version captures all the moist, spiced goodness of the original—with simple ingredients, no preservatives, and way more love baked in.
Not only will this bread fill your kitchen with the cozy aroma of fall spices, but it also saves you money and lets you enjoy pumpkin bread anytime of the year—not just when it’s “in season” at Starbucks.
Table of Contents
Why Make This Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Copycat?
The Starbucks pumpkin loaf is delicious, but it’s also pricey, and you’re limited to seasonal availability. Making it at home means:
- You control the ingredients (no unnecessary additives).
- It’s budget-friendly.
- You can enjoy it year-round.
- The homemade version is even more moist and flavorful.
- You can customize it with nuts, chocolate chips, or a glaze.
Why Will You Love This Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Copycat?
- Moist & Tender: Thanks to real pumpkin puree and the perfect balance of oil and sugar.
- Spiced Just Right: A warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
- Foolproof Recipe: Easy to follow with bakery-style results every time.
- Better Than Store-Bought: Freshly baked at home with no artificial preservatives.
- Perfectly Sliceable: Holds together well, just like the Starbucks loaf.
How to Make Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Copycat
Ingredients:
For the Bread:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp ginger
- ¼ tsp cloves
Optional Topping (like Starbucks):
- 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
Directions:
- Preheat oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, eggs, sugars, oil, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.
- Make the batter: Slowly fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour & top: Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle pumpkin seeds (pepitas) evenly on top.
- Bake: Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Slice & enjoy: Slice thickly and serve warm or at room temperature.
How to Serve Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Copycat
- Classic Starbucks Style: Thick slices served with a latte or cappuccino.
- For Breakfast: Toast lightly and spread with butter or cream cheese.
- For Dessert: Warm slice with vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzle.
- Holiday Treat: Slice and serve on a fall-inspired charcuterie dessert board.
The Best Way To Store Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Copycat
- Room Temperature: Wrap in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 1 week without drying out.
- Freezer: Wrap in foil, place in freezer bag, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
Tips to Make Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Copycat
- Use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie mix.
- Measure flour correctly—spoon into a cup and level off.
- For extra moisture, don’t overbake the loaf.
- Let the bread cool fully before slicing for neat slices.
- Add pumpkin seeds on top for that authentic Starbucks look.
Health Benefits (Nutritional Breakdown)
While this bread is a treat, it still offers some nutrition thanks to pumpkin:
- Rich in Vitamin A for healthy vision and immunity.
- High in Fiber for better digestion.
- Packed with Antioxidants that support overall wellness.
- Energy Boosting Carbs make it a satisfying snack.
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread: Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the batter.
- Nutty Pumpkin Bread: Stir in ½ cup walnuts or pecans.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Swirl in sweetened cream cheese for a cheesecake-like version.
Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Copycat
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Loaf pan (9×5 inch)
- parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
- oven
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp ginger
- ¼ tsp cloves
- 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds (pepitas), for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all spices.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle pumpkin seeds evenly on top.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice thickly and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this recipe healthier?
Yes! Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar slightly.
Q2: Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely. Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use plant-based milk.
Q3: How do I keep my pumpkin bread from sinking in the middle?
Make sure not to overmix and bake fully until the center sets. Underbaking can cause sinking.
Related recipes
Conclusion
This Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Copycat is the ultimate fall baking project. It’s moist, spiced, and just as delicious—if not better—than the original. Plus, it’s easy to make at home with everyday ingredients. Whether you’re baking it for breakfast, a cozy snack, or to share with friends, this recipe will quickly become your go-to pumpkin loaf. Skip the Starbucks line and bake up your own slice of pumpkin perfection!
Don’t miss discover our Pinterest.