Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Copycat Recipe

Easy & Cozy Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Copycat Recipe for Fall

Autumn whispers its sweet secrets through a delectable Starbucks pumpkin bread that captures seasonal magic perfectly.

Crisp leaves and cozy sweaters set the mood for this nostalgic treat.

Memories of coffee shop mornings dance alongside warm spices and rich pumpkin notes.

Home bakers can recreive this beloved classic with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

Fragrant cinnamon and nutmeg weave their enchantment into every tender crumb.

Soft, moist, and beautifully golden, this recipe promises comfort in each delightful slice.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this bakery-inspired delight.

Starbucks Pumpkin Bread: Copycat Perfection

  • Celebrate Seasonal Delight: Capture the essence of autumn with this homemade Starbucks-style pumpkin bread that brings warm, comforting spices right to your kitchen.
  • Master Easy Baking: Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, this recipe requires simple mixing techniques and basic pantry ingredients anyone can handle.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Versatile enough for breakfast, afternoon snack, or dessert, this pumpkin bread becomes an instant hit with family and friends at gatherings, potlucks, or cozy weekend mornings.
  • Customize with Creativity: Sprinkle pumpkin seeds for extra crunch, or experiment with additional mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to make the recipe uniquely yours.

What You Need for Pumpkin Bread Magic

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The base foundation that provides structure and texture to the pumpkin bread.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help the bread rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the bread.
Spice Blend:
  • Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg, Ground Cloves, Ground Ginger: A warm and aromatic spice combination that creates the classic pumpkin bread flavor profile.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient that provides moisture, rich color, and authentic pumpkin taste to the bread.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweeteners that add depth of flavor and help create a tender crumb.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures the bread remains moist and soft.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bread's structure.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a subtle, sweet background flavor.
Optional Topping:
  • Pumpkin Seeds: Offers a crunchy texture and additional nutty flavor to the bread.

How to Bake the Best Pumpkin Bread

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C).

Grab your trusty 9×5-inch loaf pan and give it a generous coating of grease to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Whisking Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and combine your dry ingredients with a whisk:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Ground cloves
  • Ground ginger

Swirl and mix until everything looks evenly distributed.

Step 3: Blending Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, create a smooth symphony of wet ingredients:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Vegetable oil
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Whisk until the mixture looks silky and well-incorporated.

Step 4: Merging Flavors

Slowly fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Stir gently until just combined – don’t overmix!

You want a tender, moist bread.

Step 5: Preparing for Baking

Pour the batter into your greased loaf pan.

Use a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth top.

Step 6: Optional Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle some pumpkin seeds across the surface for an extra texture boost.

Step 7: Baking Magic

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 55-65 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean when the bread is ready.

Step 8: Cooling Down

Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes.

Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

This helps maintain its perfect texture and prevents soggy bottoms.

Tips for Starbucks-Style Pumpkin Bread

  • Add an extra tablespoon of vegetable oil to keep the bread incredibly tender and prevent dryness.
  • Toast ground spices in a dry skillet for 30 seconds before mixing to intensify their rich, warm flavors.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a soft, delicate crumb that mimics Starbucks' signature smoothness.
  • Swap all-purpose flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free baking blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to extend freshness up to 5 days, preserving its moist texture.

Pumpkin Bread Variations You’ll Crave

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread: Replace all-purpose flour with a blend of almond and coconut flour for a gluten-free alternative that maintains moisture and flavor.
  • Vegan Pumpkin Spice Loaf: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use coconut oil instead of regular oil, creating a plant-based version of the classic recipe.
  • Low-Sugar Pumpkin Bread: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of granulated and brown sugar, reducing overall sugar content while keeping the bread's rich taste.
  • Nutty Pumpkin Bread: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and a boost of healthy fats, enhancing the bread's texture and nutritional profile.

Serve Pumpkin Bread Café Style

  • Cozy Autumn Breakfast Companion: Pair a warm slice with creamy butter and a steaming mug of coffee for a delightful morning treat.
  • Holiday Gift Idea: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper, tie with a rustic ribbon, and share as a homemade seasonal present with friends and family.
  • Dessert Transformation: Toast a slice and top with vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or sprinkle of cinnamon for an indulgent after-dinner dessert.
  • Brunch Centerpiece: Serve alongside a cheese board with seasonal fruits like crisp apples and pears for an elegant weekend gathering spread.

Storing Pumpkin Bread the Smart Way

  • Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent staleness.
  • Wrap completely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut bread into individual slices, separate with parchment paper, and store in a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or toast in a toaster oven.
  • Warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes to restore moisture and bring back that fresh-baked taste.

FAQs

  • Is this recipe really similar to Starbucks Pumpkin Bread?

Yes, this copycat recipe closely mimics the flavors and texture of the original Starbucks version, using classic autumn spices and pumpkin puree.

  • Can I make this bread gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture might be slightly different from the original recipe.

  • How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread – if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the bread is done baking. The top should also be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Copycat Recipe

Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Copycat Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Starbucks pumpkin bread delivers fall comfort in a slice of spiced perfection. Moist crumb, warm cinnamon, and pumpkin essence invite sweet memories of crisp autumn afternoons, promising a delightful homemade treat you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup milk

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Spices and Flavoring:

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Topping:

  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and warm spices including cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger in a medium mixing bowl.
  3. Whisk pumpkin puree, granulated and brown sugars, vegetable oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract in a separate large bowl until completely smooth and well-integrated.
  4. Fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, gently stirring until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
  5. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to evenly distribute and smooth the surface.
  6. Optional: Delicately sprinkle pumpkin seeds across the top of the batter for added crunch and visual appeal.
  7. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center – it should emerge without any wet batter.
  8. Remove from oven and let the bread rest inside the pan for 10 minutes to stabilize its structure before carefully transferring to a wire cooling rack.

Notes

  • Swap ingredients easily for dietary needs like gluten-free flour or plant-based milk alternatives to make the recipe more inclusive.
  • Reduce sugar content by using natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey for a healthier version without compromising flavor.
  • Toast pumpkin seeds before sprinkling on top to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the bread’s texture.
  • Store bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or sealed container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer preservation.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 245 kcal
  • Sugar: 23 g
  • Sodium: 190 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 37 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star