There’s nothing quite like the warm, spiced aroma of pumpkin bread baking in the oven, especially when it’s a slice that rivals Starbucks’ iconic pumpkin loaf. If you’ve found yourself craving that moist, flavorful pumpkin bread but don’t want to make a trip to your local Starbucks every time, this Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Bread recipe will satisfy your taste buds and have your kitchen smelling like fall in no time.
Starbucks Pumpkin Bread is beloved for its perfect balance of spices, moist texture, and just the right amount of sweetness. This recipe captures those flavors with easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, so you can enjoy this cozy treat whenever the craving strikes.
Ingredients for Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Bread
The secret to creating a copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Bread lies in using the right mix of spices and a good amount of pumpkin puree for that rich, moist texture. Here’s what you’ll need to make this loaf:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/4 cup whole milk or almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pumpkin seeds for topping (optional)
These ingredients combine to give the bread its signature flavor profile: a perfect blend of pumpkin, spices, and sweetness.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. This will ensure the bread bakes evenly and comes out easily once done.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all the spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Set this dry mixture aside as you prepare the wet ingredients.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat together the sugar and oil until the mixture is smooth. Then, add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla extract. The batter should be smooth and creamy at this point, with a vibrant orange hue from the pumpkin.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the bread tough. You want the batter to be thick and lump-free, but not overworked.
5. Pour and Top with Seeds
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. If you want to recreate the classic Starbucks look, sprinkle a handful of pumpkin seeds on top. This adds a delicious crunch and a professional touch to your loaf.
6. Bake to Perfection
Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. You’ll know the bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be a rich golden brown, and the pumpkin seeds should be slightly toasted.
7. Cool and Serve
Allow the pumpkin bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, slice and enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea, or even a generous spread of butter or cream cheese.
Tips for Making the Perfect Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Bread
- Don’t Overmix: One of the keys to a tender, moist pumpkin bread is avoiding overmixing. Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stir just until combined to prevent a dense texture.
- Use Pure Pumpkin Puree: Be sure to use canned pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices. You want to control the flavor of the bread by using your own spices.
- Customize the Toppings: If pumpkin seeds aren’t your favorite, you can opt for a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a streusel topping, or even a few chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
Why This Copycat Recipe is Just Like Starbucks’ Pumpkin Bread
Starbucks Pumpkin Bread is known for its rich, moist texture and robust fall flavors. This recipe replicates that by using a combination of high-quality ingredients and the right balance of spices. The oil adds moisture, while the eggs and pumpkin puree give the loaf its perfect density. The spices provide warmth without overpowering the natural sweetness of the pumpkin. Topping it with pumpkin seeds gives it that final touch that makes it both visually appealing and delicious.
Plus, making it at home means you can enjoy this fall treat any time you want—without standing in line or paying coffee shop prices!
Nutritional Information
A slice of this pumpkin bread is not only a treat for your taste buds but can also fit into your fall indulgence plan. Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown per slice (based on 10 slices per loaf):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 22g
While this is a sweet treat, you can make a few swaps to lighten it up. For example, using whole wheat flour, reducing the sugar, or substituting the oil with applesauce can create a lighter version without compromising on flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure.
Can I add other mix-ins to the batter?
Absolutely. Try adding chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor.
How do I store leftover pumpkin bread?
Store the pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to three months.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk for a vegan version.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! This recipe doubles easily. Just make sure to use two loaf pans and adjust the baking time as needed.
What makes this pumpkin bread so moist?
The combination of oil, pumpkin puree, and eggs gives this bread its signature moist texture.
Conclusion
This Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Bread recipe is a perfect fall treat that’s easy to make at home. With its moist, flavorful crumb and rich pumpkin spice flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee or serving it to friends, this recipe brings the best of Starbucks’ pumpkin bread right to your kitchen.
Tags: pumpkin bread recipe, Starbucks copycat, fall baking, homemade pumpkin bread, pumpkin spice recipes