Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Copycat

This pumpkin bread is moist, spiced just right, and tastes just like the one from Starbucks—maybe even better. The smell of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin fills the kitchen, making it feel like fall in every slice. I baked it one cool evening, and the whole loaf disappeared by morning.

I love how soft the texture is and how the pumpkin seeds on top give a little crunch. It’s sweet but not too sweet, with that cozy pumpkin flavor that feels like a warm hug. Plus, it’s so easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.

If you’re craving your favorite Starbucks treat without the trip, this Pumpkin Bread Copycat is perfect. Let’s bake it together—you’ll love how soft, flavorful, and comforting it turns out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tastes Just Like Starbucks: Get the same moist, spiced pumpkin bread without leaving home.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples you likely already have.
• Perfectly Spiced: A warm blend of cinnamon and pumpkin spice creates that signature fall flavor.
• Super Moist: Stays fresh and tender for days thanks to the pumpkin puree and oil.
• Great for Sharing: Makes a wonderful gift or potluck contribution.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes

Servings: This recipe makes one standard 9×5-inch loaf, yielding about 10-12 slices. Want more? Double the recipe and use two loaf pans.

Difficulty: Easy and beginner-friendly. Perfect for new bakers and experienced home cooks alike.

Required Kitchen Tools

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls (2)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Toothpick or cake tester
• Wire cooling rack
• Parchment paper or cooking spray

Ingredients for Starbucks Pumpkin Bread

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a perfectly spiced, tender pumpkin bread. The combination of warm spices, sweet pumpkin, and crunchy pepitas on top makes each slice irresistible. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 and 3/4 cups (219g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120ml) avocado oil (or vegetable oil)
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup (245g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Topping:

• 2-3 tablespoons pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

Variations for Pumpkin Bread

• Add Chocolate: Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
• Use Walnuts: Replace pepitas with chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch.
• Make It Cream Cheese Swirl: Add a cream cheese filling layer in the middle for extra richness.
• Try Different Oils: Swap avocado oil with melted coconut oil or vegetable oil.
• Add Cranberries: Mix in 1/2 cup dried cranberries for a tart contrast.
• Make Muffins: Divide batter into a muffin tin and bake for 18-22 minutes.

How to Make Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and salt until well combined. Set this bowl aside.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Mix in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth.

4. Create the Batter

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough. A few small lumps are fine.

5. Fill the Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the pepitas generously over the top, pressing them gently into the batter so they stick.

6. Bake the Bread

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed.

7. Cool Completely

Remove the pan from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, lift it out using the parchment paper overhang (if used) and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Pumpkin Bread:

This delicious pumpkin bread is wonderful in so many ways:

• Classic Style: Slice and enjoy plain, showing off that beautiful pepita-topped crust.
• With Butter: Spread softened butter or cinnamon butter on warm slices.
• Cream Cheese Spread: Smear with cream cheese or maple cream cheese for extra richness.
• Toasted: Toast slices and drizzle with honey or maple syrup.
• With Coffee: Pair with your favorite coffee or latte for a true Starbucks experience.
• Ice Cream Sandwich: Use thick slices to make pumpkin bread ice cream sandwiches.

Storing Starbucks Pumpkin Bread

• Room Temperature: Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week if you prefer a longer shelf life.
• Freezer: Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Pure Pumpkin: Make sure you buy pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling which contains added spices and sugar.
• Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until the flour disappears to keep the bread tender.
• Room Temperature Eggs: This helps create a smoother batter that bakes more evenly.
• Test for Doneness: Start checking at 60 minutes, as oven temperatures vary. A toothpick should come out mostly clean.
• Let It Cool: The bread continues to set as it cools, so resist cutting into it while hot.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for the most accurate measurement.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Per Slice (1/12 of loaf)
Calories	245
Total Fat	11g
Saturated Fat	1.5g
Cholesterol	31mg
Sodium	195mg
Total Carbohydrates	34g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	20g
Protein	4g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Starbucks Pumpkin Bread FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?
Yes, homemade pumpkin puree works great. Just make sure it’s thick and not watery. If it seems thin, drain it through cheesecloth first.

Why is my pumpkin bread dry?
Overbaking or overmixing the batter can cause dryness. Check for doneness at 60 minutes and mix just until combined.

Can I make this without eggs?
You can try using flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water) as a substitute, though the texture may differ slightly.

How do I know when the bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.

Can I skip the pepitas?
Absolutely. You can leave them off or replace them with other toppings like chopped walnuts or a cinnamon sugar sprinkle.

Conclusion

I’ve used these ingredients to cook this wonderful Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Copycat recipe: all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, pumpkin spice, salt, avocado oil, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and pepitas. This moist, flavorful bread captures the essence of fall in every slice and makes your home smell amazing while it bakes.