If you’ve ever craved that warm, cozy flavor of fall in every bite, this Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Recipe is your new best friend. It captures all the sweet, spiced magic Starbucks fans adore, packed into moist, tender slices brimming with pumpkin goodness and a hint of autumn spices. Whether you’re whipping it up for a breakfast treat or an afternoon pick-me-up, this pumpkin bread brings a comforting hug of flavor, perfect for anytime you want to savor the season in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays an essential role—sugars for sweetness and moisture, pumpkin for that rich, velvety texture and autumnal taste, and a blend of spices to create the signature warm aroma we all love. Let’s walk through what you’ll need to gather before the magic begins.
- White sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- Light brown sugar: Gives a subtle molasses flavor that deepens the pumpkin bread’s richness.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and ensures a soft texture.
- Eggs, beaten: Provide structure and help hold everything together.
- Pureed pumpkin: The star ingredient that contributes moisture, flavor, and that beautiful orange hue.
- Water: Adds just the right amount of liquid to balance the batter.
- All-purpose flour: The base that supports the bread’s structure.
- Baking soda: A leavening agent that makes the bread rise perfectly.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Ground cloves: Adds a fragrant, slightly sweet spiciness that fills the kitchen.
- Pumpkin pie spice: A blend of spices that gives the bread its iconic fall flavor.
- Ground nutmeg: A warm, nutty spice that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
- Pepitas (green pumpkin seeds), chopped: For a delightful crunch and a little extra pumpkin flair on top.
How to Make Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line two loaf pans with parchment paper to ensure your pumpkin bread slides out perfectly after baking. This little prep step makes baking smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Mixing the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your white sugar, light brown sugar, vegetable oil, beaten eggs, and pureed pumpkin. Stir this mixture until it becomes smooth and glossy. Then, add the water and mix again to evenly distribute all the wet ingredients. This combination is what gives the bread its moist, tender crumb and rich pumpkin flavor.
Step 3: Combining the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cloves, pumpkin pie spice, and ground nutmeg. Sifting ensures the spices and flour are well blended, so every slice gets an even burst of warm, spicy flavor without any clumps.
Step 4: Bringing It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently just until the ingredients are combined—be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can make the bread tough, and we want it beautifully soft and fluffy. You’ll see the batter thicken and become densely orange with delicious spices folded throughout.
Step 5: Preparing to Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the two loaf pans. Before sliding them into the oven, sprinkle 2 to 4 tablespoons of chopped pepitas over the top of each loaf. This adds a perfect crunch and a hint of that pumpkin seed earthiness, mimicking the classic Starbucks presentation.
Step 6: Baking to Perfection
Bake for about 1 hour at 350°F (175°C), or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be downright irresistible! Once done, remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool completely before slicing to ensure the perfect texture with every bite.
How to Serve Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This pumpkin bread is lovely on its own, but for a special touch that impresses, consider spreading a bit of softened butter or cream cheese on a warm slice. A sprinkle of additional chopped pepitas or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar can add an inviting, rustic finish that makes every bite feel like a treat.
Side Dishes
Pair your slice of Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Recipe with a steaming cup of coffee or hot chai tea to echo those cozy cafe vibes. Fresh seasonal fruit like crisp apple slices or spiced pear compote also complement the spices beautifully, rounding out your fall-inspired snack or breakfast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try cubing the pumpkin bread and serving it with a dollop of mascarpone or whipped maple cream as finger food at brunch. Alternatively, transform slices into French toast for a show-stopping weekend breakfast that surprises everyone with its moist texture and warm spices.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your pumpkin bread fresh, wrap the cooled loaves tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Properly stored, they’ll stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days—perfect for enjoying over a relaxed weekend.
Freezing
If you want to extend the life of your Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Recipe, freezing is a perfect option. Wrap individual slices or whole loaves tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months and thaw quickly for a convenient treat anytime you crave that autumnal warmth.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. This brings back the moist texture and revives the lovely, spiced aroma that makes this pumpkin bread so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pureed pumpkin?
Absolutely! Just be sure to roast and puree the pumpkin until smooth, and drain any excess moisture so your bread batter does not become too watery. The flavor will be just as wonderful and even fresher.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
No worries! You can create your own blend by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of cloves. This homemade version will bring the same warm, cozy spice profile that makes this pumpkin bread so special.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this pumpkin bread?
Yes! Walnuts, pecans, or even mini chocolate chips make fantastic additions for some texture and richness. Just fold them into the batter gently before pouring it into the pans.
How do I know when the pumpkin bread is fully baked?
The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached, your bread is perfectly baked and ready to cool.
Is this pumpkin bread suitable for freezing and thawing?
It sure is. Freezing leftover slices or whole loaves works beautifully, making it an excellent make-ahead snack. Simply wrap well and thaw at room temperature or warm gently before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Recipe is more than just a copy; it’s a heartfelt recreation of those fall-flavored moments we all treasure. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for sharing with people you love. Give it a try and let your kitchen fill with the comforting smells of pumpkin and spice—you deserve this little slice of seasonal happiness.
Print
Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Bread is a moist, flavorful fall favorite perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. Packed with warming spices like cloves, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice, it captures the essence of autumn in every bite. The loaf is topped with crunchy pepitas for an added texture contrast, making it a delightful treat that’s easy to make at home.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 1 (15 oz) can pureed pumpkin
- 2/3 cup water
Dry Ingredients & Spices
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Toppings
- 2–4 tablespoons Pepitas (green pumpkin seeds), chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature while you prepare your batter.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the white sugar, light brown sugar, vegetable oil, beaten eggs, and pureed pumpkin. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Then stir in the water to incorporate fully.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cloves, pumpkin pie spice, and ground nutmeg. Sifting helps to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet pumpkin mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender and moist.
- Prepare pans and add batter: Grease or line two loaf pans. Divide the batter evenly between the pans and smooth the tops. Sprinkle the chopped pepitas over the batter to add a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the loaf pans in the oven and bake for about 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, consider substituting vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or butter.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to maintain a tender crumb in the pumpkin bread.
- You can store leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can enhance texture and flavor if desired.
- Adjust the amount of pepitas on top according to your preference for crunchiness.
