Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Recipe – Moist & Flavorful
🎃 Starbucks Pumpkin Bread: Your Ultimate Cozy Fall Treat!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 1,900 fans)
📸 700+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated October 2025
Oh, that first crisp autumn breeze! It whispers promises of cozy sweaters, crackling fires, and the irresistible aroma of pumpkin spice. And what better way to welcome the season than with a slice of that iconic Starbucks Pumpkin Bread? That perfectly spiced, incredibly moist, and utterly comforting loaf that beckons from behind the glass case? Today, we’re bringing that magic right into your kitchen! This recipe captures every delightful nuance of the original – the tender crumb, the warm spices that dance on your tongue, and those delightful crunchy pepitas on top. It’s truly a hug in bread form, ideal for lazy weekend mornings, a thoughtful treat for a friend, or simply to make any afternoon feel a little more special.
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Quick Glance
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 25 minutes
- 🍽️ Servings: 10 slices
- 💥 Vibe: Cozy, Spicy, Moist
Jump Ahead
- What You’ll Need
- How to Make Starbucks Pumpkin Bread
- Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
- Reviews
- FAQ
- Conclusion
- Recipe Note
What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this autumnal masterpiece. Most of these are likely already in your pantry, making this a perfect spontaneous bake!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (or 1.5 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp nutmeg, ¼ tsp ginger, ⅛ tsp cloves)
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or other neutral oil)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas), for topping (optional, but highly recommended!)
How to Make Starbucks Pumpkin Bread
Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to bring the irresistible aroma of fresh pumpkin bread into your home.
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined and no lumps remain.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, water, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine and ensure a tender crumb.
- Fill Pan & Top: Pour the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas) generously over the top of the batter.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
- Cool & Serve: Once baked, let the loaf cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

This pumpkin bread is divine on its own, but a few simple additions can take it to the next level!
* Chocolate Chip Swirl: Fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter for a delightful chocolatey surprise in every bite.
* Cream Cheese Glaze: Whisk together 4 oz softened cream cheese, ½ cup powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for a tangy, sweet drizzle.
* Nutty Goodness: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
* Streusel Topping: Before baking, sprinkle a mixture of ¼ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons cold butter (cut into small pieces), and ½ teaspoon cinnamon over the top of the batter for a crumbly, sweet crust.
* Serving Suggestion: Enjoy a warm slice with a dollop of whipped cream, a dusting of cinnamon, or a smear of apple butter. Perfect with your morning coffee or an afternoon tea!
Reviews
Here’s what our wonderful community is saying about this recipe!
Sarah L. (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️): “This is IT! I’ve tried so many pumpkin bread recipes trying to replicate Starbucks, and this one absolutely nails it. So moist, so flavorful. My family devoured it in a day!”
Mark T. (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️): “Easy to follow and the results are incredible. The pepitas on top make it feel so authentic. My new go-to fall bake!”
Jessica P. (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️): “Delicious! I added a cream cheese swirl, and it was heavenly. A tiny bit sweeter than I usually make, but perfectly reminiscent of the cafe version.”
FAQ
Got questions? We’ve got answers!
Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin puree?
A: Yes, you absolutely can! Just make sure to drain it very well to remove any excess moisture, as canned pumpkin is typically thicker.
Q: My pumpkin bread came out dry, what went wrong?
A: Dry pumpkin bread is often due to overmixing the batter (which develops gluten too much) or overbaking. Mix just until combined and watch your oven carefully – every oven bakes a little differently!
Q: How should I store leftover pumpkin bread?
A: Once cooled, store the pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I turn this into muffins?
A: Definitely! This batter works wonderfully for muffins. Fill lined muffin cups about two-thirds full and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Adjust baking time as needed.
Conclusion
There’s something truly magical about baking a beloved treat right in your own kitchen. The aroma of warm spices filling your home, the anticipation as the loaf bakes to golden perfection, and that first tender bite – it’s pure joy. This Starbucks Pumpkin Bread recipe isn’t just about recreating a cafe favorite; it’s about creating moments, sharing warmth, and embracing the simple, comforting pleasures of the season. So go ahead, tie on that apron, and let your kitchen become the coziest spot on the block. Happy baking, dear friends!
Recipe Note
For the most tender crumb, make sure your eggs and pumpkin puree are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them combine more smoothly with the other ingredients, leading to a beautifully even texture.
Starbucks Pumpkin Bread
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 25 minutes
Course: Snack
Servings: 10-12 slices
Calories: 420 calories per slice (estimated)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (or ground ginger)
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (15 ounce / 425g) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ¼ cup (30g) pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds), for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined. Set aside.
3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated.
4. Add the pumpkin puree to the wet ingredients and mix until the mixture is uniform and smooth.
5. Pour the wet pumpkin mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are acceptable. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread.
6. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan.
7. Sprinkle the pepitas evenly over the top of the batter.
8. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
9. Let the bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto the rack to cool completely.
10. Once cooled, slice and serve. Store leftover pumpkin bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Chef’s Notes: This recipe aims to replicate the beloved Starbucks Pumpkin Bread, famous for its moist texture, warm spices, and crunchy pumpkin seed topping. Ensure you use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
