Homemade Starbucks Pumpkin Bread – Fall Favorite
The Irresistible Aroma of Homemade Starbucks Pumpkin Bread: Your Ultimate Autumn Indulgence!

As the leaves begin to turn and a crisp chill fills the air, there’s an undeniable yearning for warmth, comfort, and the familiar embrace of fall flavors. For many, that longing finds its ultimate satisfaction in one beloved treat: the iconic Starbucks Pumpkin Bread. That moist, perfectly spiced, and utterly unforgettable slice of autumn magic has become a seasonal ritual. But what if we told you that achieving that café-quality perfection, that very same heartwarming delight, is not only possible but incredibly simple in your own kitchen? Prepare to unlock the secrets to creating the most luscious, flavorful homemade Starbucks Pumpkin Bread that will transport you straight to your favorite coffee shop with every single bite. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to infuse your home with the intoxicating scents and tastes of fall, creating memories that last long after the last crumb is savored.
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Quick Glance Summary
⏱️ Prep Time: 20 minutes, 🍽️ Servings: 10-12 slices, 💥 Vibe: Cozy, Nostalgic, Indulgent.
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

Crafting that signature Starbucks Pumpkin Bread requires a harmonious blend of pantry staples and seasonal stars. Gather these essential ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to baking bliss. The beauty lies in the simplicity of these components coming together to create something truly extraordinary.
- 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves (optional, but highly recommended for depth)
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil (or melted unsalted butter for richness)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup (240g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
- ½ cup (50g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, but classic for Starbucks Pumpkin Bread)
- 2 tablespoons raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas), for garnish
How to Make Starbucks Pumpkin Bread

Now for the main event! Follow these precise steps to create a homemade Starbucks Pumpkin Bread that rivals the original. The process is straightforward, ensuring a perfectly moist and flavorful loaf every single time. Get ready to fill your home with the most incredible autumn aroma!
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until well combined and slightly lightened.
- Add Pumpkin Puree: Stir in the pumpkin puree into the wet ingredients until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough loaf. A few streaks of flour are okay.
- Fold in Nuts (Optional): If using, gently fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the raw pumpkin seeds evenly over the top of the batter. This is a signature touch for the Starbucks Pumpkin Bread!
- Bake: 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 foil.
- Cool: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before carefully removing it from the pan. Allow the Starbucks Pumpkin Bread to cool completely on the wire rack before slicing and serving for the best texture.
Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

While the classic Starbucks Pumpkin Bread is perfect as is, a few creative twists can elevate your experience or offer delightful variations:
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Before baking, dollop spoonfuls of a simple cream cheese mixture (softened cream cheese, a touch of sugar, and vanilla) over the batter and swirl gently with a knife.
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Fold ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter for a decadent treat that perfectly complements the pumpkin spice.
- Maple Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of milk over the cooled loaf for extra sweetness and moisture.
- Toasted Nut Topping: Instead of pepitas, top with toasted chopped walnuts or pecans for a different textural crunch.
- Serve Warm with Butter: A lightly warmed slice of Starbucks Pumpkin Bread with a pat of quality salted butter is an unparalleled experience.
Reviews
Hear what our community is saying about this recipe:
Emma R. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This recipe is phenomenal! I’ve tried so many homemade Starbucks Pumpkin Bread recipes, and this is the closest I’ve ever gotten to the real thing. My family devoured it in a day. The spices are just right!”
David S. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Absolutely amazing! The instructions were clear, and the result was a perfectly moist and flavorful loaf. The pepitas on top truly make it feel like I bought it from Starbucks. A new fall staple in our house!”
Sophia L. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I was skeptical I could recreate the magic of Starbucks Pumpkin Bread, but this recipe proved me wrong. It’s so easy, and the bread is incredibly tender. I added chocolate chips, and it was divine!”
FAQ
Got questions about making this delightful Starbucks Pumpkin Bread? We’ve got answers!
Q: Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
A: No, it’s crucial to use 100% pure pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sugar, which will alter the flavor and sweetness balance of this Starbucks Pumpkin Bread recipe. Always check the label!
Q: How should I store leftover Starbucks Pumpkin Bread?
A: Store the cooled pumpkin bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices for up to 2-3 months.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: While we haven’t tested it specifically with this recipe, you can often substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum. Results may vary slightly in texture.
Q: What’s the secret to getting that signature Starbucks flavor?
A: The combination of warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves), a touch of oil for moisture, and the addition of pecans (or walnuts) and pumpkin seeds on top are key. Don’t skip the cloves if you want that authentic depth!
Conclusion
There’s an undeniable enchantment that comes with baking, especially when you recreate a beloved classic like Starbucks Pumpkin Bread in your own kitchen. The aroma alone is enough to transport you to a cozy autumn haven, filling your home with the promise of deliciousness. This recipe isn’t just about ingredients and steps; it’s about capturing that comforting feeling, that perfect balance of spice and sweetness, and sharing a slice of pure joy with those you love. So, this season, don’t just dream of that iconic treat—make it a reality. Dive into the warmth of your kitchen, gather your ingredients, and bake a loaf of homemade Starbucks Pumpkin Bread that will become a cherished tradition. For more magical recipes that bring joy to your table, explore all the delicious offerings at magicinkitchen.com!
Recipe Note
For the absolute best texture and flavor, allow your Starbucks Pumpkin Bread to cool completely before slicing. This allows the crumb to set properly, resulting in that perfectly moist and tender consistency you crave. Patience is truly a virtue here!

Starbucks Pumpkin Bread
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (plus cooling time)
Course: Snack
Servings: 10-12 slices
Calories: 350 calories per slice (estimated)
Ingredients
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp ground ginger, ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, ⅛ tsp ground cloves)
- 1 (15 ounce / 425g) can pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (70g) pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds), for topping
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan, or line with parchment paper leaving an overhang on the long sides for easy lifting. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a spatula or wooden spoon just until combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the pepitas evenly over the top of the batter. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before carefully removing it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Chef’s Notes: This recipe aims to replicate the moist, spiced, and delightful Starbucks Pumpkin Bread, complete with the signature pepita (pumpkin seed) topping. It’s perfect for a fall breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a simple dessert. Ensure you use plain canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best results. For an extra touch, you can lightly toast the pepitas before sprinkling them on top.
