Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Recipe: A Moist Fall Favorite You’ll Love

There’s something magical about the first cool morning of autumn when the air smells faintly of cinnamon, and I crave that comforting slice of pumpkin bread with my coffee. Back in Kyoto, my grandmother would bake sweet kabocha loaves that filled our home with warmth. When I moved to California, I found a familiar comfort in the Starbucks pumpkin bread recipe — soft, spiced, and full of nostalgia. But nothing beats baking it fresh at home.

This Starbucks pumpkin bread recipe captures everything I love about the café version: the golden crust, the warm spice blend, and that irresistible moist crumb. The secret lies in real pumpkin puree, a balance of brown and white sugar, and just enough spice to remind you of cozy mornings and falling leaves. Whether you’re sharing it over coffee or gifting a loaf to a friend, it’s a simple way to bring a little café-style comfort into your kitchen.

As I whisk the batter in my cozy California kitchen, I think of my grandmother’s hands, how she’d remind me that every loaf we bake carries a bit of love. And that’s exactly what this Starbucks pumpkin bread recipe does — it connects memory, flavor, and warmth in every slice.

Ingredients for the Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Simple Pantry Staples for a Perfect Café-Style Loaf

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. You don’t need fancy equipment or rare spices — just classic ingredients that come together in one bowl. The key is using real pumpkin puree, not pie filling, to give the bread its signature flavor and moist texture.

Below is a clear breakdown of what you’ll need:

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	1¾ cups
Baking soda	1 teaspoon
Pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves)	2 teaspoons
Salt	½ teaspoon
Pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)	1 cup
Granulated sugar	1 cup
Light brown sugar	½ cup
Vegetable oil (or melted butter)	½ cup
Eggs	2 large
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
Pepitas (pumpkin seeds for topping)	2 tablespoons

For a more nutritious twist, you can swap part of the flour for whole wheat or use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil. I often sprinkle a few extra pumpkin seeds on top for that authentic Starbucks pumpkin bread look.

How to Make Starbucks Pumpkin Bread at Home

Step-by-Step to That Signature Moist Crumb

Making the Starbucks pumpkin bread recipe at home is surprisingly simple — it only takes one bowl, a few pantry staples, and about an hour to fill your kitchen with the most comforting aroma of fall. Follow these easy steps to recreate that famous café-style loaf, right from your oven.

1. Preheat your oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. This ensures even distribution of the spices that make the Starbucks pumpkin bread recipe so flavorful.
3. Combine wet ingredients. In another bowl, whisk the pumpkin puree, both sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and glossy. The oil and pumpkin work together to create that iconic moist texture.
4. Bring it all together. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined — overmixing can make the bread dense instead of soft.
5. Pour and top. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and sprinkle the pepitas evenly across the surface. They’ll toast beautifully as the loaf bakes, giving you that signature Starbucks-style look.
6. Bake to perfection. Place the pan in the center of your oven and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma will tell you when it’s nearly done — warm pumpkin and spice filling every corner of your home.
7. Cool before slicing. Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Cooling helps it set, ensuring every slice stays moist and tender.

Serving and Enjoying Starbucks Pumpkin Bread

The Perfect Slice with Coffee or Tea

There’s something deeply satisfying about slicing into a warm loaf of Starbucks pumpkin bread — the way the crust gives way to a moist, spiced crumb that smells like autumn in every breath. Whether you bake it for brunch, dessert, or a quiet afternoon snack, serving it right makes the experience even more special.

The best way to enjoy this Starbucks pumpkin bread recipe is slightly warm with a pat of butter that melts right into the slice. It pairs beautifully with a strong cup of coffee, a chai latte, or even my Japanese Matcha Latte, which balances the sweetness with its earthy undertone. For gatherings, slice it thick and serve with a drizzle of maple glaze or dusting of powdered sugar — the presentation alone will impress guests.

If you’re like me, you’ll love experimenting with textures and toppings. Try spreading a bit of cream cheese for extra richness or adding chopped toasted walnuts for a rustic twist. The natural sweetness of pumpkin blends beautifully with both creamy and nutty pairings.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Starbucks pumpkin bread stays moist for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week — just bring it to room temperature before serving. If you want to make it ahead, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature and warm slightly before slicing.

Nutrition Facts for Starbucks Pumpkin Bread

Balanced Sweetness in Every Slice

Every slice of this Starbucks pumpkin bread recipe feels indulgent yet wholesome. The blend of pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and warm spices gives it not just incredible flavor, but also real nutritional value. A single serving offers comfort without guilt — ideal for breakfast, a mid-day pick-me-up, or an after-dinner treat.

Approximate nutrition per slice (1 of 10):

• Calories: 290
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Sugar: 25g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 200mg

Pumpkin itself adds fiber, potassium, and a boost of vitamin A, supporting eye health and immunity — so yes, this treat has benefits beyond taste. To make your Starbucks pumpkin bread recipe lighter, you can swap part of the oil for Greek yogurt, use whole wheat pastry flour, or cut down the sugar slightly without losing flavor.

For a dairy-free version, coconut oil or almond milk works beautifully. You can even add a tablespoon of flaxseed for texture and nutrients. The bread remains soft, fragrant, and full of that comforting fall flavor we all crave.

For a delicious drink pairing, try my Japanese Iced Coffee Recipe — its bright notes balance the pumpkin sweetness.
See Healthy Banana Bread Recipe for another light and flavorful baked option.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes Starbucks pumpkin bread so moist?
The secret lies in the combination of oil, eggs, and real pumpkin puree. These create a rich, tender crumb that stays soft for days.

2. What spices are used in Starbucks pumpkin bread?
Starbucks uses a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger — a classic pumpkin pie spice blend that brings warmth and depth to every bite.

3. Does Starbucks pumpkin bread use real pumpkin?
Yes, it uses 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. That’s what gives the bread its authentic flavor and beautiful golden color.

4. What topping is on Starbucks pumpkin bread?
It’s finished with roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas), which add a light crunch and nutty flavor, balancing the soft interior.

Conclusion

There’s something timeless about the Starbucks pumpkin bread recipe — it’s simple, cozy, and endlessly comforting. From its golden crust to its spiced aroma, this loaf captures the spirit of fall in every bite.

Baking it at home connects me back to my roots — from my grandmother’s warm Kyoto kitchen to my California mornings with a steaming mug of coffee. Every slice tells a story of comfort, memory, and love. So the next time you crave that café-style sweetness, skip the line and bake your own. You’ll find that the real secret ingredient isn’t pumpkin or spice — it’s the joy of sharing something homemade.

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