If you’re craving the perfect fall treat that delivers cozy warmth and incredible flavor in every bite, look no further than this Moist Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Recipe. This delightful loaf combines the rich spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger with the natural sweetness of pumpkin, honey, and sugar to replicate that iconic Starbucks favorite right in your own kitchen. It’s incredibly moist, tender, and studded with crunchy pumpkin seeds, making it a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re an avid pumpkin fan or simply love a delicious quick bread, this recipe brings together everything you want in a slice of autumn goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this Moist Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Recipe. Each component is simple yet essential, playing a unique role in crafting the perfect texture and flavor profile. From the earthy pumpkin puree that keeps it moist to the medley of spices that give it that unmistakable warm aroma, every bite sings with authenticity.
- Pumpkin puree (15 ounces): Provides a moist and tender base while bringing that iconic pumpkin flavor.
- Large eggs (4): Offer structure and richness, helping the loaf rise beautifully.
- Canola oil (3/4 cup): Keeps the bread incredibly moist without overpowering flavors.
- Water (2/3 cup): Balances the batter consistency perfectly for a tender crumb.
- Sugar (2 cups): Adds sweetness and helps form a lovely crust.
- Honey (1 cup): Enhances flavor complexity with natural sweetness and a slight floral note.
- Vanilla extract (1-1/2 teaspoons): Rounds out and deepens the overall flavor.
- All-purpose flour (3-1/2 cups): The backbone of the bread, providing structure and that classic texture.
- Baking soda (2 teaspoons): A leavening agent that ensures a soft, airy finish.
- Salt (1-1/2 teaspoons): Balances sweetness and intensifies the spices.
- Ground cinnamon (1-1/2 teaspoons): Offers that essential warming spice note everyone loves.
- Ground nutmeg (1 teaspoon): Adds depth with its sweet, nutty aroma.
- Ground cloves (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a subtle kick that highlights the autumn flavors.
- Ground ginger (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a slight zest and brightness to the spice blend.
- Salted pumpkin seeds or pepitas (1/2 cup): Adds a satisfying crunch and visual appeal on top.
How to Make Moist Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, which ensures it’s nice and hot when your batter is ready. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly so your pumpkin bread bakes evenly and releases effortlessly after baking.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients Together
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, canola oil, water, sugar, honey, and vanilla extract. Mixing these first lets all the flavors marry and creates a smooth, consistent wet base that will keep your bread super moist and flavorful.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. This step ensures your spices are evenly distributed and your leavening agents are well mixed, which leads to a uniform rise and that perfect pumpkin-spiced flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet ingredients just until combined. It’s important not to overmix here—you want to retain tender crumb texture, so stop stirring as soon as there are no big patches of flour visible.
Step 5: Pour Batter and Add Pumpkin Seeds
Pour the luscious pumpkin bread batter into your prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the salted pumpkin seeds or pepitas on top to add a delightful crunch and a hint of saltiness that perfectly complements the sweet, spiced bread.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 60 to 70 minutes in your preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen by this point will be impossible to resist!
Step 7: Cool and Unmold
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps the loaf set and prevents it from breaking apart when sliced.
How to Serve Moist Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to sprinkle a few extra pumpkin seeds on each slice or dust with a light layer of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. If you’re feeling indulgent, a smear of cream cheese frosting or a drizzle of maple syrup takes things to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Side Dishes
Pair your pumpkin bread with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea to complement its warm spices perfectly. For a more substantial breakfast, serve with fresh fruit like sliced apples or a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your pumpkin bread thick and toast it lightly, then top with mashed avocado and a pinch of sea salt for a savory twist. For gift-giving or holiday parties, wrap slices individually with parchment and tie with rustic twine for a charming homemade favor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, wrap your pumpkin bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, it stays moist and delicious for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead snack.
Freezing
This Moist Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen bread keeps well for up to 3 months and thaws quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop a slice or two in the toaster or microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This quick warm-up brings back that freshly baked charm and soft crumb, just like when it first came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! If using fresh pumpkin, roast and puree it until smooth. Just make sure to measure 15 ounces of pumpkin puree to keep the moisture balance perfect for this recipe.
Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, you can enjoy this pumpkin bread gluten-free. Just ensure your blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for structure.
Can I substitute the canola oil with another oil?
Feel free to use any neutral oil like vegetable or light olive oil. Coconut oil works too but might add a slight coconut flavor, which could be a lovely twist.
How do I know when the pumpkin bread is fully baked?
The best test is inserting a toothpick or cake tester in the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is done and ready to cool.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?
Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts or pecans, or even chocolate chips, gives extra texture and flavor. Fold them in gently before pouring the batter into the pan to avoid overmixing.
Final Thoughts
This Moist Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Recipe has quickly become a beloved favorite in my kitchen, and I’m betting it will be the same for you. It’s a simple, comforting recipe that brings seasonal joy with every slice. So go ahead, bake a loaf, and cozy up with the best pumpkin bread you can imagine—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Moist Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10-12 slices)
- Category: Dessert, Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This moist and flavorful copycat Starbucks pumpkin bread recipe delivers a perfect balance of warm spices, rich pumpkin, and subtle sweetness. Ready in just over an hour, this homemade treat is ideal for autumn gatherings or anytime you crave a cozy, spiced dessert.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup canola oil
- 2/3 cup water
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup honey
- 1–1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3–1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1–1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1–1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup salted pumpkin seeds or pepitas
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin, eggs, canola oil, water, sugar, honey, and vanilla extract. Mix until well blended and smooth.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agent.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and evenly sprinkle the salted pumpkin seeds or pepitas on top for a crunchy finish.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the bread is fully baked.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and a smoother batter.
- If you prefer a less sweet bread, reduce the sugar to 1-1/2 cups.
- Ensure pumpkin puree is solid-pack, not pumpkin pie filling, to control sweetness and spices.
- Store leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- For added texture, consider swirling in chopped walnuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
