It’s that time of year when pumpkin takes center stage, and nothing warms the heart like a slice of pumpkin bread. Inspired by the delightful treat from Starbucks, I decided to whip up a copycat recipe that brings the café magic straight to my kitchen.
There’s something special about the perfect balance of spices and moist texture in Starbucks pumpkin bread, and replicating it at home is simpler than you’d think. Whether you’re craving a comforting snack or looking to impress your friends and family, this recipe has got you covered.
Join me as we explore the steps to create this beloved autumn favorite, and enjoy the familiar flavors without leaving home.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Tools and Equipment
To replicate Starbucks’ delicious pumpkin bread, having the right tools and equipment is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Tool/Equipment | Description |
|---|---|
| Mixing Bowls | At least two medium-sized bowls for combining dry and wet ingredients |
| Measuring Cups and Spoons | A complete set for accurate measurements of ingredients |
| Electric Mixer or Whisk | Electric mixer for creaming butter and sugars or a sturdy whisk for manual mixing |
| Spatula | Rubber spatula for folding ingredients and scraping bowls clean |
| Loaf Pan | 9×5-inch loaf pan, greased or lined with parchment paper |
| Cooling Rack | Allows the bread to cool evenly after baking |
| Oven Thermometer | Ensures your oven reaches the correct temperature for baking |
| Kitchen Scale (optional) | Provides precise measurements for ingredients |
Having these tools on hand will make the baking process smooth and help you achieve a moist, flavorful pumpkin bread just like Starbucks’.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing your pumpkin bread in advance ensures you always have a delicious, freshly baked treat on hand. Here’s how I like to make ahead and store my Starbucks-inspired pumpkin bread:
Baking and Freezing
- Bake Ahead
I typically bake the pumpkin bread a day before I plan to serve it. Allow the loaf to cool completely on a cooling rack to prevent condensation during storage.
- Slice and Wrap
Once cooled, slice the bread into individual servings. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap to preserve freshness and prevent freezer burn.
- Store in Freezer
Place the wrapped slices in a resealable freezer bag. Label the bag with the date and contents for easy reference. My pumpkin bread stays fresh in the freezer for up to three months.
Thawing and Serving
- Thawing
When ready to enjoy, remove the desired number of slices from the freezer. Let them sit at room temperature for about an hour or place them in the refrigerator overnight to thaw.
- Reheating (Optional)
For a warm, freshly baked taste, you can reheat the thawed slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast them lightly in a toaster oven.
Storing Unbaked Batter
If you prefer to bake fresh when needed, you can prepare the batter ahead of time:
- Prepare Batter
Mix all the ingredients as directed, but do not bake the batter immediately.
- Refrigerate
Cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Bake When Ready
When you’re ready to bake, give the batter a gentle stir, pour it into the prepared loaf pan, and bake as per the recipe instructions.
Quick Reference Table
| Step | Action | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Bake Ahead | Bake pumpkin bread | 1 day before serving |
| Slice and Wrap | Slice loaf, wrap each slice in plastic wrap | 20 minutes |
| Store in Freezer | Place wrapped slices in freezer bag | – |
| Thawing | Thaw slices at room temperature or in refrigerator | 1 hour or overnight |
| Reheating | Microwave or toaster oven for warm slices | 15-20 seconds |
| Storing Batter | Prepare batter, refrigerate | Up to 24 hours |
| Bake When Ready | Bake refrigerated batter | As per recipe |
By following these make-ahead steps, you can enjoy my Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Copycat Recipe anytime without the hassle of last-minute baking.
Directions
Follow these simple steps to recreate Starbucks’ beloved pumpkin bread right in your kitchen.
Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature.
- Prepare the Loaf Pan
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
until light and fluffy.
Mix the Batter
- Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in:
- 2 large eggs, one at a time
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix until well combined.
- Incorporate Pumpkin Puree
Stir in 1 cup pumpkin puree until the mixture is smooth.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with 1/4 cup milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
Bake the Pumpkin Bread
- Pour Batter into Pan
Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a rubber spatula.
- Bake
Place in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips and Tricks
Recreating Starbucks’ Pumpkin Bread at home is a delightful challenge, and these tips will help you nail the perfect loaf every time.
Measure Ingredients Accurately
Precision is key in baking. Use a kitchen scale for exact measurements, especially for flour and sugar. This ensures the right texture and balance of flavors.
Use Quality Pumpkin Puree
Opt for pure pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie filling. Pure puree provides a rich, natural flavor without the added sugars and spices, allowing you to control the seasoning in your bread.
Room Temperature Ingredients
Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter, leading to an even rise and moist texture.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense, tough loaf. A few lumps are perfectly fine and will disappear during baking.
Enhance the Spice Blend
Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference. Adding a pinch of nutmeg or increasing the cinnamon can elevate the flavor profile, making your pumpkin bread uniquely yours.
Test for Doneness Properly
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Baking times can vary based on your oven and loaf pan, so start checking around the 60-minute mark.
Cool Completely Before Slicing
Allow the pumpkin bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. Slicing too soon can cause the bread to become gummy and fall apart.
Store Correctly for Maximum Freshness
Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in individual portions, then reheat as needed for a fresh taste anytime.
Customize with Add-Ins
Boost the texture and flavor by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits. Fold them into the batter gently to distribute evenly without overmixing.
Use an Oven Thermometer
Oven temperatures can fluctuate. An oven thermometer ensures your oven is accurately calibrated, preventing underbaked or overbaked pumpkin bread.
Conclusion
Baking this pumpkin bread has been such a rewarding experience for me. The rich flavors and tender crumb make it a standout treat any time of year. I love how easy it is to whip up and how it fills my home with that wonderful autumn aroma. Sharing slices with friends and family has brought so much joy and appreciation. I hope this copycat recipe brings the same warmth and deliciousness to your kitchen. Enjoy every bite and happy baking!
