This Pumpkin Bread recipe is even BETTER than Starbucks Pumpkin Loaf!
If you’re looking for an amazing pumpkin bread recipe, look no further! This Better Than Starbucks Pumpkin Loaf tastes amazing, is easy to make and the perfect treat to enjoy with your Pumpkin Spice Latte!
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About 15 years ago – it was just after I got married, I discovered Starbucks Pumpkin Loaf. It was love at first sight – or perhaps – love at first bite! I couldn’t decide what I loved more; the cinnamon and spice flavors, or the incredible rich, pound-cake like consistency. From this point on, I needed to make a decision. I was either going to go broke buying mass quantities of this incredible pumpkin treat, or I needed to find/create a recipe that replicated this treat perfectly.
After quite a bit of trial and error in my tiny duplex kitchen, and about 14 loaves later, I came up with a recipe that most closely matched the decadent, delicious Starbucks Pumpkin Loaf. Now, fast-forward 15 years later, I’m still making that same, amazing pumpkin loaf recipe.
Here’s my recipe for Better Than Starbucks Pumpkin Loaf and how I came up with my most-coveted fall treat.
Step 1: Prep 2 Loaf Pans
I start the recipe by lining (2) 9×5″ loaf pans with parchment paper. I actually like using the pre-cut sheets, which are sized for cookie sheets, but work especially well for this size of loaf pan. Fold the excess paper over the sides of the pan and, if needed, secure with some binder clips.
I’ve discovered that the binder clips work really well in helping to keep the paper in place when you pour the batter into the pan. Optionally, you can also lightly spray the paper with non-stick baking spray.
The parchment paper does a good job of keeping the bread from sticking, but the spray is a nice safety net to ensure the loaf comes out easily every time.
Note: Be sure to remove the binder clips BEFORE you put the pans in the oven. Some clips are lined with rubber that is not oven-safe.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the sugar, oil, eggs and pumpkin. This recipe is a slight adaption of my Fall Favorite Pumpkin Bread, as this recipe I’ve added an extra egg yolk to attain that extra-dense, rich texture to the batter.
To a separate bowl, mix together the remainder of the dry ingredients. Then, with a sifter, begin gradually adding the dry ingredients to the wet.
I highly recommend sifting, as the spices (particularly the cloves) sometimes have small, pebble-like clumps – you don’t want this in your pumpkin loaf. Sifting will help break up all of those clumps, and create a silky batter that will render an amazing moist, delicious pumpkin loaf.
As you can see, the batter is wonderfully silky. I attribute this to the extra egg yolk, and the sifted, dry ingredients. Make sure to stir the wet and dry ingredients together completely until just incorporated.
Try not to over-mix, as this will make air bubbles in the pumpkin loaf and also render a dry, less moist loaf.
Step 3: Add the batter to the prepared pans
To the parchment lined pans, pour or spoon in the batter – each pan will be about 2/3 to 3/4 full. Spread the batter evenly in each pan and use a spoon to even out the tops of each loaf.
Once you have the batter in the pans, it’s a good time to take the binder clips off the pans. The weight of the batter will keep the paper in place.
Step 4: Add Pumpkin Seeds and Bake
Once the batter is in the pans, add the pumpkin seeds to the tops of each loaf. Starbucks started added roasted pumpkin seeds to the top of their pumpkin loaves a few years back. It adds a nice texture and crunch to the top of each loaf.
I was able to find a yummy cinnamon sugar version of pumpkin seeds, but feel free to use plain, or omit completely, if desired.
After the seeds are added to the tops of the loaves, they can go directly into the oven. Bake at 350 degrees for 60-65 minutes.
Step 5: Let Cool Slightly
Before taking the Starbucks Pumpkin Loaf out of the oven, be sure to test the doneness of the loaves. Insert a toothpick into the middle of each loaf.
The loaves will be done when the toothpick comes out clean and crumb-free. If the toothpick has crumbs sticking to it, the loaf may need a few more minutes in the oven.
After the loaves are done and come out of the oven, let the loaves cool slightly and rest in their pan. This will give the bread a chance to set and not sink in the middle.
I like the loaves to come to room temperature, but even just 10 minutes of cooling is fine. By grasping the edges of the parchment paper, the pumpkin loaf will easily lift right out of the pan.
Step 6: Slice, serve and enjoy!
Feel free to slice this delicious pumpkin bread recipe while still warm. It’s amazing as is, or even with a spread of butter or sweet cream cheese.
Here are some coffee drinks that would go perfectly with this pumpkin bread recipe:
- Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino
- Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino
- Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew
- Starbucks Vanilla Bean Frappuccino Recipe
- Skinny Starbucks Eggnog Latte Recipe
- Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino Recipe
- White Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Vanilla Bean Iced Coffee
- Easy Peppermint Mocha
- Starbucks Copycat Salted Caramel Mocha
- Starbucks Skinny Peppermint Mocha Recipe
Check out some of my other Starbucks recipes:
- Starbucks Pumpkin Scones
- Starbucks Pink Drink Recipe
- Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Healthier Starbucks Lemon Loaf
- Skinny Starbucks Strawberries and Cream Frappuccino
- Copycat Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha
Because this recipe makes two loaves, I like to enjoy one right away while still warm, and then freeze the other for later. It’s great to enjoy for a morning breakfast treat or serve with your fall Sunday brunch.
I’ve shared this Starbucks Pumpkin Loaf with friends and neighbors, and have even wrapped up slices for a bake sale!
Here’s a quick reference shopping list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this amazing Starbucks Pumpkin Loaf:
- Granulated sugar
- Vegetable oil
- Eggs
- 1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- Flour
- Ground cloves
- Cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Pumpkin Seeds (optional)
(See ingredient amounts and recipe directions below)
If you love a great quick bread recipe, be sure to check out some of my other recipes:
- Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe
- Cinnamon Apple Bread
- Zucchini Banana Bread
- Cherry Bread Recipe
- Award Winning Banana Bread Recipe
- Cinnamon Pear Quick Bread
- Strawberry Banana Bread
- Healthy Carrot Cake Loaf
- Cinnamon Sugar Quick Bread
- Healthy Pumpkin Bread
- Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread
If you loved this fantastic pumpkin bread recipe, be sure to checkout some of my other fall treats and desserts:
- Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread
- Pumpkin Caramel Cream Cheese Poke Cake
- Pumpkin Crumb Cake
- No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
- Lemon Poppy Seed Pound Cake
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Protein Muffins
- Pumpkin Spice Waffles
Here’s the easy, delicious recipe for my Better Than Starbucks Pumpkin Loaf:
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Better Than Starbucks Pumpkin Loaf
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls These stainless steel mixing bowls are an essential cooking tool for every kitchen.
- Loaf Pan This 9" non-stick loaf pan by Wilton is the perfect size for any banana bread recipe!
- Parchment Paper Sheets These pre-cut parchment paper sheets are super convenient and the perfect size for lining a loaf pan.
Ingredients
- 3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs + 1 egg yolk
- 1 (15 oz. can) pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
- 3 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds divided between two loaves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two 9 x 5 loaf pans with parchment paper and lightly spray with non-stick baking spray. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, oil, pumpkin and eggs until smooth. Set aside. In separate bowl, combine dry ingredients: flour, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, soda, salt and baking powder. Sift the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir together gradually. Mix until just incorporated and there are no lumps. Divide batter equally to the two prepared pans.
- Sprinkle the pumpkin seeds evenly over each loaf.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 60-65 minutes or until tester (toothpick) inserted comes out clean and crumb-free.
- When done, let cool in pans for at least 10 minutes. Lift out of pans with edges of parchment paper and let cool completely. Slice and enjoy will still warm, if desired.
Kat (The Baking Explorer) says
Your pumpkin loaf looks gorgeous! I love that rich orange colour!
Amanda says
I love Starbucks Pumpkin Loaf so I definitely have to give this recipe a try! Thanks for linking up to this weeks Creative K Kids’ Tasty Tuesday – I can’t wait to see what you create next week!
Cindy Richter says
Love it, pinned it, can hardly wait to bake it! Saw it on the WOW link party. Thanks for sharing!
Amy says
Wow, I’m in pumpkin heaven (I’m sure that it exists). I love pumpkin recipes and this bread looks fabulous. Thank you for sharing at Think Tank Thursday link party.
Jhuls | The Not So Creative Cook says
I haven’t tried any baked good with pumpkin, but this looks so good – you make me want to try making one. I might try a slice or two today at Fiesta Friday! Thanks for sharing and for joining!
Miz Helen says
I just pinned your awesome Starbucks Pumpkin Loaf! I really appreciate you sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday and hope you are having a safe and enjoyable weekend.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
Miz Helen says
Congratulations!
Your Post is featured on Full Plate Thursday this week. Thanks so much for sharing with us and enjoy your new Red Plate.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
Connie says
ERIN!
Thank you! You are my new “go to” site.
So glad to find you & oh-my-yes, the pumpkin loaf is truly better than Starbucks. To you & your family – have a wonderful Thanksgiving! I’ll be thinking of you as many of your recipes will be on our table. Blessings, Connie
Loni says
This looks so yummy! I’m pinning it and hope I get to make and enjoy it this fall!
Amy says
Oh my, this Pumpkin loaf bread looks fabulous. I love the Pumpkin seeds on top. Thank you for sharing at Reader Tip Tuesday.
Candice says
Oh my goodness, this looks so yummy! I just make it soon! pinning!
Miss Kitty says
Hi Erin! Thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe with us!
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
This sounds perfect with a cup of morning coffee! Thanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner party. Hope to see you at this week’s coming up too! Have a wonderful weekend.
Amy - The Speedy Spatula says
What?!! Better than Starbucks means I’ve definitely got to try this! Such a gorgeous loaf!
Becky Ellis says
Your recipe brings back fond memories of my Grandmother’s pumpkin bread. Yum! Thank you for sharing on Fiesta Friday. I pinned your recipe.
Cortne says
Pinned this for later!! Thanks so much for sharing! Can’t wait to try!
Jann Olson says
It looks delicious and I love the idea of adding the pumpkin seeds on top for crunch! Thanks for sharing the recipe with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Joansy says
This looks delicious! I can’t wait to try it! Thanks for sharing!
Kippi says
Yum, I just pinned this wonderful recipe.
Tamy says
Oh yum I’ve been craving fall and this will help a lot! Thanks for sharing.
Kippi says
Yum, I cannot wait to try this recipe! Pinning.
Happy Fall,
Kippi
Debbie-Dabble says
They look so yummy! Thanks for sharing!!
Hugs,
Debbie
Suzanne says
This looks so good! What a great recipe to make for a fall gathering!