There’s something magical about a cool fall morning, the scent of cinnamon in the air, and a warm slice of pumpkin bread in your hand. I still remember the first time I tasted that famous pumpkin bread at Starbucks — moist, tender, full of spice, and topped with those crunchy pumpkin seeds. But friends, when I started tinkering in my kitchen, I knew we could bring that comforting bakery favorite home and make it even better. This pumpkin bread recipe quickly became a family favorite, and every fall it’s the first thing I bake when the leaves start to turn.
You’ll love this version: it’s moist, just sweet enough, and packed with pumpkin flavor in every bite. And the best part? It’s easy, bakes up beautifully in two loaves, and fills your kitchen with the coziest autumn aroma. Whether you’re baking for your family, gifting to a neighbor, or just craving that coffee shop vibe at home, this pumpkin bread recipe will not disappoint.
From my kitchen to yours, let’s bring this dish to life.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pumpkin bread recipe is bakery-quality but completely beginner-friendly.
It’s extra moist thanks to real pumpkin puree and the perfect balance of white and brown sugar.
The spices are warm and cozy — think cloves, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice all dancing together in harmony.
You’ll get two full loaves out of this batch, which makes it great for freezing, gifting, or just having plenty on hand for snacking.
It’s an easy mix-by-hand recipe with no mixer needed — ideal for a relaxed weekend bake.
And if you’re a fan of that signature Starbucks crunch on top, don’t worry — we’ve got those pepitas sprinkled just right.
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Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 loaves
Description
This Pumpkin Bread Recipe is a Starbucks copycat that’s even better than the original — moist, warmly spiced, and topped with crunchy pepitas. It’s easy to make, bakes up in two generous loaves, and brings the comforting flavors of fall into your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 1 (15 oz) can pure pumpkin puree
- 2/3 cup water
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2–4 tablespoons chopped pepitas (green pumpkin seeds)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F and grease or line two 9×5-inch loaf pans.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the white sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and pumpkin puree. Stir until smooth.
- Add water: Stir in the water until fully incorporated.
- Whisk dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ground cloves, pumpkin pie spice, and nutmeg.
- Combine wet and dry: Slowly stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined — don’t overmix.
- Pour and top: Divide batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans and sprinkle with chopped pepitas.
- Bake: Bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the loaves cool in the pans for 10–15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For even more flavor, toast your pepitas before adding. You can freeze one loaf for later — just wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. This recipe works beautifully with muffin tins too — bake muffins for 20–25 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredient Overview
This pumpkin bread recipe brings together pantry staples with bold autumn flavors for a loaf that’s rich, spiced, and golden.
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White sugar: Sweetens the loaf while helping create that lightly crisp edge.
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Light brown sugar: Adds depth and caramel warmth.
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Vegetable oil: Keeps things super moist — even after a few days.
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Eggs: They help bind everything and give it structure.
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Pumpkin puree: The star of the show. Go for pure pumpkin, not pie filling.
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Water: Thins the batter just enough to keep it from being dense.
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All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the loaf with just the right crumb.
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Baking soda: Helps the bread rise into soft, fluffy slices.
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Salt: A must for balancing out all the sweetness.
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Ground cloves, nutmeg & pumpkin pie spice: Bring those unmistakable cozy fall notes.
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Pepitas: That Starbucks-inspired touch — sprinkle chopped on top before baking.
Styling Tip: Garnish each loaf with a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving for an elegant bakery look.
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease two standard 9×5-inch loaf pans or line them with parchment paper for easy release. This pumpkin bread recipe makes enough for two loaves, so you’ll want both pans ready to go.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the white sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, beaten eggs, and pure pumpkin puree. Stir until smooth and well blended — the batter should look rich and golden.
Step 3: Add the Water
Pour in the water and mix again. It’ll loosen the batter slightly, which helps create the perfect soft, moist texture you expect from a great pumpkin bread recipe.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ground cloves, pumpkin pie spice, and nutmeg. Make sure it’s well mixed — this step ensures the spices spread evenly throughout the bread.
Step 5: Stir Wet and Dry Together
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently. Don’t overmix — just fold until no streaks of flour remain. Tip: Overmixing can lead to tough loaves, and we want tender!
Step 6: Pour and Top
Divide the batter evenly between your two prepared pans. Sprinkle chopped pepitas across the tops — just like the coffee shop version — for added crunch and a beautiful finish.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake at 350°F for 60 minutes. Your kitchen will smell like fall magic! To test doneness, insert a toothpick in the center — it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let the loaves cool in the pans for about 10–15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cool, slice and serve with coffee, butter, or just as-is. This pumpkin bread recipe shines every which way.
Now that your bread is coming together beautifully, let’s explore some pro tips and creative variations to make it uniquely yours!
Pro Tips
For the best texture, don’t skip the water — it might sound simple, but it’s what gives this pumpkin bread recipe that melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Use canned pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix. The added spices and sugars in pie filling will throw off the flavor balance of your loaf.
Want that gorgeous golden dome on top? Bake your loaves in the lower third of the oven and avoid opening the door early.
Store your pumpkin bread wrapped in parchment and foil at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also freeze slices between layers of wax paper.
To make each loaf bakery-beautiful, I love sprinkling a few whole pepitas after baking too — for a mix of soft and toasted textures. Try what I did in my Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins for a similarly elegant touch.
Add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple glaze to elevate the look for gatherings or gifting!
Variations
This pumpkin bread recipe is endlessly flexible — which is why I come back to it every fall. Want a healthier twist? Swap in whole wheat flour for half the white and reduce the sugar slightly.
For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 GF baking blend and double-check that your spices are certified gluten-free.
Add-ins? Yes please! Toss in a handful of chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or even dried cranberries for bursts of texture and flavor.
Craving muffins instead of loaves? Scoop this same batter into muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes. I do something similar with my Pumpkin Muffins Recipe, and they’re always a hit.
If you’re feeling fancy, layer in a cinnamon cream cheese swirl or top with streusel before baking — the result feels ultra-bakery-worthy but still cozy enough for everyday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pumpkin bread recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! It keeps well for several days at room temperature and freezes beautifully for up to 2 months.
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?
Yes, but make sure it’s thick and not watery. Strain through cheesecloth if needed to match the consistency of canned puree.
What type of loaf pans work best?
Standard 9×5 metal pans bake evenly. If using glass or ceramic, you might need to add 5–10 extra minutes of baking time.
Why are my loaves sinking in the middle?
Usually, it’s from underbaking or overmixing the batter. Follow the steps closely, and you’ll get perfect results every time.
Can I reduce the sugar in this pumpkin bread recipe?
You can lower it slightly, but the mix of white and brown sugar gives the bread its signature moist texture and rich flavor. A small reduction is fine — just don’t go too far or you’ll lose balance.
Serving Suggestions
This pumpkin bread recipe is one of those treats that fits just about anywhere in your day. I love slicing a warm piece for breakfast alongside a creamy latte or homemade Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam for the ultimate fall pairing. It’s also a comforting afternoon snack with a hot cup of tea, or even a sweet finish to a cozy dinner. Whether you’re hosting a book club or packing lunchboxes for school, a slice of this bread brings joy to every setting. You could even add a little maple butter or cinnamon honey on top for a decadent twist.
Conclusion
Baking this pumpkin bread recipe isn’t just about a delicious result — it’s about savoring the process. Stirring together warm spices, watching the loaves rise in the oven, and sharing thick slices with someone you love… that’s the heart of home baking. Recipes like this connect us to seasons, memories, and those little everyday moments that feel extra special when shared. If you’re hungry for more fall comfort, I’ve gathered some cozy inspiration in the Fall Baking Recipes collection — you’ll feel right at home there.
If you bake this pumpkin bread recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below, tell me if you added your own twist, or tag your loaf on social media — we’re always sharing reader creations over on Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok — don’t forget to follow for more seasonal treats and baking love.
Gather around the table — something delicious is waiting!
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