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Love Starbucks Pumpkin Bread? Bet you'll love this moist, tender, incredibly delicious Better Than Starbucks Pumpkin Bread even more! It's a one-bowl, no-mixer recipe that you can throw together in minutes!
This pumpkin bread is our very favorite fall recipe. And although I love Starbucks pumpkin bread, this one is so moist, has such a tender, delicious crumb and it's SO easy to make, it deserves its name, "Better than Starbucks"!
I decided it was important to get in the right frame of mind to write this post. So I've got a loaf of this Better Than Starbucks Pumpkin Bread in the oven. I also purchased a slice of Starbucks Pumpkin Bread to nibble on and just made a cappuccino to sip on. You know, to get in the mood, and to say the right things about this delicious sweet treat. After all, a girl has to be prepared, right?
One-bowl, no-mixer required!
I've got a lot on my to-do list today, so why would I bother to make another batch of this Better Than Starbucks Pumpkin Bread? Well, first of all, it takes less than 15 minutes to put together... you basically dump everything in a bowl and stir till it's all combined. And then, wait for the intoxicating aroma to waft through your entire house.
I'm starting to smell it now and it's beyond amazing! And if you think I'm spoofing you about how easy it is to throw together, check out this video.
See what I mean? Super easy!
Breakfast, brunch, snack or... dessert!
Another reason I decided to make a loaf this morning is that it's not only a fabulous breakfast treat and any time-of-day snack, it can also double as dessert! I love to slice it thick, warm it just a bit in the microwave (10 seconds), top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle this Real Deal Microwave Caramel Sauce or this Ridiculously Easy Butterscotch Sauce over it.
Want to really take things over the top? Add a few of these Easy Candied Pecans and you'll feel like a culinary rock star. However you serve it, this Better than Starbucks Pumpkin Bread makes an incredible fall-inspired dessert! So you see, in addition to getting in the proper frame of mind to write this post, my morning baking efforts have also reaped dessert for dinner tonight - certainly a win-win!
Better than Starbucks?
Why do we call this "better" than Starbucks? Don't get me wrong, I love Starbucks Pumpkin Bread. It's a delicious treat with a cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk. But I'm only taking a few nibbles of this piece in front of me because I'm waiting for the loaf in my oven to finish baking. Then I may seriously indulge. Why? I'm glad you asked!
First of all, I think this pumpkin bread has a more tender crumb than the Starbucks version. Check it out in the picture below!
It's also super flavorful with the addition of a generous scoop of pumpkin pie spice (a combination of warm autumn spices: cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and cloves). Extra cinnamon brings out all that wonderful fall flavor.
Starbucks pumpkin bread has a tiny (as in minimal) sprinkle of crushed pepitas (pumpkin seeds) on the top of their loaves. Nice, but not super attractive. I think this bread has a prettier and tastier topping. A handful of pumpkin seeds, a drizzle of honey and a splash of oil are stirred together and then sprinkled on top of the batter before baking. As the bread bakes, this topping takes on a beautiful glaze and crunch. See what I mean? Better than Starbucks Pumpkin Bread!
Another benefit of making this bread yourself is that you can adapt it to your preferences. Don't like or don't have any pepitas on hand? Leave them off or use chopped pecans. You could also simply add a sprinkle of granulated or raw sugar for a sweet, crisp topping.
You can also use different size baking pans. This recipe works well in a 9x5-inch pan, but you can also use 4 smaller pans for mini loaves. No loaf pans? Just bake it in a 9-inch round pan and slice it in half, then crossways into thin rectangular slices.
Save a bunch of bucks!
Okay, one last reason this pumpkin bread is better than Starbucks is - the price! Yikes, if you've purchased anything at Starbucks, you know it's not cheap. A slice of any of their bread is around $3.00. You can easily make a whole loaf of this bread for less than it would cost for two slices at Starbucks!
A lovely seasonal gift
Pumpkin bread makes a wonderful gift. Who wouldn't love to find a delicious loaf on their doorstep or in their mailbox? It also makes a nice hostess gift and would be perfect to give as a Thanksgiving treat.
We're offering a pretty little label to dress up this Better Than Starbucks Pumpkin Bread for gift giving. If you'd like to receive our free printable PDF, just let us know in the comment section below this post. We'll send it right to your email inbox where you can download and print the labels from your computer.
Okay, it smells like a fine bakery in here as the amazing aroma wafts through the house. I need to run and take the bread out of the oven. I can hardly wait for it to cool a bit. Sure wish we could sit down and enjoy a piece together, but since we can't, make a loaf of this Better Than Starbucks Pumpkin Bread today and give a little "cheers" to the Café when you take the first fabulous bite!
Café Tips for making this Better Than Starbucks Pumpkin Bread
- This recipe calls for pumpkin pie spice which is a combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and cloves. Don't have any pumpkin pie spice? No problem, you can make your own in way less time than you can run to the store and pick some up!
- Make sure you use pumpkin puree in this recipe and not pumpkin pie filling. They are usually sold right near each other, often in the same size can. Pumpkin puree is simply pumpkin that's been cooked and pureed. Pumpkin pie filling is pumpkin puree as well as sugar and spices.
- This recipe calls for using a 9x5-inch loaf pan. You can also use two 8x4-inch pans.
- Another option is to make 4 loaves in small loaf pans. The small ceramic loaf pans in the pictures above are also nice to bake this bread in and give as gifts.
- If you're in a hurry or just want to keep things a little simpler, a sprinkle of raw or regular granulated sugar before baking (in lieu of the pepita topping) is also delicious and creates a crisp, sweet topping as it bakes.
- Although I'm a huge fan of butter for both cooking and baking, don't try to sub butter for the oil in this recipe. It's the oil that gives this bread such a moist, tender crumb.
- You can use any neutral-flavored oil for this recipe. I love sunflower, safflower and grapeseed oils, but canola, corn or vegetable oils also work. Stronger flavored oils like peanut, coconut, sesame or olive oils will add a flavor of their own to this bread.
- Instead of the pumpkin seed topping, this bread is also delicious with just a sprinkle of sugar over the top before baking. I like to use Turbinado or Demerara sugar but regular granulated sugar will also work.
- To transform this Better Than Starbucks Pumpkin Bread into a delicious dessert, place thick slices in pretty (microwave-safe) bowls. Warm each slice for 10-15 seconds in the microwave. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of this fabulous Real Deal Microwave Caramel Sauce (takes less than 15 minutes to prepare). To take it over the top, add a few of these Easy Candied Pecans for the crowning glory. Your guests will be in dessert heaven, for sure!
- When making the larger loaf, I like to line a sheet pan with aluminum foil and bake the bread right on the sheet pan. If the bread seems to be getting too brown after 40-45 minutes of baking, I simply pull up the foil around the sides on the pan and tent it loosely over the top.
- There's nothing worse than going through the trouble of putting together and baking a cake or loaf of bread only to find that you've under or over baked it. The BEST way to determine when baked goods are perfectly done is to use an instant thermometer. Quick breads, like this Better Than Starbucks Pumpkin Bread, are done when an instant thermometer, inserted in the center, reads 195-205˚F.
Thought for the day:
I love the Lord, for he heard my voice;
he heard my cry for mercy.
Because he turned his ear to me,
I will call on him as long as I live.
Psalm 116:1&2
What we're listening to for inspiration:
If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and leave a star rating and review! It’s so helpful to other readers to hear other’s results and ideas for variations.
Love Starbucks Pumpkin Bread? Bet you'll love this moist, tender, incredibly delicious Better Than Starbucks Pumpkin Bread even more! It's a one-bowl, no-mixer recipe that you can throw together in minutes!
- 3 large eggs
- 1½ cups pumpkin puree
- ⅔ cup sunflower oil or any mild-flavored oil
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
- 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup)
- ½ teaspoon sunflower oil or any mild-flavored oil
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Preheat the oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Spray a 9x5-inch loaf pan (see the Café Tips above in the post for using other size pans) with baking spray. Set aside. Line a sheet pan with foil. Set aside.
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Place eggs in a medium-large bowl and whisk well.
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Add pumpkin and whisk until smooth. Add the oil, white and brown sugars and vanilla. Mix until nice and smooth.
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Sprinkle the pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder and salt over the pumpkin mixture and mix until well combined.
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Add the flour and stir just until the flour has disappeared and no large lumps remain.
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Combine pumpkin seeds (pepitas), honey and oil and stir to combine. To make mixing easier, you can pop the pepita mixture in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to thin out the honey. Set mixture aside.
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Transfer batter to prepared pan. Smooth the top and scatter the pumpkin seed mixture over the top. Place on the prepared sheet pan and bake for 55-65 minutes. Check the bread after 40-45 minutes and if the top seems to be getting brown, pull the foil up around the sides of the pan and loosely over the top. Return to the oven and finish baking, until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean or the internal temperature is 195-205˚F when checked with an instant thermometer (the best way to determine doneness).
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For the smaller pans (see Café Tips above) you'll only need to bake for 25-30 minutes but again, the best way to determine doneness is with an instant thermometer).
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Cool for 20 minutes, then slide out of the pan and transfer to a cool rack. Cool completely before slicing (if you can wait!).
See Café Tips above in the post for more detailed instructions and tips.
Gloria says
Looks delicious. I have pumpkin seeds so it will be a nice change from the familiar topping.
Please send the PDF labels!!!
Chris Scheuer says
Sending them now, Gloria!
Candace Roderick says
just love this recipe. Please do send me the pdf for the cute labels. Thanks.
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Candace!
Andrea Jean Westberg says
Love this recipe-please forward labels. Thank you
Liz says
Looks delicious. Will be making for the Holidays. Please send labels. Thank you.
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Liz!
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Andrea!
Melissa says
This was the “gateway” recipe to discover your blog years ago! This recipe is absolutely delicious and I’ll be making today. Thank you Chris and Scott again for your yummy recipes and reminder of seasonal favorites. Bless you both!!!
Chris Scheuer says
I love that, Melissa!
Juanita says
As always, I love your recipes. Would love the labels. Thanks Juanita
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Jaunita! Sending the labels your way!
Nese says
I'm looking forward to trying your pumpkin bread....willing fall weather to start here in the San Joaquin Valley (104 degrees today!). I have loved every recipe of yours that I have tried (Ridiculously Easy Biscuits is my go-to recipe) so I'm expecting this one to be great! Already have a list of friends in mind to give to.....would love your PDF label. Thanks Chris & Scott
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Nese! We will send the labels now!
tami says
Cant wait to try this recipe and to give it as a gift. I loved reading your comments, ideas, and mostly the scripture you quoted. It is so true. I would love the pdf you’re offering. Thank you.
Chris Scheuer says
I'm so glad you're enjoying the posts, Tami! Sending the labels now!
Terry says
Looking forward to making another one of your wonderful recipes Chris. Please forward the label PDF to me. Thanks so much
Chris Scheuer says
Sending them now, Terry!
Sulizna de Jager says
Have to try this one! Thank you! I would like to have the labels...appreciate it!
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Sulinza!
jk says
Chris, I do not usually have honey on hand. Would it be possible to substitute maple syrup?
Chris Scheuer says
Absolutely! That will work fine, jk.
Lorraine Thornburg says
Hello!
I’m on my way to the store to get the ingredients and can’t wait to try your recipe. I wold love to have your label.
Thank you so much!!
Lorraine
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Lorraine! Enjoy!
Anna says
Is this as sweet as the Starbucks Pumpkin loaf? I love the Starbucks version but want to make it less sweet.
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Anna, I think it's similar in sweetness to Starbuck's pumpkin bread.
Mary Dassau says
Love this recipe, I'm making it several times to deliver to some ICU nurses who are sleeping at a hospital in a flooded area of LA
Chris Scheuer says
That's so sweet and kind. God bless you, Mary!
Terri says
I’m excited to make this pumpkin bread. Sounds delicious! Can you please share the gift tag pdf? I would love to make some to share as gifts this Fall.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Terri! Sending the labels now!
Denise Higuera says
Sounds yummy. Can you please send me the pdf tag? I would love to make these loaves and give them to family and friends.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Denise! We will send the labels now!
Veronica Potter says
Hello Chris! I am new here and I love it! I cannot wait to make the pumpkin bread. . if its not too much trouble could you please send me the layout for the cute labels! Thanks again! Veronica
Chris Scheuer says
So glad you found us, Veronica! Sending the labels now!
Cece says
I made this today and the 1st thing my daughter said when she took a bite, "This is better than Starbucks " I have tried sooooo many different pumpkin bread recipes and have never gotten 2 thumbs up. Both of my kiddos (9 & 13) have loved Starbucks pumpkin bread since forever. This one is a keeper! So yum!
Chris Scheuer says
I love that, Cece! Thanks so much for letting us know!
Mary says
I would like the printable pdf please
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Mary!
Lisa A. says
So happy I found this recipe!!! I was able to swap out the all purpose for GF flour and I can finally enjoy my favorite Starbucks treat again!!! Thank you so much! And can you please send the pumpkin labels I would love to give a few as gifts heading into the falk season.
Chris Scheuer says
That's great to know, Lisa. I know other readers will find that helpful! We will send the labels now.
Linzy McGinty says
NOT A LIE!!!! It is better than SB. i used vegetable oil substitute and didn't have pepita. None the less, so amazing. Brush honey and butter on top and eat hot. HEAVENLY!!!!
Chris Scheuer says
Ha! Thanks so much for your review, Linzy!
Joanne Christie says
I’d love the pdf label for the pumpkin loaf as well. Thanks!!!
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Joanne!
Marcia says
This recipe is fabulous, love all your recipes and the scriptures you add. A double blessing. Can you please send the label for the pumpkin 🎃 bread. Thank you and may God continue to bless you and your family.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Marcia! We will send the labels!
Robin Segesta says
Please send a printable pumpkin bread pdf.
Thank you!
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Robin!
Jessie says
I have made this multiple times and it is always wonderful. Sometimes I cut the white sugar in half and use 1/2 cup of oil and it is till amazing .
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks for sharing your results, Jessie!
Shirley Bafus says
Would love to have your pumpkin bread Tags, thanks in advance—- love making this bread. So easy and love the bread pans could you tell me where you can buy them?
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Shirley, we'll be happy to send you the labels!
The white bread pans are from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3wx3b6C Sadly, they don't have the textured ones right now: https://amzn.to/3upZe1T
Carol Waymire says
Thank you for such a great recipe! My daughter buys Starbucks all the time. I hope she will like this bread better!
Please send me the labels you mentioned. I want to bake this for gifts. Thanks very much for sharing with us. I also appreciated the scriptures!
Chris Scheuer says
We're happy to send the labels, Carol! Enjoy!