Starbucks Copycat Pumpkin Bread
This Starbucks Copycat Pumpkin Bread is a moist, spiced treat that brings all the cozy flavors of fall right into your kitchen. Packed with pumpkin, warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and a…
Tip: save now, cook later.This Starbucks Copycat Pumpkin Bread is a moist, spiced treat that brings all the cozy flavors of fall right into your kitchen. Packed with pumpkin, warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of cloves, it’s soft and fluffy with just the right amount of sweetness. It’s the kind of bread that smells amazing while it’s baking and tastes even better sliced thick with a bit of butter.
I love making this pumpkin bread when the weather starts to turn crisp because it fills the house with that yummy fall aroma that makes everything feel a little more comforting. I usually double the recipe so I can share some with friends or save some for a quick breakfast or snack throughout the week. One tip I’ve learned is to not overbake it to keep it nice and tender inside.
My favorite way to enjoy this pumpkin bread is with a hot cup of coffee or tea, especially during a slow morning or an afternoon break. It’s such an easy way to bring a little holiday cheer into your day, even if it’s just a regular weekday. Everyone around here always asks for the recipe once they’ve tried it because it really hits that sweet spot of seasonal flavors without being too rich or heavy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Use canned pumpkin puree for smooth texture and consistent flavor. Avoid pumpkin pie filling because it has added sugar and spices that can throw off the recipe. You can swap for homemade pumpkin puree if you have leftover roasted pumpkin.
Spices: Pumpkin pie spice blends cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, key for that warm flavor. If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, just use 1 tsp cinnamon plus a pinch of nutmeg and cloves separately.
Cream Cheese Filling: A great addition, it adds a creamy, tangy layer. Use full-fat cream cheese for best results. For dairy-free, try a plant-based cream cheese substitute but note texture differences.
Butter & Sugars: Butter adds richness and moisture. Brown sugar adds a hint of molasses flavor and helps tenderize. You can replace half the butter with oil if desired for a softer crumb.
How Do You Get a Perfect Cream Cheese Layer Without It Mixing Into the Batter?
The key is to carefully layer the cream cheese filling between the pumpkin batters and avoid spreading it to the pan edges. Here’s how:
- Fill the pan halfway with pumpkin batter and smooth it out. Leave some space at the edges.
- Gently spoon the cream cheese mixture on top, smoothing it but keeping a border clear.
- Spread remaining pumpkin batter carefully over the cream cheese layer without pressing down too hard.
- This layering prevents the cream cheese from mixing with the pumpkin layers and creates a defined center.
Also, bake the bread until a toothpick near the edges comes out clean but avoid the middle where the cream cheese is. This helps keep the filling soft and creamy, not overcooked or runny.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Two 8×4-inch loaf pans – Perfect size to bake even loaves and help create the cream cheese layer.
- Mixing bowls – At least two bowls to keep pumpkin batter and cream cheese filling separate before layering.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer – Makes beating butter, sugars, and cream cheese smooth and easy.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements keep your bread texture just right.
- Spatula – Great for spreading batter and cream cheese filling evenly without breaking layers.
- Cooling rack – Helps the breads cool evenly and prevents sogginess on the bottom.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for crunchy texture that pairs well with pumpkin spice.
- Mix in dark chocolate chips to add a touch of sweetness and richness alongside the spices.
- Swap out cream cheese filling for a swirl of cinnamon sugar for a simpler but still tasty twist.
- Try adding shredded carrot or zucchini to the batter for extra moisture and a veggie boost without overpowering the flavors.
Starbucks Copycat Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Filling
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pumpkin Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Crumble Topping (optional):
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 55-65 minutes to bake. Allow an extra 10 minutes for cooling before slicing. Overall, expect close to 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to enjoying your delicious pumpkin bread.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8×4 inch loaf pans well, or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, salt, nutmeg, and cloves until evenly combined. Set this aside for now.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Pumpkin
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree, stirring until smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
6. Make Cream Cheese Filling
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar, egg, and vanilla until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
7. Layer the Batter and Filling
Divide half of the pumpkin batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Spread it out smoothly. Next, carefully spoon the cream cheese filling over the batter in each pan, leaving a small border around the edges.
Then, spread the remaining pumpkin batter over the cream cheese layer, making sure to cover it completely but gently.
8. Add Crumble Topping (Optional)
If you’d like a sweet topping, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the tops of the loaves.
9. Bake the Bread
Bake in your preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick near the edge of each loaf—if it comes out clean, it’s ready. Avoid testing the center with cream cheese as it won’t come out clean.
10. Cool and Serve
Let the loaves cool in the pans on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Then, remove them from the pans to cool completely before slicing. Serve and enjoy the moist, warmly spiced bread with a luscious cream cheese center!
Can I Use Frozen Pumpkin Puree for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure it’s fully thawed and well-drained if needed to avoid extra moisture. Pat it dry with a paper towel if it feels watery.
How Should I Store Leftover Pumpkin Bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Keep in mind texture might vary slightly, but it will still taste delicious.
What’s the Best Way to Prevent the Cream Cheese Filling from Mixing Into the Batter?
Leaving a small border of pumpkin batter around the edges before adding the cream cheese filling helps keep the layers distinct. Gently spread the top layer without pressing too hard to maintain separation.
