Bakery-Style Pumpkin Loaf

Starbucks Copycat!

If you love Starbucks’ famous pumpkin loaf, you are going to fall in love with this homemade version. It’s soft, moist, perfectly spiced, and topped with crunchy pumpkin pepitas — just like the one you grab with your morning latte… except fresher, richer, and so much more comforting.

This loaf is a staple in our house every fall. It’s one of those recipes that warms up your kitchen, fills the whole house with cinnamon and nutmeg, and tastes even better the next day. Whether you’re baking it for a cozy weekend at home, a treat for friends, or just because you want something pumpkin-y with your coffee, this loaf delivers every time.

The secret? Creaming the spices directly with the butter and sugar.This little trick makes the spices bloom and intensifies the flavor — trust me, it’s a game changer.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Loaf

• Perfectly moist and tender

• Warmly spiced, just like Starbucks

• Topped with crunchy pumpkin pepita seeds

• Easy one-bowl ingredients

• Makes your home smell like fall!

• Even better the next day

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp cloves

• 1–2 tsp cinnamon (your preference!)

• 1/2 tsp nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

• 1 1/2 sticks softened butter

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 can pumpkin (15 oz)

Topping

• Pumpkin pepita seeds

How to Make the Best Pumpkin Loaf

1. Preheat

Heat your oven to 350°F and grease a standard loaf pan. Line with parchment for easy removal.

2. Cream the butter, sugars, and spices

Add the softened butter, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg to a bowl. Cream them together until light and fluffy.

✨ Tip: Adding the spices during the creaming step releases their oils and intensifies the flavor. This is why this loaf tastes bakery-level!

3. Add eggs + pumpkin

Mix in the eggs one at a time. Then add the pumpkin and mix until smooth.

4. Combine dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined — don’t overmix.

5. Add the pepita topping

Pour the batter into your loaf pan. Smooth the top and sprinkle generously with pumpkin pepitas.

6. Bake

Bake for 55–70 minutes, depending on your oven. A toothpick should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.

Let the loaf cool completely before slicing — it helps the texture set perfectly.

Tips for a Perfect Pumpkin Loaf

• Don’t skip the spice-creaming trick. It makes the loaf taste like it came from a bakery.

• Use room-temperature butter for the fluffiest texture.

• Don’t overmix once you add the flour; it keeps the loaf tender.

• Let it rest overnight for the richest flavor.

• Double the recipe — it freezes beautifully!

Serving Ideas

• With a hot cup of coffee or chai latte

• As a fall dessert with whipped cream

• Toasted with butter for breakfast

• Sliced and wrapped for gifting

I Hope You Enjoy This Pumpkin Loaf!

This Starbucks-inspired pumpkin loaf has become one of my favorite fall bakes — cozy, simple, and so delicious. If you make it, tag me on Instagram @weeknight_homemaker so I can see your beautiful loaves!

Thank you for supporting my dream!

Lauren Morgan