Is the Starbucks pumpkin bread healthy?

The original Starbucks pumpkin bread is delicious but not exactly a health food. A single slice contains over 400 calories and 39 grams of sugar. However, it can easily be made healthier at home by using whole wheat flour, reducing the sugar, and substituting half the oil with applesauce. For a truly healthy version, try using olive oil and cutting the sugar by 25% while keeping the rich pumpkin flavor.

What ingredients are in Starbucks pumpkin bread?

Starbucks’ pumpkin bread contains wheat flour, sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, water, leavening agents (like baking soda), salt, and a blend of warm spices—usually cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It’s often topped with pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for an added crunch. You can recreate this at home with pantry staples and achieve the same rich flavor.

Can I make Starbucks pumpkin bread with oil instead of butter?

Absolutely! In fact, Starbucks uses oil, not butter in its original recipe. Oil helps create that signature soft and moist crumb, and it stays tender even after a few days. You can use vegetable, canola, or avocado oil—or mix oil with applesauce for a lighter option. Check out this guide

How many calories are in a slice of Starbucks pumpkin bread?

One slice of Starbucks pumpkin bread contains approximately 410 calories , with 15 grams of fat and 39 grams of sugar. By contrast, a homemade version with reduced sugar and healthier fat options can bring the calorie count down to around 270–300 calories per slice , depending on portion size and ingredients used.

Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Recipe (Super Moist & Easy Copycat Guide)

Description

This moist and flavorful Starbucks pumpkin bread recipe is a perfect copycat of the original—rich in pumpkin spice, easy to make, and customizable with healthier ingredients. Ideal for fall mornings, meal prep, or cozy coffee pairings!

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (or white whole wheat)
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 ½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp allspice
2 large eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
½ cup vegetable oil (or half oil + applesauce)
¼ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: ⅓ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
Topping: Pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.
In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, both sugars, oil, pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla.
Combine the wet and dry mixtures until just incorporated (don’t overmix).
Fold in any add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
Pour the batter into the loaf pan and sprinkle with pepitas.
Bake for 55–60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Category: Weight Loss Meals
Method: Baking