Copycat Starbucks’ Chocolate Cinnamon Bread

This copycat Starbucks chocolate cinnamon bread has an incredibly soft, moist texture with a deep chocolate flavor and a warm hint of cinnamon. It’s one of those underrated treats that somehow feels cozy, indulgent, and just a little bit fancy all at once.

The best part? You can make it at home with simple pantry ingredients—and honestly, it’s even better fresh out of your own oven. 

Easy Chocolate Cinnamon Bread Recipe (Better Than Starbucks) | Skip the coffee shop—this chocolate cinnamon bread recipe tastes just like Starbucks (but better!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy, no-mixer quick bread
• Rich chocolate flavor with a subtle cinnamon warmth
• Moist, tender crumb (like the real Starbucks loaf!)
• Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert
• Freezer-friendly and great for make-ahead
• Fresher, softer, and more budget-friendly than Starbucks

The BEST Copycat Starbucks Chocolate Bread Recipe | Love Starbucks chocolate bread? You’ll LOVE this easy homemade version even more.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour – gives structure
• Cocoa powder – for that rich chocolate base (use unsweetened)
• Granulated sugar + brown sugar – adds sweetness and moisture
• Eggs – bind everything together
• Oil – key for that ultra-moist texture (don’t skip!)
• Buttermilk – keeps the crumb soft and tender
• Cinnamon – the signature warm flavor
• Vanilla extract – enhances everything
• Chocolate chips (optional but recommended) – for extra indulgence

Swap tip: No buttermilk? Just add 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and let it sit for a few minutes.

How to Make

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
2. Whisk dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt).
3. Mix wet ingredients (eggs, sugars, oil, buttermilk, vanilla) until smooth.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients gently—don’t overmix.
5. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
6. Pour into pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 50–60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool completely before slicing (seriously. you have to wait).

Homemade Starbucks Chocolate Cinnamon Loaf | Cozy up with a slice of this moist chocolate cinnamon bread—perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Tips for Best Results

• Don’t overmix – this is the #1 reason quick breads turn dense
• Use oil, not butter for that classic Starbucks-style moisture
• Check early – ovens vary, and overbaking dries it out
• Let it cool fully before slicing or it can crumble
• Use good cocoa powder – it makes a noticeable difference

This copycat Starbucks chocolate cinnamon bread is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. It’s simple, comforting, and just feels like a little treat you didn’t have to leave the house for.

Bake a loaf, slice it warm, and don’t be surprised if it disappears faster than you planned 💛

Continue to Content

Copycat Starbucks' Chocolate Cinnamon Bread

Yield: 1 loaf

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

This copycat Starbucks chocolate cinnamon bread is rich, moist, and full of cozy chocolate flavor with a hint of warm cinnamon. An easy, bakery-style quick bread you can make at home with simple ingredients!

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Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fold in chocolate chips, if using.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter or the bread may turn dense.

Using oil instead of butter keeps the loaf extra moist.

Let the bread cool completely before slicing for best texture.

If you don’t have buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup milk and let sit for 5 minutes.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 468Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 39mgSodium: 333mgCarbohydrates: 68gFiber: 4gSugar: 49gProtein: 7g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be considered an estimate only.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

Variations

• 🍫 Double Chocolate: Add extra chocolate chips or chunks
• 🤎 Swirled Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar layer in the middle
• ☕️ Espresso Boost: Add 1 teaspoon espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor
• 🧁 Muffins: Adjust bake time (about 18–25 minutes for muffins)

Storage & Make-Ahead

• Room temp: Store covered for up to 3 days
• Fridge: Up to 5–6 days (warm slices before serving)
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months
• Make-ahead tip: Bake the day before—it’s even more flavorful the next day

FAQ

Can I make this without buttermilk?
Yes! Use milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice.

Why is my bread dry?
Most likely overbaked or overmixed. Keep an eye on bake time.

Can I use butter instead of oil?
You can, but oil gives a softer, more Starbucks-like texture.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. But no promises… I haven’t personally tried this substitution 😅

If you love cozy, bakery-style treats like this, you’ll also want to try…

• Paula Deen’s Peach Cobbler (perfect comfort dessert)
• Apple Spice Italian Macarons (for something a little fancier)
• Easy Cinnamon Rolls (hello, gooey goodness!)

These all pair beautifully with the same warm, nostalgic flavors.

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