Copycat Panera Pumpkin Muffins

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Fall mornings just got a whole lot cozier with these Copycat Panera Pumpkin Muffins. Moist, fluffy, and topped with a sweet, buttery crumb streusel, these muffins are a seasonal favorite that brings bakery-quality comfort right to your kitchen. The tender pumpkin crumb is rich in warm spices, making every bite feel like a cozy sweater hug.

Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch, a back-to-school breakfast treat, or simply want to enjoy a homemade snack with your coffee, these muffins deliver on flavor and texture. They’re easy to make and even easier to love, especially when served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar on top.

What Kind of Pumpkin Should I Use?

Use canned pumpkin puree—not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin puree gives the muffins their iconic color, moisture, and earthy sweetness. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices, which will throw off the flavor balance and sweetness of the muffins.

Ingredients for the Copycat Panera Pumpkin Muffins

Pumpkin Puree
Provides moisture and deep fall flavor. It’s the heart of these muffins.

All-Purpose Flour
Gives structure and a light crumb while allowing the pumpkin flavor to shine.

Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar
Brown sugar adds depth and a hint of molasses, while granulated sugar contributes sweetness and helps with the muffin texture.

Vegetable Oil
Keeps the muffins moist without overpowering the flavor like butter might.

Eggs
Provide stability and help bind everything together.

Baking Soda & Baking Powder
These leaveners ensure the muffins rise with a tender, fluffy interior.

Pumpkin Pie Spice & Cinnamon
Bring that cozy, warm spice blend that defines fall baking.

Vanilla Extract
Adds a soft background flavor that enhances the spices.

Salt
Balances out the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Streusel Topping
A simple mix of flour, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to create that signature bakery crumb topping.

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How To Make the Copycat Panera Pumpkin Muffins

Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 cup cold cubed butter. Use a fork or pastry cutter to blend until crumbly. Chill in the fridge.

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Batter

Whisk together 1 3/4 cups flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice in one bowl. In a separate large bowl, combine 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Mix wet and dry ingredients until just combined.

Step 3: Fill and Top

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line or grease a muffin tin. Fill each cup 3/4 full with batter. Generously top with the chilled streusel.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in pan 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

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Serving and Storing These Muffins

Serve these muffins slightly warm with a pat of butter or plain alongside your morning coffee or tea. They’re also great as part of a holiday breakfast spread or packed into lunchboxes.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze individually wrapped muffins for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

What to Serve With Copycat Panera Pumpkin Muffins?

Hot Maple Latte

Creamy, warm, and spiced—the perfect drink pairing.

Greek Yogurt Parfait

A refreshing contrast to the sweet, dense muffin.

Apple Slices with Almond Butter

Crunchy and nutritious for a balanced snack.

Creamy Scrambled Eggs

Add some protein to round out your breakfast plate.

Spiced Chai Tea

If coffee isn’t your thing, chai complements the muffin’s warm spices.

Maple Glazed Bacon

Sweet and savory flavors that pair beautifully with pumpkin.

Whipped Honey Butter

Spread over a warm muffin for a decadent finish.

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Want More Muffin Ideas with Bakery Charm?

If you love these Copycat Panera Pumpkin Muffins, you’ll probably enjoy these cozy favorites:

• Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites for a warm-spiced morning treat.
• Nutella French Toast Casserole for a chocolate-hazelnut twist.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Bundt Cake if you’re craving fruity and rich in one bite.
• Lusciously Soft Lemon Rolls for a citrusy, pillowy brunch bake.
• Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donuts for a handheld snack with old-school flair.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add pecans to the streusel? Did you double the spice?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

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