Copycat Panera Pumpkin Muffins

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

If autumn had a flavor, it would taste like these Copycat Panera Pumpkin Muffins. Each bite is a soft, spiced celebration of pumpkin season, filled with cozy flavors and just the right amount of sweetness. These bakery-style muffins are loaded with warm cinnamon, real pumpkin, and topped with a tender streusel crumble that gives them that signature Panera flair.

Perfect for breakfast, snacking, or an afternoon coffee companion, these muffins bring that comforting bakery experience right into your kitchen. And best of all, they come together quickly with pantry staples and zero hassle, making them your new favorite fall treat to bake at home.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Panera Pumpkin Muffins Recipe

These muffins nail that classic bakery feel with a soft crumb and that iconic sugar-crunch topping. They’re easy to make with no mixer required and freeze like a dream. Whether you’re baking for a cozy brunch or meal prepping for the week, you’ll find yourself reaching for these again and again.

What Kind of Pumpkin Should I Use?

For best results, stick with canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The latter contains added sugars and spices, which can throw off the balance of flavor in this recipe. Libby’s is a popular and consistent choice, but any 100% pure pumpkin puree will do just fine.

Ingredients for the Copycat Panera Pumpkin Muffins

Pumpkin muffins rely on simple ingredients to build deep flavor and tender texture. Each one plays a key role in creating that bakery-style bite.

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Cinnamon
• Salt
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Pumpkin puree
• Vegetable oil
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

The streusel topping usually includes:

• Flour
• Butter (cold and cubed)
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon

How To Make the Copycat Panera Pumpkin Muffins

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Set this aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 3: Fold It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—a few lumps are perfectly fine and help keep the muffins tender.

Step 4: Make the Streusel Topping

Combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or your fingertips until crumbly.

Step 5: Fill and Top

Spoon the muffin batter into a lined muffin tin, filling each about 3/4 full. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over each muffin.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

How to Serve and Store These Muffins

These pumpkin muffins are best served slightly warm or at room temperature with a cozy drink like chai tea or a pumpkin spice latte. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerated for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped muffins for up to 3 months.

This recipe yields about 12 standard-sized muffins, making it perfect for a fall brunch gathering or weekly meal prep.

What to Serve With Copycat Panera Pumpkin Muffins?

Chai Tea Latte

Warm spices in chai beautifully echo the flavors in the muffins.

Greek Yogurt with Honey

The creamy tang of yogurt offers a nice contrast to the sweetness of the muffin.

Scrambled Eggs with Herbs

If you’re turning muffins into a full breakfast, add protein with soft scrambled eggs.

Roasted Apples

Baked or pan-roasted apples bring more autumn magic to your plate.

Maple Glazed Bacon

For something savory and indulgent, maple bacon plays well with pumpkin spice.

Spiced Hot Chocolate

A cozy combo for those crisp mornings.

Fresh Berries

Their tartness helps balance the richness of the muffins.

Want More Muffin Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re loving these Copycat Panera Pumpkin Muffins, don’t miss these flavorful baked treats:

• Try the Small Batch Pistachio Cream Cinnamon Rolls for a nutty swirl of indulgence.
• Cozy up with Southern Hummingbird Cake in cupcake form for something fruity and comforting.
• Craving something fruity? Blueberry Cheesecake Heaven Rolls are a dream come true.
• Or enjoy the nostalgic charm of Canned Biscuit Sugar Donuts for a shortcut treat.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can come back to it anytime.

Let me know how yours turned out. Did you add nuts or maybe a maple glaze drizzle? I love hearing your creative spins on recipes. Questions are welcome, too!

Explore beautifully curated homemade bakes on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover new favorites to warm your kitchen.

Conclusion

These Copycat Panera Pumpkin Muffins check every box for fall baking: soft, warmly spiced, and topped with a buttery crumble. They bring the coziness of your favorite bakery into your own kitchen without the need for a fancy mixer or a long ingredient list. Whether you’re baking them for yourself or sharing with friends, they’re sure to become a go-to seasonal favorite.

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?