panera bread pumpkin muffin recipe

Panera Bread’s pumpkin muffins are a beloved seasonal treat known for their moist texture, rich pumpkin flavor, and delightful streusel topping. These muffins are perfect for fall or any time you're craving a comforting pumpkin-flavored treat. Follow this recipe to recreate these delicious pumpkin muffins at home.

this Recipe

What are Pumpkin Muffins?

Pumpkin muffins are a type of quick bread made with pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. They’re typically moist and tender, often topped with a streusel or glaze to add extra flavor and texture.

Ingredients List for Pumpkin Muffins

To make these delicious pumpkin muffins, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Muffins:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Streusel Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Optional Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Substitutions and Variations

You can customize this recipe to suit your dietary needs or preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free: Use almond milk or any other non-dairy milk.
• Healthier Option: Substitute half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce.
• Different Toppings: Add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the streusel for extra crunch.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to make your pumpkin muffins:

For the Muffins:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fill the Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.

For the Streusel Topping:

1. Mix Streusel Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Top the Muffins: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the muffin batter.

Baking the Muffins:

1. Bake: Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
2. Cool: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Optional Glaze:

1. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
2. Drizzle the Glaze: Once the muffins are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the tops before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing: Mix the batter until the ingredients are just combined to avoid tough muffins.
2. Overbaking: Be sure to remove the muffins from the oven when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean to prevent them from becoming dry.
3. Using Cold Ingredients: Ensure the eggs and milk are at room temperature for better mixing and even baking.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Pumpkin Muffins:

• Temperature: Serve the muffins at room temperature or slightly warmed.
• Pairing: Enjoy these muffins with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.

Presentation Ideas for Pumpkin Muffins:

• Decorative Plate: Arrange the muffins on a decorative plate or a tiered cake stand for an attractive presentation.
• Garnish: Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few extra crumbs of streusel on top for a lovely finishing touch.

Pumpkin Muffins Recipe Tips

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and milk, are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
2. Measuring Flour: Measure the flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife to avoid dense muffins.
3. Storing the Muffins: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
4. Cooling the Muffins: Allow the muffins to cool completely before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze pumpkin muffins?

Yes, you can freeze the muffins. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

How long do pumpkin muffins last?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these muffins can last up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It's best to bake the muffins right after mixing the batter. However, you can prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately a day in advance, then combine them and bake the muffins the next day.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the fresh puree to avoid overly moist muffins.

What can I use instead of vegetable oil?

You can use melted coconut oil, olive oil, or unsweetened applesauce as a healthier alternative to vegetable oil.

Conclusion

Making Panera-inspired pumpkin muffins at home is a delightful and easy way to enjoy these moist, flavorful treats any time of the year. With their rich pumpkin flavor, warm spices, and crunchy streusel topping, these muffins are sure to be a hit. Follow the step-by-step instructions and tips provided to create these delicious muffins, and enjoy baking and sharing this wonderful treat with your loved ones. Happy baking!

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