Pumpkin Spice Granola

$- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup nuts (walnuts or pecans), chopped - 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas) - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1/2 cup maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins Gather these ingredients to make your pumpkin spice granola. Each one adds a special touch. Rolled oats form the base and give a hearty texture. Nuts bring crunch and healthy fats. Pumpkin seeds add protein and a nutty flavor. Unsweetened shredded coconut gives a sweet note without extra sugar. Maple syrup acts as a natural sweetener and binds the mix. Coconut oil, melted, helps with crispiness. Vanilla extract adds warmth to the flavor. Pumpkin pie spice brings that cozy taste of fall. A bit of salt balances the sweetness. Finally, dried cranberries or raisins add chewy bites and extra flavor. With these ingredients, you can create a snack that is not only tasty but also healthy. Enjoy knowing you have all you need to make this delightful treat! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 300°F (150°C). This temperature helps the granola bake evenly. Next, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. The paper keeps the granola from sticking. It also makes cleanup a breeze. In a large bowl, add 2 cups of rolled oats. Then, chop your choice of nuts, either walnuts or pecans, and add 1 cup to the bowl. Next, toss in 1/2 cup of pumpkin seeds and 1/2 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut. For flavor, include 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix these dry ingredients well. Make sure everything is evenly combined. The mix should smell amazing! In another bowl, combine 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil, 1/2 cup of maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk these until smooth. This wet mix will bring flavors together. Pour it over your dry ingredients and stir well. Ensure every piece is coated. This is key for tasty granola. Once mixed, spread the granola on the baking sheet. Press it down slightly to make it compact. This helps it clump up nicely while baking. To get your granola nice and crisp, spread it evenly on the baking sheet. Press it down gently for a compact layer. This helps it bake evenly. Stir the granola halfway through baking to help it brown all over. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes. You want it golden brown, not burnt. Let it cool completely on the sheet. It will become crisp as it cools. You can easily swap out nuts in this recipe. Try almonds or hazelnuts if you like. For the seeds, sunflower seeds work well too. If you don’t have coconut oil, use olive oil or butter instead. You can also replace maple syrup with honey or agave syrup. For a different taste, use cinnamon instead of pumpkin pie spice. Dried fruits like apricots or figs are great if you want something new. To keep your granola fresh, store it in an airtight container. A glass jar or a zip-top bag works well. Keep it in a cool, dry place. This will help it stay crunchy. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Just be sure to label it with the date. It can last up to two weeks at room temperature and up to three months in the freezer. Pro Tips Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use freshly ground pumpkin pie spice or toast whole spices before grinding them. Experiment with Nuts: Feel free to swap in different nuts or seeds based on your preference, such as almonds or sunflower seeds. Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the granola as it bakes; it can go from golden to burnt quickly. Stir halfway for even toasting. Customize Your Sweetness: Adjust the amount of maple syrup to suit your taste, or substitute with honey or agave nectar for a different flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can change up your pumpkin spice granola with seasonal flavors. Try adding dried apples or pears in the fall. In winter, consider mixing in some dark chocolate chunks. Fresh berries work well in spring and summer. You can also boost the flavor with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. These small changes keep your granola fun and fresh. To make this granola gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats. For a nut-free version, just skip the nuts. You can replace them with sunflower seeds or extra pumpkin seeds. This way, everyone can enjoy your healthy snack without worry. Enjoy your pumpkin spice granola in many ways. Serve it with yogurt for breakfast. You can also sprinkle it on oatmeal or smoothie bowls. For a sweet treat, mix it with milk or a dairy-free alternative. Pairing it with fresh fruit adds color and flavor. This granola is also great on its own as a quick snack. Pumpkin spice granola is more than just tasty; it offers health perks too. The oats provide fiber, which is great for digestion. Nuts add protein and healthy fats, helping you feel full. Pumpkin seeds are packed with magnesium and zinc, which support your immune system. Dried fruits like cranberries add antioxidants, which are good for your body. Overall, this granola is a smart choice for a snack or breakfast. Each serving of pumpkin spice granola is around 200 calories. This includes the following breakdown: - Rolled oats: 150 calories - Nuts: 100 calories - Pumpkin seeds: 70 calories - Coconut: 50 calories - Maple syrup: 50 calories - Coconut oil: 120 calories - Cranberries: 30 calories This granola offers a mix of energy and nutrients. It’s filling without being too heavy. Homemade pumpkin spice granola beats store-bought options in many ways. First, you control the ingredients. You can avoid added sugars and unhealthy fats. Homemade granola is fresher and tastes better too. Store-bought versions often have preservatives. Plus, making your own is fun and simple. You can customize flavors to fit your taste. Overall, homemade is healthier and tastier! Yes, you can swap out pumpkin pie spice. Try cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger. Each spice brings its own flavor. Using a mix of spices can create a unique taste. Experiment with what you have at home! Store your granola in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and crunchy. A cool, dry place works best. It can last up to two weeks. If you want it to last longer, try freezing it. If your granola is soggy, you can re-bake it. Spread it on a baking sheet. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This should help restore crispness. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. Yes, pumpkin spice granola is great for both! Enjoy it with yogurt or milk for breakfast. You can also snack on it plain or with fruit. Its flavor suits any time of day! This blog post explored making tasty pumpkin spice granola. We listed all the key ingredients and provided clear steps to prepare it. Tips and tricks helped you achieve the right crunch and freshness. I shared fun variations to keep the recipe exciting. Lastly, we discussed the health benefits and answered common questions. Now you can enjoy this great snack. It's easy to make and full of flavor. Try it out and enjoy your homemade granola!$

A delicious and crunchy granola infused with pumpkin spice flavors, perfect for breakfast or a snack.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup nuts (walnuts or pecans), chopped
0.5 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
0.5 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
0.5 cup maple syrup
0.25 cup coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 cup dried cranberries or raisins

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, pumpkin seeds, shredded coconut, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mix until the dry ingredients are well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Spread the granola mixture out evenly on the prepared baking sheet, pressing it down gently to form a compact layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the granola is golden brown and fragrant.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on the baking sheet. It will become crisp as it cools.
Once cool, add the dried cranberries or raisins and mix well.
Store the granola in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Keyword granola, healthy snack, pumpkin spice