If you love the warm flavors of fall, pumpkin spice granola is a perfect treat to enjoy any time of the day. This recipe combines oats, nuts, seeds, and real pumpkin puree with cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to give you a crunchy, sweet snack that feels homemade and healthy.
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You can eat it by itself, sprinkle it on yogurt, or add it to your favorite smoothie bowl. Making your own pumpkin spice granola is simple, affordable, and lets you customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs.
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How to Make Pumpkin Spice Granola
You will need some key ingredients and should follow a clear process to get a good mix of flavor and crunch. Paying attention to timing and ingredient balance helps make your granola tasty and perfectly textured.
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Pumpkin Spice Granola
Ingredients:
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds work well)
- ½ cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- ½ cup shredded coconut (optional)
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup pumpkin purée
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
- ¼ cup coconut oil (melted) or olive oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins (add after baking)
Instructions:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts, seeds, coconut, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, maple syrup, melted oil, and vanilla until smooth.
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Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated. Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer and bake until golden and fragrant, about 35–40 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
Let the granola cool completely on the pan—it will crisp up as it cools. Once cooled, mix in the dried cranberries or raisins. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
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Tips for Perfect Crunch
Use a low temperature to toast your granola slowly. This keeps it from burning while drying it out for crispness.
Baking with stirring helps create even golden pieces. Don’t skip this step.
Avoid piling the mixture thick on your pan. Thin layers cook better and crunch up more evenly.
Let your granola cool fully before storing. Warm granola can trap moisture, making it soft instead of crunchy. Store in an airtight container.
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Customizing and Serving Suggestions
You can easily change the flavor and texture of your pumpkin spice granola to fit your taste. How you store it also affects its crunch and freshness. Plus, there are many fun ways to enjoy it beyond just eating it plain.
Flavor Variations
To change up the taste, try adding different nuts or seeds. You can use pecans, almonds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds. If you want a nut-free option, pumpkin or sunflower seeds work well.
Mix in dried fruit like cranberries, apricots, or raisins for a bit of sweetness. Spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves can boost the warm, fall flavor.
For extra texture, add shredded coconut or flaxseeds. You can also press the granola down before baking if you want bigger clusters. This keeps the mix chunkier and easier to enjoy.
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Storage and Freshness
Let your granola cool entirely before storing it. Cooling helps it crisp up and keeps it crunchy longer. Store the granola in an airtight container to avoid moisture and keep it fresh.
Keep it at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it, which may keep it fresh for a few more weeks.
Avoid stirring your granola too much after baking. This helps preserve the clusters and the crunch you worked for while making it.
Creative Ways to Enjoy
Sprinkle your pumpkin spice granola over yogurt or oatmeal for a crunchy boost. It adds flavor and texture to plain breakfast bowls.
Use it as a topping for smoothie bowls or ice cream. It brings a nice crunch and a hint of fall flavors to any treat.
You can also pack it as a snack for on-the-go. The granola is great by itself or mixed with a handful of fresh fruit for a quick, simple snack anytime.
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