Pumpkin Granola Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a delightfully wholesome, cozy snack that perfectly captures the essence of autumn, look no further than this Pumpkin Granola Recipe. It’s a sensational blend of crunchy oats, toasted nuts, and the warm, inviting flavors of pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice, all tied together with just the right touch of natural sweetness. Whether you’re stirring it into your morning yogurt, sprinkling it over smoothie bowls, or enjoying it straight from the jar, this granola brings a little fall magic to every bite. Trust me, once you try this Pumpkin Granola Recipe, it will quickly become a treasured staple in your pantry.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, wholesome, and packed with texture and flavor, the ingredients in this Pumpkin Granola Recipe are carefully chosen to balance richness, spice, and natural sweetness. Each one plays a vital role in creating that perfect crunch, that golden color, and the unmistakable, comforting aroma of pumpkin pie in your kitchen.

• 3 cups Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Old Fashioned Rolled Oats: The hearty base that gives granola its satisfying bite and wholesome fiber.
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (or any nuts): Adds crunch and a toasty, buttery flavor that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
• ¼ cup pumpkin seeds (or sunflower seeds): These bring a subtle nutty flavor and an extra nutritional boost of healthy fats.
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon): The soul of this granola, infusing it with warming notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.
• ¼ cup almond butter (or any nut butter, tahini, or sunflower butter): Acts as a creamy binder for the oats and adds a rich depth of flavor.
• ½ cup maple syrup (or agave nectar): Provides natural sweetness with a lovely caramel undertone.
• ⅓ cup pumpkin puree: Keeps the granola moist, tender, and bursting with fresh pumpkin goodness.
• ¾ teaspoon sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Dried fruit (optional): For bursts of chewy sweetness to contrast the crunch.
• Vegan chocolate chips (optional): A fun and indulgent mix-in that pairs wonderfully with the spices.
• Vegan white chocolate chips (optional): For a creamy, sweet surprise that brightens each bite.

How to Make Pumpkin Granola Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This step is key; lining the sheet ensures your granola bakes evenly and doesn’t stick, setting the stage for beautiful clusters and easy cleanup later on.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the oats, chopped walnuts, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin pie spice, and sea salt. Stir these together so every oat and nut will be perfectly seasoned and ready to soak up those sweet, spicy wet ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, vigorously stir the almond butter, maple syrup, and pumpkin puree. Mixing these thoroughly ensures a smooth and luscious binder that will coat every morsel of oats and nuts with pumpkin-spiced goodness.

Step 4: Fold Wet into Dry

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and use a wooden spoon or spatula to combine well. The goal here is to get every ingredient evenly coated, creating clusters that hold together once baked while delivering an irresistible texture.

Step 5: Spread and Bake

Spread the granola mixture in an even layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake on the oven rack furthest from the heat source for about 25 minutes. Don’t forget to stir and flip the granola gently around 12 and a half minutes to toast both sides evenly and prevent burning.

Step 6: Cool for Crunchiness

Once baked to a golden brown color, remove the granola and let it cool completely. This cooling step is essential—it lets the clusters harden up so you get that perfect crunch in every bite.

How to Serve Pumpkin Granola Recipe

Garnishes

This pumpkin granola is fantastic tossed with creamy coconut yogurt or your favorite plant-based yogurt and topped with extra pumpkin seeds or a drizzle of maple syrup. Adding fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon intensifies the cozy, fall-inspired flavors.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a vibrant fruit smoothie or a warm cup of spiced chai tea for an autumnal breakfast that feels indulgent but fuels your day. The granola also pairs beautifully with vegan vanilla ice cream for a crunchy, sweet treat any time.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Pumpkin Granola Recipe to the next level by layering it in a parfait glass with layers of pumpkin pie-flavored chia pudding and chopped roasted sweet potatoes or even dollops of pumpkin butter. It’s a show-stopping way to impress guests or treat yourself.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your granola in an airtight jar or resealable bag. This keeps it fresh and crunchy for up to a month in the fridge. The dry ingredients help maintain the texture, while the airtight container protects it from humidity.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch to enjoy over time, freezing granola is a fantastic option. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, and it will last for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

Granola is deliciously crunchy at room temperature, but if you want to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, give it a few minutes in a low oven or toaster oven. This revives the toasty flavors and crisp texture wonderfully without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use regular oats instead of gluten-free oats?

Absolutely! Regular rolled oats will work just as well in this Pumpkin Granola Recipe. Just make sure to use old fashioned rolled oats rather than quick oats for the best texture and crunch.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

No worries! You can easily substitute with ground cinnamon alone or create your own mix using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to capture that classic pumpkin spice flavor.

Can I make this granola nut-free?

Yes! Swap the walnuts and almond butter with seeds like pepitas or sunflower seeds and use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead of nut butter to keep the recipe allergen-friendly.

Is this granola vegan-friendly?

Definitely! This Pumpkin Granola Recipe uses maple syrup and plant-based butter alternatives, making it perfect for a vegan diet without sacrificing any flavor or texture.

How long does the granola stay crunchy?

If stored properly in an airtight container, the granola will stay crunchy for up to one month. To maintain its best texture, keep it away from moisture and humidity.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Granola Recipe is such a comforting, versatile treat that’s perfect for fall but delightful any time of year. It’s easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and bursting with cozy spice—and I truly believe once you bake it, you’ll find it hard to go back to store-bought granola. So grab your mixing bowls and pumpkin puree, and get ready to enjoy every crunchy, flavorful bite of this autumn-inspired favorite!

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