As the leaves begin to crisp underfoot and a faint chill lingers in the air, my kitchen transforms into a warm and inviting refuge. The enchanting scent of cinnamon dances with the earthy aroma of pumpkin, promising cozy mornings and delightful snacking ahead. This Pumpkin Spice Granola recipe became my go-to after I grew weary of reaching for heavily processed snacks that never satisfied my cravings.
With just a few simple ingredients, including wholesome rolled oats, a medley of crunchy nuts, and sweet drizzles of honey or maple syrup, I found a way to indulge without the guilt. It’s not just a breakfast option; this granola is a versatile topping for yogurt, an energizing snack on the go, or even a sweet treat straight from the jar. Join me in crafting this easy, flavorful delight that’s perfect for crisp fall mornings and beyond, all while keeping your taste buds and your health in check!
Why You'll Love This Pumpkin Spice Granola
- This Pumpkin Spice Granola is delightfully easy to make, coming together in just 40 minutes from start to finish.
- The rich flavors of pumpkin and warm spices create a comforting treat that is perfect for any time of day.
- Its versatility shines as you can enjoy it with yogurt, as a snack, or even on its own right out of the jar.
- Plus, the beautiful golden hues and crunchy textures make it visually appealing, ensuring your family and friends will love it as much as you do.
Pumpkin Spice Granola Ingredients
For the Granola Base
• Rolled oats – they provide the perfect chewy texture and nuttiness, forming the hearty base of the pumpkin spice granola.
• Pumpkin puree – adds moisture and rich flavor, helping to keep the granola clusters together.
• Honey or maple syrup – use your favorite sweetener for a touch of natural sweetness that binds the ingredients together.
For the Crunch
• Mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts) – combine for a delightful crunch; you can swap them out for your favorite nuts or seeds!
For the Spices
• Cinnamon – this warm spice is essential for that classic pumpkin flavor in your pumpkin spice granola.
• Nutmeg – just a pinch enhances the warm, cozy aromas and flavors, making your kitchen feel like fall.
For the Sweet Finish
• Dried fruit (raisins or cranberries) – stir in these at the end for a sweet, chewy contrast that balances the crunch in your granola.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Granola
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get your baking sheet ready by lining it with parchment paper. This ensures easy cleanup and helps the granola crisp beautifully.
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Combine the rolled oats, chopped mixed nuts, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Stir until the ingredients are well-mixed and evenly coated with those warm aromatic spices.
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Whisk together the pumpkin puree and honey (or maple syrup) in a separate bowl. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy, creating a delightful blend that will sweeten and moisten the granola.
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Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients, stirring well until everything is thoroughly combined. The oats and nuts should be beautifully coated, glistening with the sweet pumpkin blend.
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Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the granola is golden brown and fragrant. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
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Cool the granola completely after removing it from the oven. Once cooled, gently stir in the dried fruit and transfer to an airtight container. Enjoy your creation!
Optional: Serve over yogurt with a drizzle of honey for an extra special treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Pumpkin Spice Granola?
Transform your homemade granola into an irresistible meal or snack with these delightful pairings that awaken the senses.
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Greek Yogurt: A creamy base that allows the warm spice flavors to shine, making for a satisfying breakfast or snack. Add a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness!
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Fresh Berries: Bright, juicy berries add a refreshing contrast to the sweet and spicy granola. Their tartness balances the richness of the pumpkin, creating a delightful harmony.
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Milk or Dairy Alternatives: Pour over your choice of milk for a classic breakfast; the crunch of granola pairs beautifully with the smooth texture, making each bite a treat.
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Smoothies: Blend with spinach, banana, and almond milk for a nourishing smoothie bowl, topped with crunchy granola for that perfect textural contrast.
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Chia Seed Pudding: Layer your granola with chia pudding for a nutritious dessert. The creaminess of the pudding complements the crunch perfectly, making for a delightful treat.
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Coffee or Spiced Tea: Sip on your favorite morning brew alongside a bowl of granola for a cozy start to your day. The warm spices in both create a comforting experience.
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Baked Apples: Serve with baked apples drizzled in cinnamon and maple syrup for an autumn-inspired dessert that pairs beautifully with the flavors in the granola.
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Coconut Yogurt: For a dairy-free twist, coconut yogurt adds a rich creaminess that beautifully enhances the spice notes of the granola, making it a perfect pairing.
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Granola Bars: For a delightful DIY snack, mix any leftovers with melted chocolate and press into a pan for a quick granola bar that's perfect for on-the-go munching!
Make Ahead Options
These Pumpkin Spice Granola bits are just the thing for busy home cooks looking to save time while still enjoying homemade goodness! You can pre-mix the dry ingredients (rolled oats, mixed nuts, cinnamon, and nutmeg) and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For the wet mixture, whisk together pumpkin puree and honey (or maple syrup) and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours; this prevents the oats from becoming soggy. When you're ready to bake, simply combine the two mixtures, spread them on the baking sheet, and follow through with the baking instructions. You'll be rewarded with a delightful crunch that’s just as delicious as if made fresh, perfect for any time of day!
How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Spice Granola
Room Temperature: Keep your Pumpkin Spice Granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. This ensures it stays crunchy and fresh for your snacking pleasure.
Fridge: If you prefer a longer shelf life, you can refrigerate the granola in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Just be mindful, as it may lose a bit of its original crunch.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze your Pumpkin Spice Granola in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.
Reheating: To revive the crunch after freezing, spread the granola on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to warm it up. Enjoy!
Pumpkin Spice Granola Variations
Feel free to play around with this recipe to make it your own and discover new delightful flavors!
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Nut-Free: Substitute nuts with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a crunchy texture without the allergens.
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Sweetener Swap: Use agave syrup or coconut sugar instead of honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
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Gluten-Free: Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free and feel free to add gluten-free pretzels for an exciting twist!
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Spice Up: Add a pinch of ginger or allspice for an extra kick of warmth that heightens the pumpkin flavor.
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Choco-Lover’s Delight: Stir in dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs after baking for a delightful chocolatey treat to elevate your granola.
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Coconut Crunch: Incorporate shredded coconut into the mix for a tropical flair and added chewiness, harnessing the essence of a beach getaway.
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Spicy Heat: A sprinkle of cayenne or chili powder can be added to the dry mix before baking for those who enjoy a spicy surprise in their morning bowl.
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Fruit Fiesta: Swap out raisins or cranberries for dried apples, figs, or dates to create unique flavor combinations that delight your taste buds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the Pumpkin Spice Granola, make sure to evenly mix the dry ingredients first to ensure that the spices are distributed throughout.
- When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently but thoroughly to avoid breaking the oats too much, helping to create those delightful clusters.
- Keep an eye on the granola while it bakes and stir it halfway through to achieve an even golden color and prevent any burning.
- Lastly, allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet before adding the dried fruit, as this helps maintain the texture and prevents the fruit from becoming too soft.
Pumpkin Spice Granola Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best pumpkin puree for my granola?
Absolutely! When choosing pumpkin puree, opt for 100% pure pumpkin and avoid the canned pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices. Look for puree that is rich in color, ideally a deep orange, and has a smooth texture—the more vibrant the color, the better the flavor!
How should I store my Pumpkin Spice Granola?
You can keep your Pumpkin Spice Granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. This method preserves its delightful crunch. However, if you're looking for a longer shelf life, refrigerating it can extend freshness to about 1 month.
Can I freeze Pumpkin Spice Granola?
Very! For longer storage, place your cooled Pumpkin Spice Granola in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container and pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave it in the fridge overnight or let it sit at room temperature for a couple of hours.
What should I do if my granola isn't clumping together?
If your granola isn’t forming those delicious clusters, it may be due to insufficient moisture or not enough mixing. I recommend adding a tablespoon or two of honey or syrup to help it bind better. When mixing, be sure to gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together until everything is evenly coated, which can help in forming those tasty clusters.
Are there any dietary restrictions to consider with this recipe?
Of course! For vegan dietary needs, substitute honey with maple syrup. This recipe is naturally nut-friendly, but do keep in mind potential allergies: consult your guests before serving, especially if you use mixed nuts. If you’re making this for pets, ensure it’s free from ingredients like chocolate and excessive sweeteners, which can be harmful to them.
Pumpkin Spice Granola
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine rolled oats, chopped mixed nuts, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl.
- Whisk together pumpkin puree and honey (or maple syrup) in a separate bowl until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients, stirring until thoroughly combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Cool the granola completely and mix in the dried fruit before storing in an airtight container.
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