Pumpkin granola is an energizing breakfast cereal, snack, or crunchy topping.
Toasted oats, pecans, pumpkin seeds, and cranberries are baked in pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and warm and savory Fall seasonings.
You’ll Be Obsessed with This Pumpkin Granola Because…
- It has the perfect combination of warm and comforting Fall flavors with a delightful crunch.
- Unlike other granola recipes, this one uses pumpkin puree, for an extra flavorful granola.
- Aromatic pumpkin spice and cardamom give it cozy warm Fall notes of flavor.
- Oats, pecans, and pepitas add that notable granola crunch.
Ingredients and Variations
Pumpkin Puree: Be sure to look for pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling is pre-seasoned and contains more liquid than puree.
Oats: Rolled oats for this recipe since they are larger and hold their shape better than other varieties.
Nuts: Pumpkin seeds AKA ‘pepitas’ and pecans are packed with nutrition, but if nut allergies are a concern, replace the pecans with extra pepitas, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, or hemp hearts instead. Be sure to toast nuts and seeds in a dry saute pan for a more intense flavor and ultimate crunchiness.
Seasonings: Homemade pumpkin spice is super versatile and you can adjust the ingredients any way you like! Make extra spice to sprinkle over spiced pumpkin seeds or top a classic pumpkin spice latte.
Variations
Make pumpkin granola trail mix and toss in some mini chocolate chips, raisins, and M&M candies.
Feel free to adjust the sweetness level or use your favorite sugar-free syrup and sweetener.
Cranberries are optional, but add a pop of color and chewy sweetness to pumpkin granola. Switch out the cranberries for raisins, currants, or any finely chopped dried fruit.
How to Make Pumpkin Granola
- Prepare a baking sheet (recipe below).
- Whisk pumpkin puree, sugar, syrup, oil, vanilla, and spices in a large bowl.
- Stir in oats, pecans, and pepitas until coated.
- Spread pumpkin granola in the pan and bake 20 minutes.
- Stir granola and add optional cranberries. Bake
Ways to Use Pumpkin Granola
- Grab pumpkin granola by the handful and snack away.
- Delicious as a cereal with your favorite milk or non-dairy version.
- Swirl granola into some overnight oats, add to a yogurt bowl, or blend into homemade granola bars.
- It also makes the perfect topping for ice cream, pancakes, or even mixed into muffins.
Best Way to Store Granola
Keep fully cooled pumpkin granola in an airtight container or zippered bag in the pantry or refrigerator for up to one month.
Freeze pumpkin granola in zippered bags for up to three months.
More Delicious Breakfast Options
Did you enjoy this recipe for Pumpkin Granola? Be sure to leave a comment and rating below.
Pumpkin Granola
Ingredients
- ¾ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup or additional brown sugar
- ¼ cup coconut oil melted, or oil of choice
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom or cinnamon, optional
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 cups old fashioned oats rolled oats
- 1 cup pecans halves or lightly chopped
- 1 cup pepitas toasted (pumpkin seeds)
- 1 cup dried cranberries or golden raisins, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325˚F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin, sugar, syrup, oil, vanilla, pumpkin spice, cardamom if using, and salt.
- Add oats, pecans, and pepitas and toss to coat.
- On the prepared tray, spread granola evenly. Bake 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and stir. Add cranberries if using and stir to combine. Bake for 10-20 more minutes, or until lightly browned and oats are crisp, stirring after 10 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, stir, and cool completely. The granola will crisp as it cools. Once granola has cooled, break into pieces. Store in a zip top bag or airtight container for 3-4 weeks or in the freezer for 3 months.
Notes
- Optional add-ins:
½-1 cup shredded coconut
½-1 cup chocolate chips, any variety - *This recipe makes 7 cups
- Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator or pantry for 1 month and in the freezer for 3 months.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
©Our Zesty Life. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
Like our recipes?
Follow us on Pinterest!
REPIN this Pumpkin Granola recipe
