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Pumpkin Granola

This Pumpkin Granola is crunchy, salty-sweet, and roasted to perfection, with notes of caramelized pumpkin, toasty pecans and pumpkin seeds, maple, pumpkin spice, and cinnamon. This simple granola recipe requires just a handful of pantry ingredients and only 30 minutes to make.

Pumpkin Granola in a small mason jar

You’ll love how versatile the recipe is; you can quickly swap any of the ingredients, for example, if you don’t like it. This granola is ideal as a breakfast or snack because it is high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats.

This pumpkin spiced granola is so addictive that, if you’re anything like me, you’ll be eating it all fall and winter as granola, a topping for yogurt, or even straight from the jar as a wholesome snack. Once you make this simple and delectable homemade pumpkin granola, you’ll never want to buy store-bought again. 

Why You’ll Like This Homemade Pumpkin Granola?

This granola will be your new breakfast favorite. Because:

  • It is vegan and paleo-friendly.
  • It tastes delicious and has the nicest crispy texture.
  • It’s easy to make and will be ready in 30 minutes.
  • This pumpkin seed granola has all-natural ingredients, so you can feel good about eating it.
  • Naturally sweetened with maple syrup, this pumpkin spiced granola will satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping the sugar cravings away.
  • It’s healthier than most commercial granola and keeps you feeling fuller for longer.
  • You can eat it just like a bowl of cereal with milk or top it with almond milk and other fruits and nuts for a delicious breakfast.
  • This pumpkin seeds granola is great when you’re craving something crunchy! Also makes a great snack in the afternoon when you need something to tide you over until dinner.
  • It’s also great for on-the-go since you can just throw it into your bag and go.
  • The kids will love also this homemade pumpkin granola.
  • It is a highly versatile recipe: you can add or substitute ingredients as you prefer. Chocolate chips, walnuts, cashews, and other dried fruits can also be added. Options are limitless.

Two process shots of mixing ingredients for Pumpkin Granola

Pumpkin Granola Ingredients

You’ll require the following pantry ingredients:

  • Rolled oats: This recipe requires old-fashioned whole-rolled oats (not instant or steel-cut oats). Make sure to use certified gluten-free oats if you or the people who consume your granola are sensitive to gluten. 
  • Nuts: Add your choice of nuts. I used pecans. Ensure they’re unsalted and raw.
  • Pumpkin seeds: Loaded with wholesome nutrients and delicious. They are typically found at the grocery store with other types of nuts and seeds.
  • Pumpkin puree: This gives a fantastic depth of flavor while also coating the granola and preventing it from browning in the oven.
  • Sweetener: I used maple syrup as a healthier sugar option. Pure maple syrup delivers a unique taste and sweetness.  
  • Olive oil: You can also substitute it with any other oil or with butter.
  • Pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon: To give a warm and comforting fall flavor
  • Salt: To enhance the flavors.

Homemade Pumpkin Granola on a baking sheet

How To Make Pumpkin Granola

Making this pumpkin seed granola is incredibly easy and simple to prepare. You’ll need to follow these few easy steps:

  1. Prep: Gather all the ingredients and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Combine all the ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the rolled oats, pecans, and pumpkin seeds. Set aside. In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients. Pour into the dry oat mixture and stir to combine.
  3. Bake: Spread the pumpkin granola mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet into an even layer. Bake for 15 minutes. Stir the mixture and bake another 10–15 minutes or until lightly browned.
  4. Cool: Remove from the oven and cool at room temperature. The granola will dry and crisp as it cools.

Tips

Here are some tips for the nice crunchy pumpkin granola:

  • Let cool completely: Allow to cool “completely” before touching once cooking is complete. In this way, the clusters harden and everything gets beautiful and crunchy. I know: it’s hard! But believe me, it is truly worth it!
  • Preserve the freshness: To preserve the freshness of the granola, keep it at room temperature in an airtight jar like a Mason jar. 

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy it in a myriad of ways!  Serve with desired milk or mix with yogurt. It’s great on ice cream, in smoothies and smoothie bowls (like this High-Protein Berry Smoothie Bowl or Blueberry Peanut Protein Smoothie), or as a cereal topper.  

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for 1 to 2 weeks. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Jar of Homemade Pumpkin Granola next to a small pumpkin

Ingredients Substitution/Additions

Using up leftover nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and other items in your pantry is a great way to make granola at home. Here are some ideas to get you started.

  • Spices: I used cinnamon and pumpkin spice in this granola, but you can add a little nutmeg or any other spice as per your liking.
  • Sweetener: If preferred, substitute brown rice syrup or honey. Granola made with coconut sugar has nice brown sugar undertones but is however darker. Granola turns out incredibly crisp if you use half granulated sugar and half liquid sweetener. If wanted, you can substitute date syrup or agave syrup for the maple syrup.
  • Dried Fruits: To avoid burning, add the fruit last. If the fruit is small (such as raisins or dried cranberries), you can leave it whole. Cut up the dates or any other larger dried fruit, like apricots, before adding them to your pumpkin granola recipe.
  • Nuts: Make sure to use only raw nuts in this granola recipe to prevent the nuts from burning. The pairing of almonds and pecans is one of my favorites. However, feel free to substitute your preferred nuts, such as walnuts, cashews, pistachios, and so on.
  • Chocolate chips: To prevent melting, make sure the granola has cooled completely before adding them.
  • Seeds: Both pumpkin and sunflower seeds taste great in granola. Sesame seeds are also another good option. You could also add flax seeds to make pumpkin and flax seed granola
  • Uncooked Quinoa: For an added crunch, I frequently add ¼ cup of raw quinoa to this recipe. Stir into the dry ingredients (oat mixture).

Homemade Pumpkin Granola in a mason jar next to a small pumpkin

FAQ’s

Can I Use Any Type Of Oats?

Yes, you can use regular oats if you’re not gluten-free. You may also prepare this dish with instant oats; however, the texture will differ. 

Is Pumpkin Granola Healthy?

A variety of granolas like this pumpkin seeds granola are made with nutritious ingredients that may have many health benefits.

What Is The Difference Between Granola And Oats?

Oatmeal is primarily distinguished from granola by being made with whole oat grains that have been cooked to a higher temperature than usual to gelatinize the starch. Granola is made up of rolled oats, nuts, seeds, sweeteners, and other ingredients.

What Is Pumpkin Spice Flavoring Made Of?

Pumpkin spice, sometimes referred to as pumpkin pie spice, is a blend of cloves, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. While some pumpkin spice mixes may not include all of the spices mentioned above, the majority do include at least 2 or 3 of them.

Can I Make Pumpkin Granola Ahead Of Time?

Pumpkin granola is a perfect recipe for preparing ahead of time because it stays good for a longer period. This can be kept for up to three weeks at room temperature in an airtight container. Moreover, if refrigerated it can kept for up to a month.

More Sweet Breakfast Recipes to Try

Craving More Pumpkin Recipes?

Pumpkin Granola in a small mason jar

Pumpkin Granola

Written by Matt | Plating Pixels
This Pumpkin Granola is crunchy, salty-sweet, and roasted to perfection, with notes of caramelized pumpkin, toasty pecans and pumpkin seeds, maple, pumpkin spice, and cinnamon. This is a simple granola recipe that requires just a handful of pantry ingredients and only 30 minutes to prepare.
5 from 10 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 7 cups
Calories 548 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup pumpkin seeds
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • ½ cup maple syrup
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • In a large bowl, stir together the rolled oats, pecans, and pumpkin seeds. Set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients. Pour into the dry oat mixture and stir to combine.
  • Spread the pumpkin granola mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet into an even layer. Bake for 15 minutes. Stir the mixture and bake another 10–15 minutes, or until lightly browned.
  • Remove from the oven and cool at room temperature. The granola will dry and crisp as it cools.
  • Serving suggestions: serve with desired milk or mix with granola. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for 1 to 2 weeks.
Nutrition Facts
Pumpkin Granola
Serving Size
 
0.5 cup
Amount per Serving
Calories
548
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
34
g
52
%
Saturated Fat
 
5
g
31
%
Trans Fat
 
0.01
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
8
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
20
g
Sodium
 
91
mg
4
%
Potassium
 
436
mg
12
%
Carbohydrates
 
54
g
18
%
Fiber
 
8
g
33
%
Sugar
 
16
g
18
%
Protein
 
11
g
22
%
Vitamin A
 
5460
IU
109
%
Vitamin C
 
2
mg
2
%
Calcium
 
82
mg
8
%
Iron
 
4
mg
22
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Keyword Pumpkin Granola, Pumpkin seed granola, Pumpkin spiced granola
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Pumpkin Granola
Breakfast Recipes | Fall Recipes and Comfort Food | Gluten-Free Recipes | Recipes | Vegan Recipes | Vegetarian

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14 Comments

  1. Aaahhh…it was lovely of you to differentiate between granola and oats for me. For a second there, I had mixed up the two!

  2. This Pumpkin Granola sounds absolutely delicious! It’s incredible how simple it is to whip up a batch in just 30 minutes. Perfect for fall mornings or as a cosy snack! Can’t wait to give this recipe a try!

  3. 5 stars
    Pumpkin flavored everything is my favorite during this time of the year. This granola recipe looks too good to pass, saving it for now!

  4. 5 stars
    This sounds like an awesome seasonal recipe. I haven’t ever made granola myself before but would love to try my hand. The maple syrup would be perfect as a sweetener.

  5. This is new to me! I haven’t tried making my own pumpkin granola but this is a nice change. Thank you for sharing the recipe.

  6. This looks so delicious! I love adding pumpkin to everything during the autumn; I’ll be trying out this granola next.

  7. 5 stars
    I like granola because it is healthy. Pumpkin granola is a perfect snack or breakfast option. The recipe is versatile, so I can change the ingredients to fit my taste.

  8. 5 stars
    YUM! What a great editor. I hadn’t thought of putting pumpkin seeds into a sweet granola like this recipe. Perfect for this time of year with an abundance of seeds in every household with kids!

  9. 5 stars
    Yum! This sounds perfect for fall, and homemade is always so much better than store bought foods. I will have to make this with my kids, thanks for sharing it.

  10. 5 stars
    You had me at pumpkin! I love me some pumpkin anything and add in granola, well, yes please! This is such the perfect treat for any time of day and I love that it is also so easy to make. Hallelujah!

  11. 5 stars
    This pumpkin granola looks like the perfect fall snack! I love how easy it is to make and how cozy the flavors are!

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