If you are craving a delightful, crunchy, and warmly spiced snack, this Homemade Pumpkin Granola Recipe is just what you need. It combines the earthiness of toasted oats, the rich crunch of pecans and pepitas, and the cozy flavors of pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice to create an irresistible granola that feels like autumn in every bite. Whether you sprinkle it over yogurt, enjoy it as a standalone treat, or pack it as a snack, this granola offers a beautiful balance of natural sweetness and spice, making it a true pantry favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients might sound simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma in your Homemade Pumpkin Granola Recipe. From the wholesome oats to the naturally sweet maple syrup, these components come together effortlessly to create magic in your oven.
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats: The foundation of your granola, providing hearty texture and fiber.
- 1 cup raw pecan halves: Adds buttery crunch and a nutty richness that’s hard to beat.
- 1 cup raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds): Brings a vibrant crunch and complements the pumpkin theme perfectly.
- ½ cup shredded or shaved coconut, unsweetened: Adds subtle sweetness and a lovely chewy contrast.
- ¼ cup maple syrup: Natural sweetness that enhances the granola without overpowering it.
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil: Binds the ingredients and lends a delicate, tropical undertone.
- ¼ cup pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that gives this granola its cozy, autumnal charm.
- 1½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: Captures the warm, inviting spice blend synonymous with fall flavors.
- ¾ teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a gentle warmth and depth to the mix.
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and rounds out the flavor beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and highlights all the other flavors.
How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Granola Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 325°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly with cooking spray. This step ensures your granola bakes evenly and doesn’t stick, which is essential for easy cleanup and perfect clusters later on.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the oats, pepitas, coconut, salt, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and pecans. This combination creates the hearty and crunchy base, offering a complex mix of textures and flavors that will toast beautifully in the oven.
Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients
Whisk together maple syrup, melted coconut oil, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until smooth. This silky mixture coats the dry ingredients, bringing moisture, binding everything together, and infusing each bite with that irresistible pumpkin essence.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly until every oat and nut is evenly coated. This ensures your granola will bake with consistent flavor and a lovely golden color.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spread your granola mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent burning and promote even toasting. You’ll know it’s done when the granola is beautifully golden and toasted, filling your kitchen with that cozy aroma only pumpkin can bring.
Step 6: Cool and Store
Remove the granola from the oven and transfer it to a cooling rack, allowing it to cool completely for about 45 minutes to an hour. This step is crucial for letting the clusters set up so they stay wonderfully crunchy. Once cooled, break into chunks and store in an airtight container to keep fresh and ready for any snack emergency.
How to Serve Homemade Pumpkin Granola Recipe
Garnishes
This Homemade Pumpkin Granola Recipe shines brightly when garnished with fresh seasonal fruits like sliced apples or juicy pears. Adding a dollop of creamy yogurt or a splash of rich milk creates a balanced bite that feels both nourishing and indulgent.
Side Dishes
Pair this granola with your favorite warm bowl of oatmeal or alongside a fresh smoothie bowl for breakfast that fuels your day. It also complements silky pumpkin soups or roasted vegetable salads when used as a crunchy topping.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your granola to the next level by layering it in parfait glasses alternating with pumpkin yogurt and cinnamon-spiced fruit compote. You can also pack it into mason jars with dried fruit and nuts as a thoughtful homemade gift or grab-and-go snack that everyone will appreciate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Homemade Pumpkin Granola Recipe can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two weeks without losing its crunch or flavor. This makes it an easy prep-ahead option for busy mornings or quick snacks throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep it even longer, freezing the granola is a great option. Store it in portion-sized freezer bags or containers, and it will maintain its freshness for up to 6 to 12 months. Just pull out what you need for an instant healthy treat anytime.
Reheating
Reheating isn’t usually necessary, as the granola is delicious cold. But if you prefer it warm, spread it on a baking sheet and toast it in a 325°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes to revive that fresh-baked crunch and cozy aroma.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for this Homemade Pumpkin Granola Recipe, providing the same flavor and moisture as fresh pumpkin. Just be sure to use pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
Is it possible to make this granola gluten-free?
Yes, simply use certified gluten-free rolled oats to keep this granola safe for gluten-sensitive diets. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it an easy swap without compromising taste.
Can I substitute other nuts or seeds?
Definitely! While pecans and pepitas add wonderful flavor and texture, you can swap them for almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, or any other favorite nut or seed. The granola is versatile and welcomes your personal preferences.
How sweet is this Homemade Pumpkin Granola Recipe?
The maple syrup delivers a gentle sweetness that complements the warm spices without overpowering the natural nutty flavors. If you prefer it sweeter, feel free to add more syrup, but remember that the goal is balanced flavor.
Can I add dried fruit or chocolate chips?
Yes, adding dried cranberries, raisins, or chocolate chips after baking is a wonderful way to add extra bursts of flavor and texture. Just fold them in once the granola has completely cooled to keep everything perfectly crunchy.
Final Thoughts
I hope you are as excited as I am for you to try this Homemade Pumpkin Granola Recipe. It’s a simple yet incredible way to savor the flavors of fall all year round, packed with wholesome ingredients and cozy spices. Once you make it, this granola will quickly become your go-to snack, breakfast topper, and pantry staple. Happy baking and even happier snacking!
PrintHomemade Pumpkin Granola Recipe
This homemade pumpkin granola is a deliciously spiced and crunchy snack or breakfast topping, featuring rolled oats, pecans, pepitas, and pumpkin puree, all baked to golden perfection with warm pumpkin pie spices and natural sweeteners.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raw pecan halves
- 1 cup raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
- ½ cup shredded or shaved coconut, unsweetened
- 1½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¼ cup maple syrup (or more according to taste)
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil (or more if needed)
- ¼ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Prepare a large baking sheet by spraying it with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, raw pecan halves, raw pepitas, shredded coconut, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. Toss well to evenly distribute all the ingredients.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until you get a smooth, well-blended mixture.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and toss thoroughly until every bit of the oat mixture is coated evenly with the pumpkin-spiced syrup.
- Spread on Baking Sheet: Spread the granola mixture evenly over the prepared baking sheet, ensuring it’s in a single layer for uniform baking.
- Bake: Bake the granola for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent burning and to ensure even toasting. The granola is done when the oats turn golden brown and are toasted to perfection.
- Cool: Remove the granola from the oven and transfer the baking sheet to a cooling rack. Allow the granola to cool completely for 45 minutes to an hour to let it crisp up.
- Break and Store: Once cooled, break the granola into clusters. If desired, stir in chocolate chips or dried cranberries at this point. Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Store pumpkin granola sealed in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or refrigerate for up to 1 month to maintain freshness.
- For longer storage, freeze homemade granola in portion-controlled bags or containers; it can last between 6 to 12 months in the freezer.
- Add mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried cranberries after baking and cooling for extra flavor and texture.
