Embrace Autumn: The Ultimate Homemade Pumpkin Spiced Granola Recipe
As the leaves begin to turn vibrant shades of red and gold, and a crisp, cool breeze fills the air, there’s an undeniable shift in the season. For many, including myself, fall is swiftly becoming the absolute favorite time of year. While I once championed spring, autumn has truly captivated my senses with its breathtaking colors, cozy atmosphere, and, most importantly, its incredible array of flavors. The arrival of fall signals the return of beloved seasonal ingredients, and nothing embodies this more perfectly than pumpkin. You might have noticed a prominent theme here on the blog lately, and I sincerely hope you’re enjoying all things pumpkin as much as I am!
There’s something incredibly satisfying about starting your day with a bowl of homemade granola. The delightful crunch, the wholesome ingredients, and the warmth of familiar flavors make it an ideal breakfast or a much-needed energizing snack. If you recall the popularity of my Vanilla Granola, you’ll understand why I simply had to create a fall-inspired version. This Pumpkin Spiced Granola takes the comforting essence of autumn and transforms it into a delicious, crunchy treat. Infused with the rich taste of pumpkin, aromatic cinnamon, and wholesome pumpkin seeds, every bite is a celebration of the season. It was absolutely perfect generously sprinkled over a bowl of creamy vanilla yogurt, and my son couldn’t get enough of it, enjoying handfuls as a simple, satisfying snack straight from the jar.
Making your own granola at home offers a multitude of benefits that often surpass store-bought alternatives. Firstly, you have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to choose organic oats, pure maple syrup, and your preferred mix-ins, free from artificial additives, excessive sugars, and preservatives. This not only makes for a healthier option but also ensures a fresher, more vibrant flavor profile. Secondly, the customization possibilities are truly endless. Whether you have dietary preferences, allergies, or simply specific taste cravings, homemade granola can be tailored to perfectly suit your needs. You can experiment with various nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and even different spice blends to create a granola that is uniquely yours. Beyond the health and customization aspects, there’s an unparalleled sense of accomplishment and coziness that comes from baking a batch of fragrant granola in your own kitchen. The aroma alone is enough to fill your home with a comforting, autumnal embrace.
For this particular batch of Pumpkin Spiced Granola, I opted for a classic combination that screams fall: dried cranberries, crunchy pumpkin seeds (also known as pepitas), and delightful chocolate chips. However, the beauty of granola lies in its adaptability. You can truly make it your own! Consider adding other types of nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds for extra protein and healthy fats. Sunflower seeds or chopped dates can also be wonderful additions. If chocolate isn’t your preference, feel free to omit it entirely or swap it for white chocolate chips for a different kind of sweetness. Other dried fruits such as raisins, chopped apricots, or even apple pieces would be fantastic. The key is to choose what your family loves most. Plus, homemade granola is incredibly freezer-friendly, allowing you to make a large batch and store it for weeks. Simply thaw it at room temperature, and you’ll have a fresh, ready-to-eat breakfast or snack whenever a craving strikes, eliminating the pressure to consume it all immediately.
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Spiced Granola
Achieving that perfectly golden, crunchy granola isn’t difficult, but a few tips can elevate your results. Firstly, don’t skimp on the stirring during baking. This ensures even toasting and prevents burning, giving you a consistent texture throughout. Secondly, allow your granola to cool completely on the baking sheet on a wire rack. This is crucial for achieving maximum crispness. Rushing this step might leave you with a chewier texture. Thirdly, the combination of rolled oats and Rice Krispy cereal in this recipe provides a unique and delightful crunch. The Rice Krispies add a lightness that contrasts beautifully with the heartiness of the oats, making for an interesting texture profile that sets this granola apart. When selecting your pumpkin puree, make sure it’s 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices that would alter the final flavor. The unsweetened applesauce also plays a vital role in binding the ingredients and adding a subtle natural sweetness without overwhelming the pumpkin spice blend.
Serving Suggestions Beyond Breakfast
While this Pumpkin Spiced Granola is a stellar breakfast staple, it’s incredibly versatile. Beyond sprinkling it on yogurt or eating it plain, try it as a topping for oatmeal, smoothie bowls, or even ice cream for a delightful textural contrast. You can also use it to add crunch to baked goods like muffins or cookies, or layer it in parfaits with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit. For a quick dessert, toss it with a little melted butter and press it into a crust for a no-bake cheesecake or pumpkin pie. Its robust fall flavors make it an excellent addition to almost any autumnal treat, bringing a festive touch to both sweet and savory dishes.
Pumpkin Spiced Granola
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Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 2 1/2 cups Rice Krispy cereal
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup applesauce, unsweetened
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat liner.
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In a large bowl mix together oats and Rice Krispies.
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In a separate bowl combine cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, applesauce, maple sryrup and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
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Pour mixture over the oats, and stir until everything is evenly coated.
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Spread onto baking sheet.
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Bake for 30 minutes, stir the oats, bake for an additional 30 minutes.
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Cool on a wire rack.
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Once cool mix in dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and chocolate chips.
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Store in an air tight container.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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There’s truly nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked granola filling your kitchen, especially when it’s infused with the warm, inviting spices of autumn. This homemade Pumpkin Spiced Granola is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor the magic of the fall season, one delicious, crunchy bite at a time. Whether you enjoy it for a quick, healthy breakfast, a satisfying mid-day snack, or as a delightful topping for your favorite desserts, its wholesome ingredients and rich, seasonal flavors are sure to become a beloved staple in your home. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite add-ins to make it perfectly suited to your taste. We encourage you to try this recipe, share your creations, and let us know what you think in the comments below!
Enjoy the warmth, flavor, and pure comfort that this Pumpkin Spiced Granola brings to your fall mornings and beyond. Happy baking!