Easy Pumpkin Granola Recipes for Fall Mornings
If you’re looking to cozy up your fall mornings with something warm, crunchy, and irresistibly flavorful, Pumpkin Granola is the perfect companion. This easy Pumpkin Granola recipe combines roasted oats, aromatic spices, and a touch of sweetness to make waking up feel like a celebration. Whether you’re sprinkling it over plant-based yogurt or enjoying it by the handful, this recipe brings autumn vibes to your breakfast bowl with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples that come together quickly without fuss.
- Cozy flavors: Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg capture the essence of fall perfectly.
- Crunchy texture: Roasted oats and nuts create a satisfying bite every time.
- Plant-based friendly: Completely plant-based while still delivering rich, comforting flavor.
- Versatile use: Great on its own, with plant-based milk, yogurt, or as a topping for desserts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the best Pumpkin Granola starts with simple, wholesome ingredients that add layers of flavor, texture, and that beautiful orange hue of pumpkin. Each component plays a vital role in crafting the perfect balance of taste and crunch.
- Rolled oats: The crunchy base providing hearty texture and fiber.
- Pumpkin puree: Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and that lovely pumpkin flavor.
- Maple syrup (natural): Sweetens the granola with a rich, caramelized note.
- Canola oil: Light oil that helps crisp up the granola during baking.
- Ground cinnamon: Delivers warmth and aroma that screams fall.
- Ground nutmeg: Supports cinnamon with a subtle spicy depth.
- Salt: Enhances all flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Pumpkin seeds: Adds playful crunch and boosts nutrition.
- Chopped almonds: Provides additional crunchy texture and a nutty taste.
Variations for Pumpkin Granola
One of the best things about Pumpkin Granola is how easy it is to adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes, dietary needs, or whatever you have on hand. Get creative and make it your own with these spin ideas.
- Swap nuts: Use walnuts or pecans instead of almonds for a different crunch profile.
- Sweetener alternatives: Try date syrup (natural) or agave syrup (natural) if you prefer less maple flavor.
- Fruit add-ins: Stir in dried cranberries or chopped dates after baking for a chewy contrast.
- Spice twists: Add ground ginger or allspice for extra fall spice complexity.
- Vegan “yogurt” topping: Pair with coconut or almond-based yogurt (plant-based) for a creamy complement.
How to Make Pumpkin Granola
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and help with even cooking.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, maple syrup (natural), and canola oil. Whisk the mixture until it is smooth and well integrated, ensuring the pumpkin will coat the oats evenly.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Stir in rolled oats, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, pumpkin seeds, and chopped almonds. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly to coat the ingredients with the pumpkin mixture.
Step 4: Spread and Bake
Transfer the mixture to your lined baking sheet and spread into an even layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even browning and prevent burning.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Once the granola is golden and slightly crisp, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet. The granola will harden as it cools, creating that perfect crunch. Store in an airtight container.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Granola
- Even coating: Make sure pumpkin puree and sweetener bind the oats to get clumps that feel like a treat.
- Low and slow: Bake at a moderate temperature to avoid burning and allow oats to crisp well.
- Stir often: Stir the granola every 10 minutes to get evenly toasted clusters.
- Add mix-ins last: Incorporate chewy dried fruits after baking to keep them soft.
- Customize spices: Adjust cinnamon and nutmeg to your desired level of warmth.
How to Serve Pumpkin Granola
Garnishes
Top your morning bowl with fresh slices of apple or pear, a sprinkle of cinnamon (natural), or a drizzle of almond butter for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
Side Dishes
Pair this granola with plant-based yogurt or a warm bowl of steel-cut oats to add variety and richness to your fall breakfast routine.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer Pumpkin Granola with pumpkin-spiced chia pudding or apple compote (natural) in a parfait glass to impress guests or just brighten your own day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Pumpkin Granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain its peak crunch and fresh flavor.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze Pumpkin Granola in a sealed container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
If you prefer your granola warm, toast it gently in a pan or oven for a few minutes to crisp it back up before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Pumpkin Granola without nuts?
Absolutely! You can omit nuts or replace them with extra pumpkin seeds or coconut flakes (natural) to maintain texture without the nuts.
How sweet is Pumpkin Granola?
This recipe has a balanced sweetness from maple syrup (natural) and pumpkin puree, but you can adjust the sweetness to your liking by tweaking the syrup amount.
Can I use canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is actually the most convenient option to get that authentic pumpkin flavor.
Is this Pumpkin Granola vegan?
Yes, this recipe is completely plant-based and perfect for anyone following a vegan lifestyle.
How do I keep my Pumpkin Granola from getting soggy?
Make sure to cool it completely before storing it in an airtight container and include enough oil to crisp the oats well during baking.
Final Thoughts
Embracing fall mornings with this easy Pumpkin Granola is like wrapping yourself in a warm, crunchy hug. It’s simple to make, customizable to your taste, and brings out all the seasonal flavors we love. Grab your ingredients, get baking, and start your day the cozy way with Pumpkin Granola!
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Pumpkin Granola
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 4 cups 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cozy up your fall mornings with this warm, crunchy, and irresistibly flavorful Pumpkin Granola. This easy recipe combines roasted oats, aromatic spices, and natural sweetness for a perfect plant-based breakfast companion. Enjoy it over plant-based yogurt, with plant-based milk, or by the handful for an authentic taste of autumn.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (natural)
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and help with even cooking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, maple syrup (natural), and canola oil. Whisk the mixture until smooth and well integrated to ensure the pumpkin coats the oats evenly.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in rolled oats, ground cinnamon (natural), ground nutmeg (natural), salt, pumpkin seeds, and chopped almonds. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat the ingredients with the pumpkin mixture.
- Spread and Bake: Transfer the mixture to the lined baking sheet and spread into an even layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even browning and prevent burning.
- Cool and Store: Remove the granola from the oven once golden and slightly crisp. Allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet; it will harden as it cools to create the perfect crunch. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Even coating: Ensure pumpkin puree and sweetener bind the oats well to create delicious clusters.
- Low and slow: Bake at moderate temperature to prevent burning and achieve crispiness.
- Stir often: Mix the granola every 10 minutes for evenly toasted clusters.
- Add mix-ins last: Add chewy dried fruits after baking to keep their softness.
- Customize spices: Adjust cinnamon and nutmeg to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Pumpkin granola, plant-based granola, fall breakfast, crunchy granola, vegan granola, autumn flavors