Imagine waking up to the comforting aroma of freshly baked pumpkin spice granola filling your kitchen. This easy-to-make recipe combines the wholesome goodness of rolled oats and quinoa with the seasonal flavors of pumpkin puree and maple syrup, creating a delightful and nutritious breakfast treat.
Photos of Easy Pumpkin Spice Granola Recipe
Some of the ingredients, like quinoa, ground flaxseeds, and pepitas, might not be common in every household. When heading to the supermarket, look for quinoa in the grains section, ground flaxseeds in the baking aisle, and pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds) in the snack or baking section. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also boost the nutritional value of the granola.
Ingredients For Easy Pumpkin Spice Granola
quinoa: Adds a crunchy texture and a boost of protein.
rolled oats: The base of the granola, offering fiber and a hearty texture.
ground flaxseeds: Provides Omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
pepitas: These shelled pumpkin seeds add a nutty flavor and crunch.
pecans: Adds a rich, buttery texture and flavor.
dried cranberries: Contributes a sweet and tangy flavor.
real maple syrup: Naturally sweetens the granola.
pumpkin puree: Adds moisture and a rich pumpkin flavor.
oil: Helps to crisp up the granola.
pumpkin spice: Brings the classic fall flavors.
cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic depth.
One reader, Claude Tellez says:
This easy pumpkin spice granola recipe is fantastic! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the texture is wonderfully crunchy. It's a delightful addition to my morning oatmeal. Plus, it's simple to make and fills the kitchen with a cozy, autumnal aroma. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Making Easy Pumpkin Spice Granola Recipe
How to toast oats and quinoa: Spread the oats and quinoa on a parchment-lined baking pan and toast them in a preheated oven at 325 degrees F for 10 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
How to combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the toasted oats and quinoa with ground flaxseeds, pepitas, pecans, and dried cranberries.
How to make a wet mixture: In a second medium bowl, combine maple syrup, pumpkin puree, oil, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract.
How to bake granola: Pour the wet mixture over the oat mixture, stir together with a spatula, spread it back onto a baking sheet, and bake at 300 degrees F for an additional 20 minutes or until golden.
How To Make Easy Pumpkin Spice Granola
Get a bite of classic fall flavors with this tasteful granola recipe! It’s perfectly seasoned and mixed with bites of cranberries, coconut, and more.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ¼cupquinoauncooked, rinsed well and patted dry
- 1½cupsrolled oats
- ¼cupground flaxseeds
- ¼cuppepitasor other seeds
- ¼cuppecanschopped
- ½cupdried cranberries
- ¼cupreal maple syrupor honey
- ¼cuppumpkin puree
- 1tspoilcoconut or canola
- 1tsppumpkin spiceor more to taste
- ¼tspcinnamon
- pinchkosher salt
- ½tspvanilla extract
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
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Spread the oats and quinoa out on a parchment-lined baking pan.
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Toast in the oven for 10 minutes, stirring once.
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Remove the oats from the oven, then pour the toasted oats into a medium bowl.
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Add the ground flaxseeds, pepitas, pecans and dried fruit to the bowl.
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Reduce the oven to 300 degrees F.
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In a second medium bowl, combine the maple syrup, pumpkin puree, oil, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla.
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Pour over oats, then stir together with a spatula.
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Spread back onto a baking sheet, then bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until golden.
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Serve over oatmeal, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 138.87kcal
- Fat: 5.26g
- Saturated Fat: 0.66g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.08g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.19g
- Carbohydrates: 21.32g
- Fiber: 2.95g
- Sugar: 8.41g
- Protein: 3.67g
- Sodium: 95.62mg
- Calcium: 24.49mg
- Potassium: 121.60mg
- Iron: 1.23mg
- Vitamin A: 43.46µg
- Vitamin C: 0.36mg
Technique Tip for Achieving the Perfect Granola Texture
To ensure even toasting and prevent burning, make sure to stir the oats and quinoa halfway through the initial toasting process. This will help achieve a uniform golden color and enhance the nutty flavor of the granola.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Granola
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
Use one bowl: Mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients in the same bowl to reduce cleanup time.
Batch toasting: Toast the oats and quinoa together to save time.
Preheat efficiently: Preheat the oven while preparing the ingredients to avoid waiting.
Quick stir: Stir the granola mixture halfway through baking to ensure even toasting without extra time.
Store properly: Make a large batch and store in an airtight container for quick use later.
Substitute Ingredients For Easy Pumpkin Spice Granola Recipe
quinoa - Substitute with chia seeds: Chia seeds provide a similar nutritional profile and add a nice crunch to the granola.
rolled oats - Substitute with steel-cut oats: Steel-cut oats offer a chewier texture and are less processed than rolled oats.
ground flaxseeds - Substitute with chia seeds: Chia seeds can also act as a binding agent and provide omega-3 fatty acids.
pepitas - Substitute with sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds offer a similar nutty flavor and crunch.
pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts provide a similar texture and are rich in healthy fats.
dried cranberries - Substitute with raisins: Raisins add a similar sweetness and chewy texture.
real maple syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a similar sweetness and helps bind the granola together.
pumpkin puree - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce adds moisture and a subtle sweetness, though it will change the flavor profile slightly.
oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and adds a subtle coconut flavor.
pumpkin spice - Substitute with apple pie spice: Apple pie spice has a similar blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg provides a warm, slightly sweet flavor that complements the other spices.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt offers a similar level of saltiness and can enhance the flavors of the granola.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor that adds depth to the granola.
Best Way to Present This Pumpkin Spice Granola
Serve in a glass jar: Layer the pumpkin spice granola in a small, clear glass jar to showcase the beautiful textures and colors of the rolled oats, pepitas, pecans, and dried cranberries.
Garnish with fresh fruit: Add a few slices of fresh apple or pear on top of the granola for a burst of freshness and color contrast.
Drizzle with maple syrup: Lightly drizzle a bit of real maple syrup over the top to enhance the sweetness and give a glossy finish.
Add a dollop of yogurt: Place a small dollop of Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt on the side to complement the crunchiness of the granola with a creamy texture.
Sprinkle with extra spices: Dust a pinch of pumpkin spice and cinnamon over the top to intensify the flavors and add visual appeal.
Serve with a side of warm milk: Present a small pitcher of warm almond milk or oat milk on the side, allowing diners to pour it over the granola if they wish.
Use a rustic wooden board: Place the jar of granola, fresh fruit, yogurt, and milk pitcher on a rustic wooden board to create a visually appealing and cohesive presentation.
Add edible flowers: Garnish with a few edible flowers like pansies or nasturtiums to add a touch of elegance and color.
Incorporate a small spoon: Include a small, elegant spoon with a decorative handle to enhance the dining experience and make it feel more special.
Serve with a side of honeycomb: Add a small piece of honeycomb on the side for an extra touch of luxury and a delightful texture contrast.
Essential Tools for Making Pumpkin Spice Granola
Oven: Used to toast the oats and quinoa initially and then bake the granola mixture until golden.
Parchment paper: Lined on the baking pan to prevent the granola from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
Baking pan: Used to spread out the oats and quinoa for toasting and then to bake the granola mixture.
Medium bowl: One is used to mix the toasted oats with other dry ingredients, and another is used to combine the wet ingredients.
Spatula: Used to stir the wet and dry ingredients together, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the quinoa, oats, ground flaxseeds, pepitas, pecans, dried cranberries, maple syrup, and pumpkin puree.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the oil, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract.
How to Store and Freeze Homemade Granola
Allow the granola to cool completely before storing. This will help maintain its crunchiness and prevent it from becoming soggy.
Store the cooled pumpkin spice granola in an airtight container or resealable bag. This will keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors or moisture from the environment.
When stored properly in an airtight container, the granola can last for up to 2 weeks at room temperature. However, for optimal freshness and flavor, it's best to consume it within the first week.
If you want to extend the shelf life of your granola, you can store it in the refrigerator. Place the airtight container or resealable bag in the fridge, where it will keep for up to 1 month.
For long-term storage, you can freeze the pumpkin spice granola. Transfer the cooled granola to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
When freezing, it's a good idea to portion the granola into smaller quantities that you can easily thaw and consume within a short period. This way, you won't have to thaw the entire batch every time you want to enjoy some granola.
Frozen granola can be stored for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, remove the desired amount from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
To maintain the texture and flavor of the thawed granola, avoid refreezing it once it has been thawed. Only take out the amount you plan to consume and keep the rest frozen until needed.
How to Reheat Leftover Granola
- The best way to reheat leftover pumpkin spice granola is to spread it out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until it's warm and crispy again. This method helps to restore the granola's crunchiness and brings out the flavors of the pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and vanilla.
- Another option is to reheat the granola in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of coconut oil or butter to the pan and stir the granola constantly until it's heated through and slightly toasted. This method works well if you prefer a slightly softer texture and want to add a hint of richness to the granola.
- For a quick and easy reheating method, you can also microwave the leftover granola in a microwave-safe bowl for 30-60 seconds, stirring every 15 seconds to ensure even heating. Be careful not to overheat the granola, as it can quickly burn in the microwave.
- If you find that your reheated granola is a bit dry, try adding a handful of fresh or dried fruit, such as chopped apples, raisins, or dried cranberries, to help moisten it and add some extra flavor and texture.
- Lastly, you can enjoy your leftover pumpkin spice granola without reheating it at all. Simply serve it as a topping for yogurt, smoothie bowls, or ice cream, or enjoy it as a snack on its own. The flavors will still be delicious, and the texture will be slightly softer than when it's freshly baked.
Random Fact About Pumpkin Spice Granola
A random fact about this pumpkin spice granola recipe is that it incorporates quinoa, which is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids. This makes the granola not only delicious but also a nutritious option for a balanced diet.
Is Making Granola at Home Economical?
This easy pumpkin spice granola recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The primary ingredients like rolled oats, quinoa, and pumpkin puree are affordable and often available in bulk. The use of real maple syrup and dried cranberries might slightly increase the cost, but they add significant flavor and nutritional value. Overall, the approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12 USD. Considering the health benefits and delicious taste, I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10.
Is This Granola Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This pumpkin spice granola recipe is a nutritious and wholesome choice for a breakfast or snack option. The combination of rolled oats, quinoa, and flaxseeds provides a good source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Pepitas and pecans add an extra crunch while offering additional protein, healthy fats, and minerals. The use of pumpkin puree and natural sweeteners like maple syrup makes this recipe a healthier alternative to store-bought granolas that often contain excessive amounts of added sugars and unhealthy fats. The addition of pumpkin spice and cinnamon not only enhances the flavor but also provides some potential health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties and blood sugar regulation.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this granola, consider the following suggestions:
- Increase the proportion of nuts and seeds to boost the protein and healthy fat content
- Add a scoop of protein powder to the wet ingredients for an extra protein boost
- Experiment with different types of dried fruits, such as goji berries or mulberries, for added antioxidants and variety
- Drizzle a small amount of coconut oil over the granola before baking to increase the healthy fat content and enhance the crunch
- Serve the granola with Greek yogurt or plant-based milk to create a balanced and satisfying meal or snack
Editor's Thoughts on This Pumpkin Spice Granola Recipe
This pumpkin spice granola recipe is a delightful blend of autumn flavors, perfect for a cozy breakfast or snack. The combination of quinoa and rolled oats provides a hearty base, while the pepitas, pecans, and dried cranberries add texture and sweetness. The use of real maple syrup and pumpkin puree ensures a natural sweetness and moistness. Toasting the oats and quinoa enhances their nutty flavor, and the pumpkin spice and cinnamon bring warmth to the mix. Overall, it's a well-balanced, nutritious, and flavorful granola that can elevate your morning routine.
Enhance Your Easy Pumpkin Spice Granola Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Easy Pumpkin Spice Granola Recipe:
This easy pumpkin spice granola recipe is a must-try for its perfect blend of rolled oats, quinoa, and pepitas. The addition of pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice gives it a seasonal twist, while maple syrup adds natural sweetness. Toasted to golden perfection, this granola is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients from ground flaxseeds and pecans. Ideal for breakfast or a snack, it’s a wholesome choice you can trust.
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