Pumpkin Granola packs a punch of flavor with rich pumpkin, sweet maple, and warm spices, all rounded out by a nutty crunch – it's a flavor-packed fall treat that'll make your mornings feel cozy and festive!
PREP: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line two large baking sheets with either silicone baking mats or parchment paper; set aside.
PREPARE GRANOLA: In a large mixing bowl, combine the first eight ingredients listed (through the vanilla). Whisk ingredients together. In the same bowl add the remaining ingredients. Stir until every ingredient is nicely coated with the wet mixture.
BAKE: Divide the mixture between the two prepared baking sheets, spreading it out evenly. Bake them in the oven for a total of 40 minutes. Stir the granola on each tray every 10 minutes and switch the trays between the oven racks to ensure even baking. (See Note 5).
COOL: Once baked, remove the sheets from the oven. Allow the granola to sit and cool on the baking sheets for about 20 minutes. As it cools, the granola will become crunchier, so give it time to achieve that perfect texture.
STORAGE: I pop any extra Pumpkin Granola into big freezer bags and toss them in the freezer. The best part? You can munch on it right out of the freezer – no need to thaw! Plus, the freezer keeps the granola nice and crunchy!
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Notes
Note 1: Pumpkin: Remember, it's pure pumpkin puree we're after, not pumpkin pie filling. And use only ½ cup, not the entire can. After opening, the leftover puree can be frozen in ice cube trays for future use.Note 2: Maple syrup: Be sure you're using pure maple syrup, not corn or pancake syrup. Honey didn't work well in our testing for this particular recipe.Note 3: Pumpkin pie spice: This is a delicious mix of warming spices (like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves). It's available in most stores near other spices, or you can make your own pumpkin pie spice!Note 4: Oats: This recipe specifically requires old-fashioned oats. Avoid using quick or steel-cut oats -- they won't work the same.Note 5: Even spreading: When spreading out the mixture on your baking sheets, make sure it's spread evenly. This promotes even cooking, preventing certain areas from burning while others remain underdone. Also, ovens can vary, and granola can go from perfect to burnt veryquickly. Toward the end of the baking time, keep a closer eye on it.Nutrition information is based on a one-cup serving of Pumpkin Granola.