granola is one of those foods that tastes so much better when it’s homemade- but I never think to make it. I forgot how simple it was to make and this version could quite possibly be the best I’ve ever made or eaten. this pumpkin pie spiced granola uses real pumpkin, is sweetened naturally with maple and has all the warming fall spices and dried fruits. your home will smell insanely delicious after baking this, too!
the inspiration:
I wanted to create a pumpkin recipe for autumn, and granola instantly popped into my head. I thought canned pumpkin puree would work well toasted with gluten-free oats and give a pumpkin pie type of baked flavor. I was right. I also utilized some nuts and seeds that remind me of fall baking, as well as maple syrup, warming spices and dried fruits.
pumpkin pie spiced granola ingredients:
- rolled oats: I use a gluten-free version of old fashioned rolled oats.
- pumpkin puree: the star of the show!
- maple syrup: maple syrup is a match made in heaven with homemade granola.
- coconut oil: I use a neutral coconut oil full of healthy fats to toast the granola.
- warming spices: I use pumpkin pie spice and ground nutmeg for this irresistible granola.
- vanilla extract: vanilla helps us achieve that fresh-baked pie flavor.
- nuts & seeds: I use chopped walnuts and pumpkin seeds in this granola.
- dried fruits: dried apricots and cherries work perfectly with this flavor combination.
how to make:
this granola is very simple to make- it just requires a bit of patience waiting for the granola to cool. begin by tossing together the oats with the coconut oil, maple syrup, spices, nuts and seeds. You’ll add to a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in the oven for about 30 minutes, tossing a couple times. When the granola is completely cooled, stir in the dried fruits and enjoy! The granola will stay super fresh for weeks stored in an airtight container.
how to serve:
this pumpkin pie spiced granola is so very versatile! here are some ways to enjoy it:
- eat simply with your favorite milk.
- sprinkle atop cottage cheese with a drizzle of maple syrup for a high protein treat.
- add to lunchboxes for a fun fall treat.
- sprinkle atop my protein pumpkin pudding for a festive dessert.
- serve layered in trifle dishes with my fig, pear & blackberry chia compote and honey-sweetened greek yogurt, (as shown at my Autumn Tea Party).
Pumpkin Pie Spiced Granola
Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup walnuts chopped
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1.5 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 3/4 teaspoon mineral salt
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- ¼ cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ cup dried apricots chopped small
- ½ cup dried cheries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients except the dried apricots and dried cherries. Stir until everything is well coated.
- Spread the granola in an even layer on the baking sheet. Bake granola for 30-35 until lightly toasted and golden brown. Make sure to remove granola from oven every 10 minutes to stir well and toss, then return to the oven.
- Let granola cool completely then stir in dried fruits. Store the granola in an airtight container.