This is pumpkin granola is our family’s favorite granola recipe. It’s relatively low in sugar and fat compared to other similar recipes, and the inclusion of the pumpkin gives the granola the perfect crunchy, slightly “clumpy” consistency. We’ve tried the egg white trick that other cluster-loving bloggers and granola aficionados have suggested, but I’ve found that it gives the granola a less crisp, ever-so-slightly soggy texture. If you like a lightly sweet crunchy granola with lots of little clusters, then give this one a go. You’ll need:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/3 cup oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (preferably a sweet pumpkin)
- 5 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 2/3 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds, etc.)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Start by preheating the oven to 250 degrees.
In a large bowl, whisk together the ingredients from sugar to salt.
Add in the pumpkin puree.
And whisk it in.
Then add in the oats and seeds…
And the nuts. We used pecans, but you can use whatever nuts you like. Stir until very well combined.
Spread out in an even layer on a baking sheet.
Bake for about 90 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Let cool completely and stir in the dried cranberries.
Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to 2 weeks.
Melinda Fabrikant says
The pumpkin is a great idea. I usually use homemade applesauce! I also store overripe bananas in my freezer and peel/chop those and add them in. Finally, instead of maple syrup/cinnamon, I add minced ginger as well as a block of thawed, frozen fresh shredded coconut and a variety of chopped nuts in lieu of oil.
Sarah says
Love it! Thanks for the tips, Melinda. I feel like I have to make a batch of granola soon––so excited for fall/pumpkin season!
Carrie says
This looks delicious, and I’m hoping to make this tomorrow. Do you have an oil preference for this recipe, or will any do?
Sarah says
Hey Carrie, vegetable or canola oil is what I generally use. But coconut oil could also work!
Carrie says
This is in my oven right now and smells amazing! I made a few changes (I’m the only person alive who hates maple syrup, and think there’s no such thing as too much cinnamon), and made a slightly smaller quantity, and added flax seed and some other things. Excited to eat this!
Sarah says
Awesome, Carrie! Yeah, i make adjustments to this recipe all the time, depending on how I’m feeling or what ingredients I happen to have. Hope you enjoy the granola! It’s the perfect time of year for it.