Description
A wholesome and delicious pumpkin oatmeal granola recipe that combines hearty oats, crunchy walnuts, and nutrient-rich pumpkin seeds, all bound together with almond butter, maple syrup, and pumpkin puree. This granola is spiced with warm pumpkin pie spices and baked to a perfect golden crunch, ideal for breakfasts, snacks, or topping yogurt.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups (240 g) old fashioned oats, thick rolled oats recommended
- 1 cup (100 g) chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup (30 g) pumpkin seeds, raw or roasted without added salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove)
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) almond butter (or any natural nut butter without added sugar)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) pure maple syrup
- 1/3 cup (85 g) 100% pumpkin puree (canned or homemade, not pumpkin pie filling)
Optional Add-Ins (Add after baking)
- 1 cup chopped dried fruit (unsweetened cranberries or raisins)
- Vegan chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully heat up for even baking. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups old fashioned oats, 1 cup chopped walnuts, 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds, 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, and 3/4 teaspoon sea salt. Toss together thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
- Blend Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup almond butter, 1/2 cup maple syrup, and 1/3 cup pumpkin puree vigorously until completely smooth and well combined.
- Combine Mixtures Thoroughly: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and fold gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until all oats and seeds are coated. Use a folding motion to keep some texture intact and ensure clusters form.
- Spread Evenly on Sheet: Transfer the coated mixture to the lined baking sheet. Spread it in an even layer and press down slightly to encourage clumping and create crunchy clusters.
- Bake and Stir: Place the baking sheet furthest away from the oven heat source. Bake for 25 minutes. Stir gently halfway through baking (at approximately 12-13 minutes) to promote even browning and prevent hot spots.
- Cool Completely: Remove granola from the oven and allow it to cool fully on the baking sheet before touching or stirring further. Cooling solidifies clusters and develops crunch.
- Store Properly: Once cooled, transfer granola to an airtight jar or container. Store at room temperature up to 7 days, refrigerate up to 14 days, or freeze up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container wrapped tightly. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Notes
- Use thick rolled oats for the best texture and clumping effect.
- Do not use pumpkin pie filling; use pure pumpkin puree for authentic taste and nutrition.
- Stir halfway through baking to ensure even toasting and prevent burning.
- Add dried fruit or chocolate chips after baking to keep their texture intact.
- Store granola in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.
