Embrace the cozy flavors of autumn with this delightful pumpkin spice granola. Perfectly crunchy and infused with the warm spices of the season, this granola is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed on its own, sprinkled over yogurt, or paired with your favorite milk. The combination of pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and pecans creates a comforting blend that captures the essence of fall in every bite.
When preparing this recipe, you might find that pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice are not staples in every pantry. Pumpkin puree is typically found in the baking aisle, often near canned fruits and vegetables. Pumpkin pie spice, a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, can be located in the spice section. If unavailable, you can create your own mix using these individual spices.
Ingredients For Pumpkin Spice Granola Recipe
Rolled oats: These are whole oats that have been steamed and flattened, providing a hearty base for the granola.
Pumpkin puree: A smooth, cooked pumpkin blend that adds moisture and a rich, earthy flavor.
Maple syrup: A natural sweetener with a distinct, robust flavor that complements the spices.
Coconut oil: Used in its melted form, it helps bind the ingredients and adds a subtle tropical note.
Vanilla extract: This enhances the overall flavor with its sweet, aromatic essence.
Pumpkin pie spice: A mix of warming spices that gives the granola its signature autumnal taste.
Salt: A pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
Pecans: Chopped nuts that add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Dried cranberries: These provide a chewy texture and a tart contrast to the sweet granola.
Technique Tip for Perfect Granola
To enhance the flavor of your pumpkin spice granola, consider toasting the pecans before adding them to the mix. Spread the pecans on a separate baking sheet and toast them in the oven at 350°f (175°c) for about 5-7 minutes until they are fragrant and slightly golden. This step will bring out their natural oils and add a deeper, nutty flavor to your granola. Be sure to let them cool before stirring them into the cooled granola to maintain their crispness.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
rolled oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes provide a similar texture and are a gluten-free alternative to oats.
pumpkin puree - Substitute with sweet potato puree: Sweet potato puree has a similar consistency and sweetness, making it a great alternative to pumpkin puree.
maple syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey offers a similar sweetness and can be used in the same quantity as maple syrup.
coconut oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier fat option, though it may slightly alter the flavor profile.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients well.
pumpkin pie spice - Substitute with cinnamon and nutmeg: A mix of cinnamon and nutmeg can replicate the warm flavors of pumpkin pie spice.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a similar taste.
pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts offer a similar crunch and nutty flavor, making them a suitable replacement for pecans.
dried cranberries - Substitute with raisins: Raisins provide a similar chewy texture and sweetness, making them a good alternative to dried cranberries.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Granola
How to Store or Freeze Your Granola
To keep your pumpkin spice granola fresh and crunchy, store it in an airtight container. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids or resealable plastic bags work wonders in preserving its delightful texture.
Choose a cool, dry place to store your granola. A pantry or cupboard away from direct sunlight is ideal. This will help maintain the granola's crispiness and prevent any unwanted moisture from sneaking in.
If you want to extend the life of your granola, consider freezing it. Place the granola in a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring it's sealed tightly to prevent freezer burn.
When freezing, it's a good idea to portion out the granola into smaller servings. This way, you can easily grab just what you need without thawing the entire batch.
To enjoy your frozen granola, simply let it thaw at room temperature for a few minutes. It will regain its delightful crunch and be ready to sprinkle over your favorite yogurt or smoothie bowl.
Remember, while freezing can extend the shelf life of your granola, it's best enjoyed within three months for optimal flavor and texture.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the pumpkin spice granola evenly on a baking sheet and warm it for about 5-10 minutes. This method helps to restore its delightful crunch without overcooking it.
Use a skillet on low heat. Add the granola to the skillet and stir occasionally for about 5 minutes. This method is quick and brings out the nutty aroma of the pecans and the sweetness of the dried cranberries.
If you're in a hurry, a microwave can do the trick. Place the granola in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as it can become soggy.
For a unique twist, reheat the granola by adding it to a saucepan with a splash of almond milk or coconut milk. Warm it gently until the granola absorbs some of the liquid, creating a comforting, porridge-like texture.
If you have a toaster oven, spread the granola on a small tray and toast it at a low setting for about 5 minutes. This method is perfect for small batches and maintains the granola's crunchiness.
Essential Tools for Making This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the granola until it is golden brown and crispy.
Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to spread the granola mixture evenly for baking.
Parchment paper: Lines the baking sheet to prevent the granola from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
Spatula: Useful for stirring the granola mixture and spreading it evenly on the baking sheet.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the oats, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, coconut oil, and pecans.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities of ingredients like vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
Cooling rack: Allows the granola to cool completely after baking, ensuring it becomes crispy.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Granola
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure all your ingredients like rolled oats, pumpkin puree, and maple syrup in advance to streamline the process.
Use one bowl: Mix everything in one large bowl to minimize cleanup time.
Melt coconut oil quickly: Use a microwave to melt the coconut oil in seconds.
Batch bake: Double the recipe and bake on two baking sheets to have extra for later.
Cool on the pan: Let the granola cool directly on the baking sheet to save on transferring time.
Pumpkin Spice Granola Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups Rolled oats
- 1 cup Pumpkin puree
- ½ cup Maple syrup
- ¼ cup Coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon Pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Pecans, chopped
- ½ cup Dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Stir until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the granola is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely. Stir in the chopped pecans and dried cranberries.
- Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
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