Crunchy Pumpkin Spice Granola Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the smell of pumpkin spice drifting through your kitchen. This crunchy pumpkin spice granola recipe captures all the cozy flavors of autumn in every bite — warm cinnamon, toasted oats, golden maple syrup, and a hint of real pumpkin. Unlike store-bought granola filled with refined oils and excess sugar, this homemade pumpkin spice granola is made with simple, wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, seeds, spices, pure maple syrup, and real pumpkin — baked until perfectly crisp and golden.
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What Is Granola?
Granola is a wholesome mix of oats, nuts, seeds, and natural sweeteners that’s baked until golden and crunchy. Traditionally enjoyed as a breakfast cereal or snack, it can be sprinkled over yogurt, paired with fruit, or eaten by the handful. It’s naturally customizable. That’s why recipes like this pumpkin spice granola are becoming more popular with anyone looking for healthier pantry staples.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Granola
- Perfectly crunchy clusters – Baked low and slow for that irresistible, golden crisp.
- Warm fall flavor – The perfect balance of cinnamon, pumpkin purée, and pumpkin spice.
- Sweetened with pure maple syrup – Free from refined sugar and seed oils.
- Meal-prep friendly – Make a big batch once, and you’ll have a snack ready to go — just scoop, pour, and enjoy.
- Versatile – Enjoy it as cereal, sprinkle over yogurt, or gift in mason jars for a thoughtful fall treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Old-fashioned rolled oats – The heart of your granola. These oats give structure and crunch, creating those golden clusters everyone loves. (Avoid quick oats — they bake too soft.)
- Raw pumpkin seeds – Add crunch, protein, and a dose of healthy fats.
- Raw sunflower seeds – Give a toasty, nutty flavor while adding texture.
- Pecans – Add richness and a buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin spice.
- Pumpkin purée – Brings natural moisture, a subtle sweetness, and that cozy fall flavor we all crave.
- Maple syrup – Naturally sweetens the granola and helps it caramelize while baking.
- Extra-virgin olive oil – Helps the granola crisp up.
- Coconut sugar – A natural, unrefined sweetener that adds a gentle caramel flavor.
- Pumpkin pie spice – The perfect fall blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
- Ground cinnamon – Enhances warmth and adds extra spice for that bakery style aroma.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavor of the nuts and spices.
For the full list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
How to Shop for the Best Ingredients
- Oats: Choose old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture.
- Pumpkin puree: Look for 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix.
- Maple syrup: Use pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup) for a natural caramel flavor.
- Nuts & Seeds: Buy raw and unsalted.
- Coconut Sugar: Check the label to be sure it’s pure coconut sugar.
Disclaimer: I share these ingredient tips based on my own experience and research. I am not a doctor or dietitian, and this information is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 rimmed baking sheet – Provides plenty of space for the granola to bake evenly and turn crisp without overcrowding.
- Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup quick and easy.
- Two mixing bowls – One for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients.
- Whisk – Perfect for blending ingredients into a smooth mixture.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – Ideal for stirring and spreading the granola mixture.
- Mason jars or airtight containers – For storing your granola and keeping it fresh and crunchy.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Granola
Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
Step 2 – Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 3 – In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and chopped pecans. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
Step 4 – In a separate bowl, add the pumpkin purée, maple syrup, olive oil, coconut sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
Step 5 – Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until all of the oats and nuts are well coated and glossy.
Step 6 – Spread the granola evenly onto the prepared rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Press it down gently with the back of your spoon to help form clusters as it bakes.
Step 7 – Bake for 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until lightly golden and fragrant.
Step 8 – Remove from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cool, break it into pieces.
Tips for the Best Granola
- Let it cool completely – This is the secret to those big, crunchy clusters. Once it cools, the granola firms up and breaks apart beautifully.
- Press it down before baking – Lightly press the granola onto the baking sheet before it goes into the oven to help it stick together and form clusters.
- Stir only once halfway through – Stirring too much breaks up the clusters — one gentle stir is all you need for even baking.
- Bake a little longer for extra crunch – If you prefer extra crispy granola, add 3–5 more minutes in the oven — just keep an eye on the color to prevent burning.
Variations
- Nut-Free – Skip the pecans and use extra pumpkin or sunflower seeds instead. You’ll still get plenty of crunch without any nuts.
- Fruit-Filled – Add dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apples after baking for extra chew and fall flavor.
How to Store Pumpkin Spice Granola
- Store – Store in an airtight glass jar or container for up to 2 weeks at room temperature. Make sure the granola has completely cooled before sealing to keep it crisp.
- Freeze – Make sure granola is completely cooled, then store in a freezer-safe container or vacuum-sealed bag. Portion into smaller servings for easy grab-and-go, and it will stay fresh for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Ways to Enjoy It
- Breakfast – Enjoy your pumpkin spice granola as a cereal with cold milk or your favorite dairy-free alternative.
- Topping – Sprinkle over smoothie bowls, parfait, oatmeal, or baked apples for added crunch and sweetness.
- Snack – Pack it in small jars or containers for an easy, on-the-go snack.
- Gift Idea – Fill mason jars with homemade granola, tie with ribbon, and gift to friends or neighbors for a thoughtful fall treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, simply use certified gluten-free oats. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
You can pure maple syrup or raw honey both work beautifully.
Crunchy Pumpkin Spice Granola Recipe
Equipment
- 9×13 rimmed baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- 2 Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Mason jar or airtight container
Ingredients
- 2 cups Old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup Raw pumpkin seeds
- ½ cup Raw sunflower seeds
- ½ cup Pecans chopped
- ½ cup Pumpkin purée
- ¼ cup Pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup Extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup Coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon Pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and chopped pecans. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
- In a separate bowl, add the pumpkin purée, maple syrup, olive oil, coconut sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until smooth and fully combined
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until all of the oats and nuts are well coated and glossy.
- Spread the granola evenly onto the prepared rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Press it down gently with the back of your spoon to help form clusters as it bakes.
- Bake for 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until lightly golden and fragrant.
- Remove from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cool, break it into pieces.
Notes
Nutrition
If you make this recipe, I’d love to know what you think! Share your photos or variations in the comments, or tag on Instagram or Facebook @awifeandherhome. Don’t forget to pin this recipe!
This was an excellent recipe! Not only was it easy to make, it was delicious. My family really enjoyed eating it!