Pumpkin Spice Granola: Amazing Fall Crunch

September 21, 2025

Pumpkin spice granola has become my absolute favorite way to welcome autumn into my kitchen. I remember the first time I tried making it myself; the aroma of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg filling my house was pure magic, instantly transporting me to cozy evenings and crisp fall days. This recipe for a fall granola recipe is so simple, and I can’t wait to share how to make pumpkin spice granola that’s perfectly crunchy and bursting with flavor. It’s the best way to start your morning or enjoy a healthy afternoon snack. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Granola

This homemade pumpkin spice granola is a true delight for so many reasons. It’s packed with warm, comforting fall flavors that taste just like a slice of pumpkin pie. Plus, it’s incredibly quick to make, making it an easy pumpkin spice granola option for busy mornings. You’ll appreciate the wholesome ingredients, offering a healthier alternative to store-bought versions. It’s also surprisingly budget-friendly, especially when you make a big batch yourself. This recipe is a guaranteed hit with the whole family, and serving it as an easy pumpkin spice granola is always a win. Get ready to fall in love with this fantastic crunch!

Ingredients for Homemade Pumpkin Spice Granola

Gathering your pumpkin spice granola ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious treat. You’ll need:

4 cups rolled oats – old-fashioned oats work best for texture
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts – for that delightful nutty crunch
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas) – adds another layer of texture and flavor
1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut – for a subtle tropical hint
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves – these spices create that classic pumpkin pie flavor
1/4 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
1/2 cup pumpkin puree – this is key for moisture and that signature pumpkin taste
1/3 cup maple syrup – for natural sweetness
1/4 cup melted coconut oil or vegetable oil – helps the granola crisp up
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances all the flavors
Optional: 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins – for chewy sweetness

How to Make Crunchy Pumpkin Spice Granola

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). It’s important to get the oven to the right temperature before you start assembling your ingredients. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup of your homemade pumpkin spice granola.
Step 2: In a generous-sized mixing bowl, combine the 4 cups rolled oats, 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas), and 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut. Add the warm spices: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir everything together thoroughly. This dry mix is the heart of your delicious pumpkin spice granola.
Step 3: In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients. You’ll need 1/2 cup pumpkin puree, 1/3 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup melted coconut oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well combined. This liquid mixture will coat all the dry ingredients, helping to create that perfect, satisfyingly crunchy pumpkin spice granola.
Step 4: Pour the wet pumpkin spice mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Using a spatula or large spoon, stir everything until all the oats, nuts, and seeds are completely coated. Make sure there are no dry spots left; you want every bit to absorb that wonderful flavor to create a truly flavorful pumpkin spice granola.
Step 5: Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Try to create a single, even layer. If you notice any large clumps, gently break them apart. This ensures that your easy pumpkin spice granola bakes uniformly and gets that desirable crispiness all over.

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Step 6: Bake for 30-40 minutes. About halfway through the baking time, give the granola a good stir. You’re looking for it to turn a beautiful golden brown and fill your kitchen with a fragrant, spicy aroma. Keep a close eye on it, especially during the last 10 minutes, as the sugars can caramelize quickly and burn. This step is crucial for achieving that signature crunchy pumpkin spice granola texture.
Step 7: Once the granola has reached your desired golden hue, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the pumpkin spice granola cool completely on the baking sheet without disturbing it. This cooling process is essential as it allows the granola to set and become much crispier.
Step 8: After the granola has cooled entirely, you can break it into clusters. If you’re adding dried fruit, now is the time to stir in the 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins. Your easy pumpkin spice granola is now ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips for the Best Pumpkin Spice Granola

Want to elevate your homemade pumpkin spice granola? Try these tricks for a truly fantastic batch:

Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking. This helps the granola crisp up evenly from the start.
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; spread the granola in a single layer. Overlapping ingredients will steam rather than bake, leading to chewy granola instead of crunchy.
Resist the urge to stir too often. Stirring only once halfway through baking allows those lovely clusters to form.
Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. This is critical for achieving that signature crisp texture.

What’s the secret to perfect crunchy pumpkin spice granola?

The secret to perfect crunchy pumpkin spice granola lies in a few key steps. First, ensure all your dry ingredients are evenly coated with the wet mixture. Then, spread it thinly and evenly on the baking sheet. Finally, the most crucial part is letting it cool completely without stirring – this is when the magic happens and it gets that satisfying crunch!

Can I make pumpkin spice granola ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the granola mixture and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. It will become even crispier as it cools after baking, so it’s perfect for meal prepping your breakfasts or snacks for the week. For more breakfast ideas, check out our recipes.

How do I avoid common mistakes with pumpkin spice granola?

The most common mistake is burning the granola. Keep an eye on it during the last 10 minutes of baking, as the sugars can caramelize quickly. Over-stirring can also lead to less clumping; try to stir only once halfway through. Lastly, don’t forget to let it cool completely on the pan to achieve maximum crispiness! For more baking tips, you might find resources on ingredient properties helpful.

Best Ways to Serve Your Pumpkin Spice Granola

This homemade pumpkin spice granola is incredibly versatile! My favorite way to enjoy it is by the handful as a satisfying snack, especially when I need a little pick-me-up. For breakfast, it’s divine sprinkled over creamy Greek yogurt with some fresh berries or sliced banana. You can also create a beautiful breakfast bowl by pairing it with a splash of cold milk or a drizzle of extra maple pumpkin spice granola goodness. It’s also fantastic on top of smoothie bowls for added texture and flavor. If you enjoy this, you might also like our coconut chicken meatballs.

Nutrition Facts for Pumpkin Spice Granola

Enjoying this delicious pumpkin spice granola comes with its own set of nutritional benefits. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving (about 1/2 cup) of this healthy pumpkin spice granola:

Calories: 250
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 75mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially if you opt for different nuts or sweeteners. For more information on general nutrition, you can visit Nutrition.gov.

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How to Store and Reheat Pumpkin Spice Granola

Once your delicious homemade pumpkin spice granola has cooled completely, proper storage is key to keeping it wonderfully crunchy. I always make sure it’s totally cool before transferring it into an airtight container. This is crucial because any residual warmth can create condensation, making your granola soggy. Stored this way at room temperature, your pumpkin spice granola should stay fresh and delightfully crisp for up to two weeks. While it’s best enjoyed at room temperature, if yours has softened a bit, you can gently reheat it in a low oven (around 250°F or 120°C) for about 5-10 minutes to revive its crispness. For other storage tips, you might find our privacy policy helpful in understanding how we handle data.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Spice Granola

What are some good variations for pumpkin spice granola?

There are so many ways to customize this recipe! For a truly nutty pumpkin spice granola, try adding almonds or cashews along with the pecans. You can also boost the flavor with a tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices. For a different texture, consider adding chia seeds or flax seeds for an extra boost of nutrients, making it even more of a healthy pumpkin spice granola. If you like experimenting with flavors, you might enjoy our Indian butter chicken recipe.

Can I adjust the sweetness of this pumpkin spice granola?

Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet granola, you can easily reduce the amount of maple syrup. I sometimes cut it down to a quarter cup, especially if I’m planning to add dried fruit, which adds its own natural sweetness. Taste the mixture before baking and adjust to your preference. It’s still delicious and a healthy pumpkin spice granola even with less sweetener.

What other ingredients can I add to my homemade pumpkin spice granola?

Get creative! Feel free to add about a cup of your favorite chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts, or seeds like sunflower seeds or chia seeds to make it a truly nutty pumpkin spice granola experience. Dried fruits like chopped apricots or cherries are also wonderful additions, added after baking. Some people even add a bit of shredded zucchini for extra moisture and nutrients, though this can affect the crispiness if not baked properly. For a different kind of bake, try our ground beef zucchini casserole.

Is this recipe suitable for dietary needs like vegan or gluten-free?

This base recipe is naturally vegetarian. To make it vegan, ensure you use maple syrup (which is already in the recipe) and coconut oil. For a gluten-free pumpkin spice granola, simply ensure you use certified gluten-free rolled oats. This makes it a versatile and healthy option for many dietary preferences.

Variations of Pumpkin Spice Granola You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can experiment with different variations to keep your breakfasts exciting! For a truly nutty pumpkin spice granola, feel free to swap out the pecans or walnuts for almonds, cashews, or even macadamia nuts. You can also add other seeds like sunflower seeds or chia seeds for extra crunch and nutrients. If you’re looking for a vegan pumpkin spice granola, this recipe is already perfect as it uses maple syrup and coconut oil. For those needing a gluten-free pumpkin spice granola option, simply ensure you use certified gluten-free rolled oats. These simple swaps make it easy to tailor this delicious fall treat to your preferences! You can find more delicious recipes on our about me page.