Pumpkin Granola - The Perfect Snacking Vegan Granola Recipe (2024)

Jump to Recipe

Pumpkin Granola – Full of fall flavor and perfect for snacking, this crunchy homemade granola recipe is naturally sweetened, requires only a handful of ingredients, and is vegan, oil-free, refined sugar-free, and super easy to make!

Pumpkin Granola - The Perfect Snacking Vegan Granola Recipe (1)

Get ready for your home to smell wonderful!

Easy homemade chunky healthy pumpkin granola made with a delicious mix of oats, pumpkin puree, pecans, pepitas, pure maple syrup, cinnamon, and allspice. This vegan and gluten free granola recipe makes the perfect crunchy snack or on-the-go breakfast!

And, of course, making granola at home is much better than buying it in the stores! You control the ingredients and can easily make an extra batch for the same amount a bag of pre-made granola costs. Win, win!

So gather your ingredients, and let’s make pumpkin granola!

Pumpkin Granola - The Perfect Snacking Vegan Granola Recipe (2)

Table of Contents show

Ingredients You’ll Need

This healthy crunchy pumpkin granola recipe is packed with simple ingredients that keep it both vegan and refined sugar free and oil-free. Here’s everything you will need:

  • Oats.Old-fashioned oats are what we’ll be using. To make this gluten free, look for oats labeled Certified GF.
  • Pumpkin puree.Make sure to use only 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie puree. Use fresh or canned.
  • Pure maple syrup.This natural sweetener also works great at clumping and hardening the granola.
  • Pecans.This richly flavored nut pairs well with pumpkin puree and spices.
  • Pepitas.It is pumpkin granola, so what perfect seed to use than pumpkin seeds!
  • Cinnamon.Cinnamon is great, but feel free to use pumpkin pie spice if you prefer. You may even like to add both!
  • Allspice.If you don’t have allspice, nutmeg or smidge of ground clove will do nicely.
  • Salt.My favorite salt for just about everything is pink mineral salt, aka Himalayan Salt. It has beneficial minerals and trace elements you won’t find in other salts. Plus, it’s delicious!

Optional Ingredients: For another layer of flavor add vanilla extract and/or coconut flakes. See notes in the recipe card for more.

This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosurehere.

Pumpkin Granola - The Perfect Snacking Vegan Granola Recipe (3)

How To Make Pumpkin Granola

Making this granola recipe only takes a few simple steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the oats, pecans, pepitas and spices.
  • In a 2-cup measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree and maple syrup, and pour into the dry ingredients (shown above).
Pumpkin Granola - The Perfect Snacking Vegan Granola Recipe (4)
  • Mix well to combine.
Pumpkin Granola - The Perfect Snacking Vegan Granola Recipe (5)

Enjoy this granola and all the aroma that comes with making it!

Tips For Making Healthy Granola

  • Bake granola at a low temperature. This is to prevent burning but also to really get that nice golden flavor and texture. I bake my granola at 300 degrees F.
  • Mix well to coat. When mixing the dry and wet ingredients, be sure to mix well, coating each piece with the pumpkin-maple mixture for maximum flavor and clumpiness.
  • Clump the granola with your hands. Once you’ve added the granola to your baking sheet, use your hands to create small clumps before you bake.
  • Do not stir granola when it’s fresh from the oven. The granola will naturally harden and clump together as it cools, so give it time to clump together before stirring.
Pumpkin Granola - The Perfect Snacking Vegan Granola Recipe (6)

Serving Suggestions

Besides scooping it by the handful and sneaking little bites here and there, try this pumpkin granola on top of smoothie bowls, layered into non-dairy yogurt parfaits, in a bowl with a bit of your favorite plant milk, or take on the road in a grab-and-go container.

How To Store Granola

You can store this healthy granola in a mason jar or an airtight container for up to 1 – 2 months (but trust me when I say it’s not going to last that long!).

Pumpkin Granola - The Perfect Snacking Vegan Granola Recipe (7)

More Granola Recipes!

  • Healthy Everyday Granola Recipe
  • Spicy Nut + Seed Bars
  • Seed + Goji Berry Granola
  • Ginger-Orange Granola
  • See all vegan Granola, Nut + Seed recipes on TSV!

If you try this easy pumpkin granola recipe, please let me know!Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.

Print

PUMPKIN GRANOLA (VEGAN + OIL FREE)

Pumpkin Granola - The Perfect Snacking Vegan Granola Recipe (8)
Print Recipe
★★★★★5 from 5 reviews

Full of flavor and perfect for snacking, this crunchy pumpkin granola is naturally sweetened and made with only a handful of ingredients! It’s oil-free, refined sugar-free and easy to make.

  • Author: Julie | The Simple Veganista
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 30 min
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 16, 1/3 cup per serving 1x
  • Category: Breakfast, Snack
  • Method: Oven, Bake
  • Cuisine: Vegan, American

Ingredients

Units Scale

  • 3 cups old fashioned oats
  • 1 cup pecans
  • 1/2 cup pepitas
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/4 teaspoon allspice or nutmeg
  • 1/41/2 teaspoon mineral salt
  • 2/3 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup 100% pumpkin puree
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional

Instructions

Prep: Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.

Dry ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the oats, pecans, pepitas and spices.

Wet ingredients: In a measuring cup or small bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree and maple syrup.

Mix wet & dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, mix well to combine.

Layer: Spread the granola on rimmed baking sheet in a single layer.

Bake: Place in the oven at bake for 40 – 50 minutes, stirring half way through. Let cool, granola will harden as it cools.

Makes about 4 1/2.

Serves 9, about 1/2 cup per serving.

Store: Keep granola in a mason jar or an airtight container for up to a 1 – 2 months.

Notes

Additional add-ins:

  • 1 – 2 teaspoon vanilla extract (mix in with wet ingredients)
  • 1/2 cup coconut flakes (add to dry ingredients)

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT:I love mySilpatortheseparchment linersfor lining thisrimmed baking sheet.

Keywords: pumpkin granola, oil-free pumpkin granola, healthy granola recipe

FOLLOW TSVonFacebook,Instagram,Pinterest,orRSSfor more updates and inspiration!

Pumpkin Granola - The Perfect Snacking Vegan Granola Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why are homemade granola not crunchy? ›

I aim to let it hit room temperature, whatever that may be; the real point is to give it ample time to shed excess heat and steam. This should take about 45 minutes; if left out indefinitely, the granola can turn sticky or soft, so do try to put it away as soon after cooling as you can.

Do you eat granola with milk or yogurt? ›

It tastes great with milk, or by the handful, but is also super tasty when sprinkled over lemon or blueberry yogurt for a burst of flavor. There's also Coconut Spice Granola, which is made with whole grain oats, real maple syrup, coconut and wholesome seeds.

Is homemade granola good for you? ›

Often touted as health food, many packaged granolas contain so much fat, sugar, and calories that you might as well eat a candy bar. On the other hand, when enjoyed in moderation, healthy homemade granola is an excellent source of fiber, iron, healthy fat, and protein.

What ingredients should you avoid in granola? ›

Check the ingredient list, avoiding products that list sugar or sweeteners —including natural sweeteners like honey — within the first few ingredients. Instead, the first few ingredients should be whole foods, such as oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. You may also want to look for varieties high in protein and fiber.

How to crisp up homemade granola? ›

Not only can you transform that soggy, chewy granola back to being blissfully crunchy, but it's easier than you might think. All it takes is spreading the granola in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and heating it in a 400 degree oven for five minutes — essentially re-baking it.

Is it okay to eat granola every day? ›

Is it okay to eat granola every day? Yes, granola can be eaten daily.

Is granola healthier than cereal? ›

While both granola and cereal may seem similar, there are significant differences between the two. Granola is a healthier, more nutrient-dense, and joyfully versatile option that will not only make your taste buds dance but also keep your body happy and healthy.

Is granola or oatmeal healthier? ›

Both oatmeal and granola make for a healthy, nutritious breakfast, but the winner for us is granola—the added nuts, seeds, and dried fruits give you a source of fiber and healthy fats that oatmeal can't quite compete with.

What is the healthiest way to eat granola? ›

Granola with milk or yogurt is a great option for a healthier sweet treat at the end of the day, but you can also use it to top ice cream, milkshakes or homemade sweets.

What pairs well with granola? ›

Milk: one of the simplest ways to enjoy granola is served up in a bowl with your favorite milk just like a breakfast cereal. Serve it with either dairy milk or dairy-free milk like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Yogurt: make yourself a yogurt bowls with some fruit and granola for crunch.

What was the downside to granola as a food? ›

Potential Downsides

Granola may seem like it's all about the grains, but it often boasts a hidden secret: Lots of sugar. Sugar varies by brand, but one example is a popular brand of low-fat granola, which packs more than 1 tablespoon of added sugar per serving.

Is it cheaper to make your own granola? ›

Is Homemade Granola Cheaper? Initially, you'll have to spend more money on homemade granola than store-bought. However, over the long run (depending on your recipe) you'll most likely spend less on making your own granola.

Is peanut butter healthy? ›

Peanut butter is a classic treat for all ages. The right kind, enjoyed in moderation, can be a nutritious part of a healthy diet. Peanut butter provides healthy fats, protein, and fiber. It's also rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, niacin, and magnesium.

Does homemade granola get crunchy as it cools? ›

Your homemade granola will continue to crisp up as it cools. It's tempting to start eating it as soon as it comes out of the oven, but if you let it rest for 15 minutes on the sheet pan, it'll be extra crisp and toasty – totally worth the wait!

Why is my homemade granola dry? ›

You need fat. If you're not using some type of fat to make granola, you're going to have a pile of dry oats. We use olive oil at Marge, and it gives the granola a toasty quality I really love.

Is granola supposed to be crunchy? ›

Granola starts out with rolled oats, nuts, and dried fruit—so far, so good on the wholesomeness front—but takes a sharp turn for the decadent with a thick coating of fat and sugars, which turn crunchy and caramelized as the granola bakes. Granola is basically an oatmeal cookie in cereal form. And so it should be.

Why is my granola not dry? ›

Using a low oven temperature helps dry out the granola without over-baking it. Keep in mind that the granola won't be dry right out of the oven — it will dry as it cools. So take it out of the oven when it looks lightly toasted and smells like cooked honey.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Chrissy Homenick

Last Updated:

Views: 5318

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (54 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Chrissy Homenick

Birthday: 2001-10-22

Address: 611 Kuhn Oval, Feltonbury, NY 02783-3818

Phone: +96619177651654

Job: Mining Representative

Hobby: amateur radio, Sculling, Knife making, Gardening, Watching movies, Gunsmithing, Video gaming

Introduction: My name is Chrissy Homenick, I am a tender, funny, determined, tender, glorious, fancy, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.