This recipe for pumpkin granola is loaded with nutty pecans and studded with chocolate chips for the perfect hint of chocolatey goodness.
There’s really nothing better than making a big batch of homemade pumpkin granola on a fall day. Not only is it super easy to whip up, but it makes the house smell amazing and is awesome to have on hand for breakfast or snacking throughout the week.
I have a ton of granola recipes including this hemp granola and a lovely grain-free granola, but this pumpkin version is definitely one of my favorites, especially in the fall and winter months.
The combination of pumpkin, maple and pecan is so delicious and the addition of chocolate chips adds a hint of extra sweetness and makes the granola a tad more decadent. Plus, the combo of pumpkin and chocolate is absolute perfection.
Is Granola Healthy?
When it comes to store-bought granola, many brands aren’t very healthy. They’re typically packed with a lot of sugar and highly processed oils. The good news is that granola is super easy to make and homemade versions are usually much healthier! Especially this one. Not only is it naturally sweetened with only maple syrup, but it’s also loaded with protein, fiber and healthy fats.
Here’s What You Need
old fashioned rolled oats – make sure to grab gluten-free oats if needed. I typically to use Bob’s Red Mill rolled oats.
raw pecans – for some added crunch, protein and healthy fats! Raw pecans are great because they don’t have any added oil or salt. And pecans are my go-to for this granola, but feel free to swap them for another nut or seed if needed.
pumpkin puree – make homemade pumpkin puree or buy it from the store. If you’re using store-bought, just make sure the ingredient list is just pumpkin! Don’t accidentally buy pumpkin pie filling.
vanilla extract – a delicious flavor enhancer.
pumpkin pie spice – make your own pumpkin pie spice mixture or buy a pre-made blend. Either option works great.
maple syrup – my go-to natural sweetener. It adds the perfect amount of sweetness and helps bind the spices to the oats and nuts.
coconut oil – helps make this granola toasty, golden brown and delicious!
sea salt – makes all of the flavors really pop.
chocolate chips – you can’t go wrong with the addition of chocolate chips. I like using Lily’s dark chocolate chips because they are vegan and sugar-free. Enjoy Life is another great brand that is allergen friendly!
How to Make Pumpkin Granola
Homemade granola is super easy to make! For this variation, you’ll simply combine all of your ingredients (except the chocolate chips) in a bowl, spread the mixture onto a baking sheet with parchment paper and bake for 40-50 minutes. Allow the granola to cool for about 5 minutes, then sprinkle the chocolate chips over the mixture and it’s ready to go! How easy is that?!
tip!Store your granola in a mason jar or airtight container in the fridge. It will stay extra crunchy this way!
How to Serve Pumpkin Granola
By the handful – I have no shame in admitting I often just eat this granola by the handful for a healthy snack.
With milk – serve it with your favorite milk of choice and some fresh fruit for breakfast.
With yogurt – I love making a yogurt bowl and topping it with a nut butter drizzle, granola and fresh fruit. If you really want to get the full pumpkin granola experience, I highly recommending making this pumpkin pie yogurt bowl. It’s SO good!
On a smoothie – top this pumpkin pie smoothie with granola on top for added crunch.
With ice cream – this granola would be delicious as a topping on this banana ice cream for some fall flavor.
With peanut butter – if you haven’t tried this before, trust me on this! Mix nut butter of choice with this granola for a protein-packed, crunchy, satisfying snack.
How to Store Leftovers
It’s super important to let your granola cool completely before storing! If it’s even a tiny bit warm, it will create condensation in the container which will lead to soggy granola… no thanks!
After cooling completely, transfer to an airtight container and store in a cool place for 1-2 weeks. I like to store my granola in a mason jar in the fridge so it lasts longer and stays extra crunchy. That said, this granola doesn’t last very long around here! We can polish off a batch rather quickly.
This pumpkin granola is super crunchy, easy to make and perfect for fall. It's made with real pumpkin and studded with nutty pecans and chocolate chips for the perfect hint of chocolatey goodness. Vegan + gluten-free.
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet or baking stone with parchment paper.
Mix all ingredients except the chocolate chips in a large bowl.
Spread mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the center of the oven for 40-50 minutes or until oats are golden brown, dry and crisp. Allow the granola to cool for about 5 minutes, then sprinkle the chocolate chips over granola while it continues to cool. The chocolate chips will melt a bit.
Once granola is completely cool, transfer to an airtight container (I use a mason jar) and store in a cool place for 1-2 weeks. I like keeping mine in the fridge so it lasts longer and stays extra crunchy.
Video
Notes
Pecans: Pecans are my go-to for this recipe, but feel free to swap them for another nut or seed.
This recipe was SO good and SO easy. I halved the maple syrup and nearly doubled the pumpkin pie spice. If you don’t like too sweet I recommend doing the same because it was the perfect hint of sweet for me and any more would have been too much with the chocolate chips. Also only took my oven 30 min to bake so keep a close eye on it!
Wow… this is really good. I did not add the chocolate chips because the granola is perfectly sweet enough for me. I will be making more for my extended family today. Yum! Thanks for sharing a great recipe.
Just made this granola and is it ever yummy. Full of flavor and great clusters. I didn’t have pecans so used slivered almonds and a dried fruit mixture of cherries, cranberries and blueberries! Thanks for one of the best granola recipes I have found!!
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Easy and tasty! Gave me the fall feels with it’s flavor and texture. Thank you for yet another delish recipe!
Ah yay! This makes me so happy to hear! I’m so pumped you enjoyed this granola, Samantha. Thanks so much for the review. It means so much to me :).
Amazing recipe – love the ingredient list, the flavor, the crunch, the smell while it bakes…so good!
Happy to hear this granola was a hit, Jesi! Thanks so much for making it and coming back to leave a review. I really appreciate it!
This recipe was SO good and SO easy. I halved the maple syrup and nearly doubled the pumpkin pie spice. If you don’t like too sweet I recommend doing the same because it was the perfect hint of sweet for me and any more would have been too much with the chocolate chips. Also only took my oven 30 min to bake so keep a close eye on it!
So glad you enjoyed this recipe, Andy!! Thanks for making it and for the review. I so appreciate it!
Wow… this is really good. I did not add the chocolate chips because the granola is perfectly sweet enough for me. I will be making more for my extended family today. Yum! Thanks for sharing a great recipe.
Yay!! Happy to hear this granola was a hit, Wendy! Thanks for making it and coming back to leave a review. I really appreciate it!
Just made this granola and is it ever yummy. Full of flavor and great clusters. I didn’t have pecans so used slivered almonds and a dried fruit mixture of cherries, cranberries and blueberries! Thanks for one of the best granola recipes I have found!!
Did you add the dried fruit before baking or after?
I would add the dried fruit after the granola bakes otherwise it will be hard!
Yay!! Happy to hear this granola was a hit, MP! Thanks so much for trying it out and coming back to leave a review. I really appreciate it!