Easy Pumpkin Granola
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This pumpkin granola recipe 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 here on EBF including my basic homemade granola, protein granola, 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.
Why You’ll Love this Pumpkin Granola
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.
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.
More Granola Recipes
- Coconut Granola
- Maple Quinoa Granola
- Chocolate Granola
- Granola Cookies
- Pumpkin Spice Granola Bars
- High Protein Granola
More Pumpkin Recipes to Try
- Vegan Pumpkin Muffins
- Oatmeal Pumpkin Cookies
- Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal
- Healthy Pumpkin Bread
- Healthy Pumpkin Muffins
- Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats
- Pumpkin Chia Pudding
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Pumpkin Granola
Ingredients
- 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats, gluten-free, if needed
- 1½ cup raw pecans, chopped or whole
- ¼ cup canned pumpkin or homemade pumpkin puree
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ⅓ cup coconut oil, melted
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ⅓ cup vegan chocolate chips
Instructions
- 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 or freezer 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.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like This Recipe? Rate & Comment Below!
Hi, this looks super interesting and I am excited to try this out especially due to the great reviews it’s gotten. I wanted to know if the pumpkin makes the granola less crunchy or soft/soggy? And does it go bad quick? Thank you.
I haven’t had any issues with it!! 🙂 It should last about 1-2 weeks. I love storing it in the fridge to keep it extra crunchy!
Can’t wait to try this!! If I omit the coconut oil, do you think it would still come out okay? I don’t have coconut oil on hand at the moment and would love to give this recipe a try! 🙂
Really great idea. Thank you.
I would love to make this but have coconut oil and don’t use oil. Can I use unsweetened applesauce or something not oil?
I haven’t tried it, but I bet it could work as a good oil substitute. Let me know if you try it and how the recipe turns out. 🙂
I love this granola and make it all the time! I use sliced almonds and dried cranberries in mine. I also love many other recipes of yours…keep giving us more! Gratefully yours!
Yay!! So pumped this granola was a hit, Kathy! Thanks so much for trying it out and coming back to leave a review. It means the world to me!
I love this granola! How long so you think it would stay fresh? (I store it in Lock & Lock.)
It should last 1-2 weeks in the fridge or at room temp or longer in the freezer.
I want to try the pumpkin granola recipe, but I don’t have any maple syrup on hand. What do you recommend for a substitute, if anything?
Hey Melissa – You could try honey or another liquid sweetener like agave if you have either of those on hand. I wouldn’t skip it because it helps the granola sick together.
This granola is delicious! I have made it 3 times – immediately making it again as soon as I finish a batch. I usually make my own granola but wanted to try something with pumpkin and this was perfect but not overpowering. Even my friend who doesn’t love pumpkin flavored things enjoyed it. Thank you for the recipe! Can’t wait to dive into this latest batch!
Ahh yay, that makes me so happy to hear, Dawn! I’m so glad this granola was a hit. Thanks for coming back to leave a review. I really appreciate it. 🙂
WOW!! I absolutely love granola and I am so excited to try this recipe out at home. I am sure this would taste amazing with coconut yogurt or even plant-based milk. Thank you for sharing!
You’re so welcome, Anna! Definitely come back and let me know what you think of it if you try it. 🙂
This was one of the best granolas I have ever made. I am a pumpkin queen year round. The dark chocolate, pumpkin, and pecans together are delicious. Thank you for posting such incredible recipes.
Ahh this makes me so happy to hear!! I’m so pumped you loved this granola, Amy. Thanks for making it + for coming back to leave a comment + star rating. I so appreciate it.