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- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup pumpkin seeds - 1 cup chopped pecans - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/3 cup melted coconut oil - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice blend - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt - 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins Pumpkin spice granola clusters are a treat you can enjoy any time. The main ingredients create a great base. Rolled oats give the clusters a nice chewy texture. Pumpkin seeds add crunch and good nutrition. Chopped pecans bring a rich, nutty flavor. Honey or maple syrup acts as a sweet binder. For flavor, melted coconut oil makes the granola crisp and tasty. Pure vanilla extract adds warmth. The pumpkin spice blend is key here, giving that cozy fall taste. Finally, sea salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors. You can also add dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity kick. These optional add-ins bring a nice contrast to the spices. They make each bite a little more exciting. Feel free to mix and match. Use different nuts or add seeds based on what you like. The key is to have fun and make it your own! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). - Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Start by preheating your oven. This step gets your oven ready for baking. The parchment paper keeps the granola from sticking. - Combine rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, chopped pecans, and sea salt. In a large bowl, add the rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, and chopped pecans. Don’t forget the sea salt! Stir these together until mixed well. This mix forms the base of your granola. - Whisk together honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and pumpkin spice. In a separate bowl, whisk the honey, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and pumpkin spice. This mixture adds sweetness and flavor to your granola. Make sure it’s smooth and well combined. - Pour wet mixture over dry ingredients and stir thoroughly. Now, pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir carefully until every oat, seed, and nut gets coated. This helps the granola stick together when baking. - Transfer to baking sheet and press into an even layer. - Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Next, transfer your mix to the baking sheet. Press it down firmly into an even layer. Bake it for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden brown color. The smell will be amazing! - Cool for 10 minutes and cut into clusters. - Add optional cranberries or raisins. After baking, cool the granola for about 10 minutes. Once cool, use a knife to cut into clusters, or break apart by hand. If you like, mix in some dried cranberries or raisins for added sweetness. To get the best cluster formation, you must press the mixture firmly. After mixing the wet and dry ingredients, spread them evenly on the baking sheet. Use your hands or a spatula to press down hard. This helps the granola hold together when baking. Firmly pressing the mixture creates big, crunchy clusters. If you skip this step, your granola may turn out crumbly. Remember, the more you press, the better your clusters! You can swap sweeteners for a twist in flavor. Honey gives a nice taste, but maple syrup works too. You can even use agave syrup for a lighter touch. Each option adds its unique flavor. Using different nuts and seeds can also change the taste. Try almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds. Each nut adds its crunch and flavor. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite combo! For a beautiful presentation, serve your granola clusters in a rustic bowl. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or extra pumpkin seeds on top. This adds color and makes your dish more inviting. You can also pair the clusters with yogurt or milk for serving. This makes a lovely breakfast or snack. Enjoy your tasty creation in style! Pro Tips Choose Your Sweetener: You can use either honey or maple syrup depending on your taste preference. Maple syrup will provide a more robust flavor, while honey adds a natural sweetness. Press Firmly: Make sure to press the granola mixture down firmly on the baking sheet. This will help the clusters stick together better and create a satisfying crunch. Storage Tips: Store your granola clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them. Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to customize your granola by adding other nuts, seeds, or dried fruits according to your preference. Chocolate chips can also be a delicious addition! {{image_4}} You can make your pumpkin spice granola clusters even more festive. Adding chocolate chips gives a sweet twist. Just mix in half a cup of your favorite chocolate chips after baking. This works well for the holidays. Spice variations can also change the flavor. You could try adding cinnamon or nutmeg. Both spices pair well with pumpkin. Just swap out a little of the pumpkin spice blend for these other spices. If you need a gluten-free option, don’t worry. You can use gluten-free oats in your recipe. They taste just as good and keep the clusters crunchy. You can also use alternative nut butters for binding. Try almond butter or sunflower seed butter. They help hold everything together. For those with nut allergies, there are easy swaps. Substitute nuts with extra seeds. Pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds work great. They still give you healthy fats and a crunch. You can also choose nut-free sweeteners. Maple syrup or coconut sugar are good options. They add sweetness without the nuts. To keep your granola clusters fresh, store them in an airtight container. This prevents moisture from making them soggy. I recommend a glass jar or a plastic container with a good seal. Place the container in a cool, dry spot away from sunlight. Avoid the fridge, as cold air can make them lose their crunch. At room temperature, your granola clusters will last about two weeks. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. They can stay good for up to three months in the freezer. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps maintain their flavor and texture. If your granola clusters lose some crunch, don’t worry! You can easily restore their crispness. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the clusters on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake them for about 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they do not burn. Let them cool before enjoying again! To help your granola clusters stick, use enough binding ingredients. Honey or maple syrup works best. Make sure to mix well. After mixing, press the granola firmly into the pan. This helps the clusters hold together while baking. - Use a spatula or your hands to pack it tightly. - Bake until golden brown for a crispy finish. - Let it cool before breaking it apart into clusters. Yes, you can use different sweeteners instead of honey. Agave syrup and maple syrup are great alternatives. They provide a similar sweetness and work well in this recipe. Just keep the liquid amount the same for best results. - Agave syrup has a mild taste and is vegan. - Maple syrup adds a unique flavor and is great for fall. Pumpkin spice granola clusters are versatile. They pair well with yogurt or milk. You can also sprinkle them on top of oatmeal or smoothie bowls. This adds a crunchy texture and rich flavor. - Try them with Greek yogurt for extra protein. - Use them as a topping for pancakes or waffles. Pumpkin spice granola can be healthy. It is full of oats, seeds, and nuts. These ingredients provide fiber, healthy fats, and protein. The dried fruits add natural sweetness and vitamins. - Rolled oats help with heart health and digestion. - Pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium and zinc. - Just watch the portion size if you are mindful of sugar. This pumpkin spice granola clusters recipe combines tasty ingredients and easy steps. You learned how to mix dry and wet ingredients, shape the mixture, and bake until golden. Remember to press firmly for the best clusters. You can customize with seasonal flavors or store them for later. Enjoy these clusters as a snack or with yogurt. Whether for yourself or guests, this treat is sure to impress. Make it your own and savor the warmth of pumpkin spice!

Pumpkin Spice Granola Clusters

A delicious and crunchy granola made with pumpkin seeds, pecans, and warm spices, perfect for snacking or breakfast.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup pumpkin seeds
  • 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice blend
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, chopped pecans, and sea salt. Mix these dry ingredients well until evenly combined.
  • Prepare Wet Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, pure vanilla extract, and pumpkin spice blend. Ensure that the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  • Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Stir thoroughly until every oat, seed, and nut is fully coated with the sticky mixture.
  • Shape the Mixture: Transfer the combined mix to the prepared baking sheet. Using your hands or a spatula, firmly press the mixture down into an even layer, forming a rough rectangle about 1 inch thick. This will help the clusters hold together while baking.
  • Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the granola is golden brown and emits a delicious, fragrant aroma.
  • Cool: Once baked, remove the granola from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. After cooling slightly, use a sharp knife to cut into clusters or break apart by hand for a more rustic look.
  • Add Optional Ingredients: If you prefer, add dry cranberries or raisins to the clusters after breaking them apart to provide a sweet and tangy pop.
  • Store: Allow the clusters to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once fully cooled, transfer them to an airtight container for storage. They can be enjoyed as a snack or breakfast!

Notes

Serve in a rustic bowl and garnish with cinnamon or extra pumpkin seeds for an inviting look.
Keyword breakfast, granola, pumpkin spice, snack