Are you ready to take your breakfast game to the next level? Forget boring cereal! This homemade pumpkin granola is bursting with autumnal flavor, crunchy texture, and a healthy dose of wholesome goodness. It's the perfect easy recipe for busy mornings, a delightful snack, or even a delicious addition to your yogurt parfaits. This recipe is incredibly simple, making it ideal for beginners in the kitchen, and the results are undeniably delicious – making it one of the best recipes you'll find for a truly satisfying breakfast. Get ready to savor every bite of this healthy meal!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ½ cup maple syrup (or honey)
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- ½ cup dried cranberries or chopped apricots (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil and maple syrup until well combined. Then, stir in the pumpkin puree until everything is evenly mixed.
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Add Dry Ingredients: Add the rolled oats, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the wet ingredients. Stir until the oats are thoroughly coated with the pumpkin mixture. If using nuts and dried fruit, add them now and gently fold them in.
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Spread & Bake: Spread the granola mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure it's evenly distributed for consistent baking. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep a close eye on it towards the end to prevent burning.
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Cool & Enjoy: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. This allows it to crisp up further. Once cooled, break it into clusters and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Granola:
- Use good quality ingredients: The flavor of your granola will be directly impacted by the quality of your ingredients. Opt for pure maple syrup and spices you enjoy.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: Ensure the granola is in a single layer to promote even baking and prevent soggy clusters.
- Adjust sweetness to your liking: If you prefer a less sweet granola, reduce the amount of maple syrup slightly.
- Get creative with add-ins: Feel free to experiment with different nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips to customize your granola to your taste.
Variations:
- Spiced Apple Granola: Replace the pumpkin puree with applesauce and add ½ teaspoon of allspice.
- Cranberry Almond Granola: Omit the pumpkin and add 1 cup of dried cranberries and ½ cup of sliced almonds.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips and ¼ cup of peanut butter to the wet ingredients.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used. For a general estimate, a serving (about ½ cup) contains roughly:
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 5-7g
- Fat: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Fiber: 4-6g
Enjoy this delicious and easy pumpkin granola as part of a balanced and healthy diet! It's a perfect addition to your quick dinner ideas or a satisfying and healthy meal on its own. This homemade cooking recipe is sure to become a family favorite.