Pumpkin Spice Granola Recipes That Will Transform Your Breakfast Today

Do you find yourself reaching for those expensive store-bought granola bags that somehow disappear within days? I’ve been there too! Making pumpkin spice granola at home changed my breakfast game forever. This recipe came to life during one particularly chilly October morning when my kids were begging for something special before school. With a pantry full of oats and a can of pumpkin puree that needed using, magic happened in my kitchen.

The warm, comforting scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves filled our home, creating an autumn atmosphere that no candle could ever replicate. This homemade granola isn’t just delicious—it’s more affordable, customizable, and honestly, so much fresher than anything you’ll find in stores.

Pumpkin Spice Granola Ingredients

Pumpkin spice granola starts with quality ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. The magic happens when these simple components combine with warm spices and a touch of natural sweetness. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup raw pecans, roughly chopped
• 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
• ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
• ⅓ cup coconut oil, melted
• ¼ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ cup dried cranberries (added after baking)
• ½ cup dark chocolate chips (optional, added after cooling)

Not a fan of pecans? Walnuts or almonds work beautifully too. If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can reduce the maple syrup to ¼ cup and still achieve that delicious crunch. For those with dietary restrictions, this recipe is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by ensuring your chocolate chips don’t contain milk ingredients.

Timing for Perfect Pumpkin Spice Granola

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 30-35 minutes
• Cooling time: 20 minutes
• Total time: About 1 hour

Unlike store-bought granola that might have been sitting on shelves for months, this recipe takes just an hour from start to finish. The active hands-on time is minimal—just 10 minutes to mix everything together, and the oven does the rest!

Step-by-Step Pumpkin Spice Granola Instructions

Making homemade pumpkin spice granola isn’t just easy—it’s almost therapeutic. The process fills your kitchen with the most incredible fall aromas. Here’s how to make it perfectly every time:

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This temperature is perfect for slowly toasting the granola without burning the nuts or spices.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, chopped pecans, and pumpkin seeds. Mix well to distribute everything evenly. Don’t add the dried cranberries or chocolate chips yet—they’ll go in after baking.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt until smooth. The pumpkin puree might seem stubborn to incorporate, but keep whisking—it’ll come together!

4. Combine Everything

Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well coated. Make sure there are no dry spots—every oat should be glistening with that pumpkin spice mixture.

5. Spread on Baking Sheet

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking sheet and spread it into an even layer. For chunky granola, press it down firmly with a spatula. For looser granola, spread it out more loosely.

6. Bake to Perfection

Bake for 30-35 minutes, stirring gently halfway through. Watch carefully during the last 5 minutes—granola can go from perfectly toasted to burnt quickly! The granola should be golden brown and fragrant when done.

7. Cool and Add Final Ingredients

Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet without disturbing it—this is the secret to getting those coveted crunchy clusters in your pumpkin spice granola. Once cooled, gently break up the granola and mix in the dried cranberries and chocolate chips (if using).

Pro tip: Don’t skip the cooling step! Granola gets crunchier as it cools, and adding the dried fruit and chocolate while it’s still hot will result in melted chocolate and tough dried fruit.

Nutritional Information for Pumpkin Spice Granola

Per ½ cup serving:

• Calories: 285
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 14g

This pumpkin spice granola packs a nutritional punch with heart-healthy fats from nuts and seeds, fiber from oats, and antioxidants from the spices. The pumpkin puree adds vitamin A and potassium, making this much more than just a tasty breakfast!

Equipment Needed for Pumpkin Spice Granola

You don’t need fancy equipment to make perfect pumpkin spice granola. Here’s what you’ll use:

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Large baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Airtight storage container

If you have a silicone baking mat, you can use that instead of parchment paper. I’ve found that glass jars make the best storage containers for keeping granola fresh and crunchy for weeks—though in my house, it rarely lasts that long!

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Granola Recipe

There are countless reasons to make this pumpkin spice granola part of your regular breakfast rotation:

• It’s budget-friendly: Making granola at home costs a fraction of store-bought varieties.
• The aroma is incredible: Your whole house will smell like fall while it bakes.
• It’s customizable: Add more nuts, less sugar, or different spices to suit your taste.
• Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch on Sunday for quick breakfasts all week.
• Makes a thoughtful gift: Package in a nice jar with a ribbon for an impressive homemade present.

My kids now ask for this granola by name, and my husband has been caught sneaking handfuls straight from the container as a midnight snack. It’s that good!

Healthier Alternatives for Pumpkin Spice Granola

This pumpkin spice granola recipe is already pretty wholesome, but here are some modifications to suit different dietary needs:

Gluten-free version: Use certified gluten-free oats to make this recipe safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Lower sugar option: Reduce maple syrup to 3 tablespoons and skip the brown sugar. You can add a dash of stevia or monk fruit sweetener if you need a little more sweetness.

Higher protein variation: Add ½ cup of hemp seeds and substitute some of the nuts with chopped almonds, which have a higher protein content.

Oil-free alternative: Replace coconut oil with unsweetened applesauce. The granola won’t be quite as crunchy but will still be delicious.

Nut-free version: Skip the pecans and double up on pumpkin seeds, or add sunflower seeds and coconut flakes instead.

A quick browse through the Harmony Meal breakfast collection shows that adaptable recipes like this are perfect for families with varying dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Spice Granola

Your homemade pumpkin spice granola is incredibly versatile. Here are my favorite ways to enjoy it:

• Sprinkled over Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey
• As cereal with cold almond milk or oat milk
• Layered in a parfait with yogurt and fresh apple or pear slices
• Pressed into a baking dish while warm and cut into granola bars
• Sprinkled over baked apples for a quick fall dessert
• As a topping for pumpkin smoothie bowls
• Mixed with dried fruit and dark chocolate chips for a trail mix

For a special weekend breakfast, try Harmony Meal’s protein-packed pancakes topped with a handful of this crunchy granola—it’s a game-changer!

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Pumpkin Spice Granola

Even simple recipes have pitfalls. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making pumpkin spice granola:

• Baking at too high a temperature: This leads to burnt granola with raw centers. Stick to 325°F for even toasting.
• Not stirring halfway through: Rotating and stirring ensures even browning across the whole batch.
• Adding dried fruit before baking: This will turn your cranberries into hard little pebbles. Always add dried fruit after baking.
• Skipping the salt: That tiny bit of salt enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Not letting it cool completely: Patience pays off! Cooling time is when the granola develops its signature crunch.

I once made the mistake of trying to speed up the process by turning up the oven temperature. The result? Burnt edges and a soggy middle. Learn from my mistakes!

Storing Tips for Pumpkin Spice Granola

Properly stored pumpkin spice granola will stay fresh and crunchy for weeks. Here’s how to keep it at its best:

• Allow granola to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation inside the container.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.
• For maximum freshness, add a food-grade silica packet (saved from store-bought snacks) to the container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag.
• If granola loses its crunch, spread it on a baking sheet and toast at 325°F for 5-10 minutes.

I like to make a double batch and divide it into several containers—one for the kitchen, one for the pantry, and one hidden away where only I know about it (we all need our secret snack stashes, right?).

Pumpkin Spice Granola: Final Thoughts

Making your own pumpkin spice granola is one of those small kitchen victories that brings outsized joy. There’s something deeply satisfying about creating a breakfast staple that’s healthier, tastier, and more affordable than anything from the store. The warm spices and subtle pumpkin flavor make this perfect for fall, but honestly, I make this year-round because my family loves it so much.

Whether you’re sprinkling it over yogurt, eating it with milk, or grabbing handfuls as a snack, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and crunch. It’s forgiving enough for beginners but delicious enough to impress even the most discerning breakfast connoisseurs.

Give this recipe a try, and I’d love to hear how it turned out! Tag @HarmonyMeal on social media with your granola creations or check out our seasonal recipe collection for more fall favorites.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Spice Granola

Print

Follow & Join the Harmony Meal Community

📌 Love indulging in rich and cheesy comfort food?
Get inspired with more crave-worthy breakfasts, comforting dinners, and irresistible desserts.
👉 Follow us on Pinterest for easy-to-save recipes and meal ideas you’ll actually want to make.

📘 Let’s be foodie friends!
Join our community of passionate home cooks and flavor chasers.
👉 Follow Harmony Meal on Facebook to share your own dishes, get exclusive content, and connect with others who love to eat and create.