Easy Pumpkin Spice Granola

This Easy Pumpkin Spice Granola is everything I want in a fall breakfast; crunchy clusters, toasted pecans and pepitas, plenty of pumpkin spice and just the right touch of maple syrup. It’s easy to make, comes together in about 30 minutes and is perfect for topping yogurt, smoothie bowls or simply snacking by the handful.

The Casual Foodist contains affiliate links, when you make a purchase through these links the Casual Foodist receives a small commission that helps support this site at no additional cost to you.

This pumpkin pie granola recipe if one of my favorite fall recipes and once you make granola at home you’ll never go back. Homemade granola is tastier and more cost effective than store bought granola. The best thing about making homemade granola is you can customize the flavors to suit your tastes or what you have on hand (check out my granola with pecans and cranberries). 

The variations for homemade granola are practically endless and this version amps up all the fall vibes with pumpkin puree, maple syrup, along with pumpkin pie spice along with pecans and pepitas for a double dose of crunch. For other delicious fall breakfast ideas take a look at my Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal, Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer and Pumpkin Pecan Waffles.

Cooking Tips and Variations

• Use old-fashioned rolled oats. They give this granola the best texture. Avoid quick-cooking oats or steel-cut oats, which won’t produce the same hearty, crunchy texture.
• Substitute 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice in place of the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves
• Don’t skip the cooling time. The granola will still feel a little soft when it comes out of the oven, but it will crisp up as it cools. Let it cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking it apart.
• Want bigger clusters? Don’t stir the granola while it bakes. Let it bake undisturbed for the full 25-30 minutes, then allow it to cool completely before breaking it into pieces.
• Prefer smaller pieces?Stir the granola about halfway through baking. This creates a looser, more crumbly texture that’s perfect for sprinkling over yogurt or oatmeal.
• Spread it into an even layer. Keeping the granola in a relatively even layer helps it bake and brown evenly. If you’re doubling the recipe, use two baking sheets rather than crowding everything onto one pan.
• Watch the edges. The granola can brown quickly around the edges, so keep an eye on it toward the end of the baking time. It should smell toasted and the pecans should be lightly browned.
• Add dried fruit. Stir in dried cranberries, raisins or chopped dried apples after the granola has completely cooled.
• Swap the nuts. Walnuts or almonds make an easy substitute for the pecans.
• Add chocolate. For a sweeter treat, stir in chocolate chips after the granola has cooled.
• Add coconut. Stir unsweetened shredded coconut into the oat mixture before baking.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Granola

Begin this granola recipe by melting coconut oil in a small saucepan before whisking in maple syrup, pumpkin puree and the spicees. In a large bowl mix together old fashioned oats, pecans, pepitas, sugar and salt. Pour the maple mixture over the oat mixture, stirring to ensure everything is well combined. Spread the oats evenly over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and pop that in the oven set to 350 degrees.

As this pumpkin granola bakes your kitchen will smell heavenly. If you like your granola with smaller pieces stir the granola after about 15 minutes, if you like chunkier granola let it bake for the entire 25-30 minutes untouched. Serve as desired.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Granola

• Spoon it over Greek yogurt with fresh fruit for an easy breakfast.
• Sprinkle it over oatmeal for extra crunch and pumpkin spice flavor.
• Use it to top your favorite smoothie bowl 
• Serve it with milk for an easy homemade breakfast.
• Use it as a crunchy topping for baked apples or pumpkin desserts.
• Grab a handful for an easy snack.
• Package it in jars or small bags for a simple homemade holiday gift.

Storage

Transfer the cooled granola to an airtight container and store it at room temperature in a cool, dry place. For the best texture, enjoy within 2 weeks.

To freeze place completely cooled granola in a freezer-safe airtight container or zip-top freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow granola to come to room temperature before serving.

If you like this Easy Pumpkin Spice Granola be sure to take a look at some of my other recipes!

Apple Scones with Maple Cinnamon Glaze

Caramel Apple French Toaste Bake

Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash

Butternut Squash Quiche with Goat Cheese and Rosemary

Homemade Chocolate Waffles

If you make this Pumpkin Spice Granola please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Be sure to follow me on Youtube, Facebook and Pinterest for my latest recipes. Also, if you do make this recipe please tag me on Instagram or Tiktok, I’d love to see what you guys are making!