The smell of pumpkin spice granola in the oven always makes me smile. It’s warm, cozy, and kind of feels like fall wrapped in a bowl. I just can’t get enough of it.

Each bite has crunchy oats, sweet spices, and that little touch of pumpkin. It’s so simple to make, and honestly, it tastes better than anything from the store.

I love eating it with yogurt, or sometimes just by the handful. It’s crunchy, sweet, and makes mornings feel a little more special.

Let’s make this pumpkin spice granola together. It’s easy, fun, and the smell will fill your kitchen with pure fall vibes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Autumn in Every Bite: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice creates the ultimate fall flavor.
Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients—just wholesome oats, pumpkin puree, and a few pantry staples.
Healthy and Filling: Packed with oats, quinoa, nuts, and seeds, this granola is a nutritious choice for breakfast or a snack.
Sweet and Savory Balance: The perfect balance of sweet maple syrup, rich pumpkin puree, and a hint of sea salt.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch at the beginning of the week, and you’ll have a ready-to-go snack or breakfast for days.
Great for Gifting: Package up this granola in cute jars, and you’ve got a wonderful homemade gift for friends or family.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you dive into making this delicious Pumpkin Spice Granola, make sure you have these tools on hand:

Large Mixing Bowl: For combining the dry and wet ingredients.
Baking Sheet: To spread the granola out for even baking.
Parchment Paper: For easy cleanup and to prevent the granola from sticking to the pan.
Rubber Spatula: To mix everything together and spread the granola on the sheet.
Airtight Container: For storing your finished granola and keeping it fresh.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious granola (exact measurements are provided in the recipe card below):

Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: The base of your granola. They provide the perfect chewy, crunchy texture.
Quinoa: Adds a boost of protein and a bit of crunch to the granola. Quinoa is a perfect addition if you’re looking for an extra nutritious punch.
Pepitas (Pumpkin Seeds): These seeds bring a delicious crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin spice perfectly.
Chopped Nuts: I recommend pecans, pistachios, or walnuts, as these nuts give the granola a rich, buttery flavor.
Ground Cinnamon: The quintessential spice for any fall treat. It brings a warm, comforting flavor to the granola.
Ground Nutmeg: Adds a bit of warmth and depth of flavor to the granola.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: The star of the show when it comes to fall flavors. It combines cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice for a cozy, aromatic spice blend.
Sea Salt: A touch of sea salt balances the sweetness and brings all the flavors together.
Pumpkin Puree: The key ingredient for that lovely pumpkin flavor. Make sure to use 100% canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!).
Maple Syrup: Natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices and pumpkin puree.
Oil: A little bit of oil (coconut, olive, or avocado) helps crisp up the oats and nuts.
Dark Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a rich molasses flavor that complements the spices.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances all the other flavors in the granola.
Dried Cranberries: These add a pop of color and a slight tartness to balance the sweetness.
Mini Chocolate Chips: Optional, but highly recommended for those who love a little chocolate in their granola.

Variations for Pumpkin Spice Granola

Want to customize this recipe? Here are a few fun variations to try:

Add More Nuts: You can swap in any nuts you like. Almonds, cashews, or even hazelnuts would be great alternatives to the pecans and pistachios.
Make It Vegan: This recipe is already dairy-free, but if you want to make it completely vegan, just double-check that your maple syrup and chocolate chips are vegan-friendly.
Use Coconut Flakes: Add unsweetened shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Swap the Dried Fruit: You can use raisins, chopped dried figs, or even dried apples if cranberries aren’t your thing.
Pumpkin Spice Mix: If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can easily make your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of allspice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to keep the granola from sticking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, quinoa, pepitas (pumpkin seeds), chopped nuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Stir everything together until evenly distributed.

3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, oil, dark brown sugar, and vanilla extract. The combination of these ingredients will create a lovely sweet, spicy coating for your granola.

4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir everything together. You want to make sure the oats, quinoa, seeds, and nuts are evenly coated with the pumpkin spice mixture.

5. Spread the Mixture on the Baking Sheet

Transfer the granola mixture to your prepared baking sheet. Use a rubber spatula to spread it out evenly, pressing it down slightly to help it crisp up while baking.

6. Bake the Granola

Bake the granola for about 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning. Keep an eye on it towards the end so it doesn’t burn. The granola should be golden brown and fragrant when it’s ready.

7. Cool and Add Dried Cranberries and Chocolate Chips

Once the granola is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, it will crisp up and become crunchy. Once cooled, stir in the dried cranberries and mini chocolate chips, if using.

8. Store the Granola

Once your granola is fully cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze the granola for up to three months.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Granola

This Pumpkin Spice Granola is incredibly versatile. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:

With Milk: Pour a generous amount of your favorite milk (cow’s milk, almond milk, oat milk, etc.) over a bowl of granola for a satisfying breakfast.
Topped with Yogurt: Layer the granola with Greek yogurt, a drizzle of honey, and fresh fruit for a perfect breakfast or snack.
On Oatmeal: Sprinkle it on top of your morning oatmeal for added crunch and flavor.
As a Snack: Grab a handful for a satisfying, crunchy snack throughout the day.
In Smoothie Bowls: Top off your smoothie bowl with a few spoonfuls of this granola for added texture and flavor.

Storing Pumpkin Spice Granola

Room Temperature: Store your granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. It will stay crispy and fresh.
Freezing: If you want to keep your granola for longer, freeze it in an airtight container or resealable bag. It will last for up to three months in the freezer. Just let it thaw before eating.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional breakdown per serving (about 1/4 cup):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	180
Protein	4g
Carbohydrates	25g
Fiber	4g
Sugars	12g
Fat	8g
Saturated Fat	1g
Sodium	50mg

Conclusion

This Pumpkin Spice Granola is the perfect fall recipe to start your day on a delicious note or to enjoy as a snack throughout the week. The combination of pumpkin, spices, oats, and nuts is a flavor explosion, and with a little bit of maple syrup and dark brown sugar, it’s just the right amount of sweet.

Whether you enjoy it in a bowl with milk, as a topping for yogurt, or as a quick snack, this granola will make your autumn mornings feel extra cozy. It’s simple to make, incredibly delicious, and keeps well, making it the perfect addition to your fall meal prep.