Pumpkin Spice Granola

Ingredients

• *Dry Ingredients:
• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup chopped nuts (e.g., pecans, or walnuts)
• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• *Wet Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• *Optional Add-Ins:
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (for sweetness)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, pumpkin seeds, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, ground cloves, and salt. Mix well.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, maple syrup (or honey), melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients. Stir well until everything is evenly coated and the mixture is moist.
5. Spread on the Baking Sheet: Transfer the granola mixture to the prepared baking sheet. Spread it out evenly and press it down slightly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the granola is golden brown, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even cooking.
7. Add Optional Ingredients: If you're using raisins, add them during the last 5 minutes of baking. This prevents them from burning.
8. Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. It will become crunchier as it cools.
9. Once the granola is completely cool, break it into clusters of your desired size.
10. Transfer the pumpkin spice granola to an airtight container or glass jar. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 2-3 weeks.
11. Enjoy your healthy granola as a snack, cereal, or as a topping for yogurt or smoothie bowls.

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