Warm fall spices are the star of the show in this crunchy, whole food granola without all the oils and additives. There is nothing better than the smell of fall spices, well, actually, one thing, the taste!! This granola has all the flavors and texture you want in a nutrient dense breakfast, snack, or topping for your yogurt or ice cream!

Being a busy mom of three teenagers, I am always looking for wholesome, nutritious, and energizing snacks to keep my kiddos fueled and going everyday.  This granola checks all the boxes and is one of the easiest and tastiest ways I keep them fed without any of the inflammatory oils, refined ingredients, or additives and chemicals like the versions you find in the store.  Plus, this clean granola is so much more cost effective than buying expensive processed granolas!  Make a batch, or double it like me, and see how delicious real food is.

Why Pumpkin is So Good For You!

Pumpkins belong to the squash family of produce and are also considered gourds and many people choose to also use them for fall decorations.  These orange beauties are full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidant, and fiber so adding them to a whole food diet is a great way and tasty way to add orange foods into your diet.

Vitamins

• Vitamin A (Beta-carotene): Beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and reduces oxidative stress and is also converted to vitamin A in the body.  Vitamin A  is essential in the health of your eyes, skin, bones, kidneys, and lungs.
  
• Vitamin B1 (thiamine): A water soluble vitamin that is essential in glucose metabolism and supports health heart and nervous system function.
  
• Vitamin B6:  A water soluble vitamin that is essential in metabolic pathways,  RBC production, and in the production of neurotransmitters.
  
• Vitamin B9 (folate):  A water soluble vitamin that is essential during pregnancy in the formation of the neural tube [1].
  

Minerals

• Calcium: The most abundant mineral in the body and is essential in heart health, muscle function and support strong bones and teeth.
  
• Copper: Essential mineral in the formation of red blood cells and in supporting cardiovascular health and immune function [2].
  
• Magnesium: The fourth most abundant mineral in the body, it support healthy nerve functions, healthy blood pressure, and detoxification.
  
• Manganese: Essential mineral in supporting blood sugar regulation, glucose metabolism, and supporting healthy brain and nerve function [3].
  
• Potassium: is the third most abundant mineral in your body and functions like an electrolyte (positively charged) once consumed.  Electrolytes are important in their role in healthy nerve conduction and muscle contractions.
  

Pumpkins are a great source of fiber (about 2.5 grams in 1 cup of mashed pumpkin!) containing both soluble and insoluble fiber!

• Insoluble fiber supports healthy digestion and movement through the GI tract.
  
• Soluble fiber supports a healthy microbiome and supports health blood sugars.
  

So grab some pumpkin purée and let’s get cooking!

Pumpkin Spice Granola Ingredients

Makes approximately 16 servings

3/4 cup Pumpkin Purée

3/4 cup Unsweetened Apple Sauce

3/4 cup Coconut Sugar

1/2 cup Pure Maple Syrup

1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract

1 tsp Ground Cinnamon

1 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice

1/2 tsp Fine Sea salt

3 cups Organic Sprouted Rolled Oats

1 cup Raw Pecans, chopped

1 cup Sliced Raw Almonds

1/2 cup Raw Walnuts, chopped

1 cup Raw Pumpkin Seeds/Pepitas

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Granola

1. Preheat the oven to 275 degrees

2.  In a large bowl add the pumpkin purée, coconut sugar, maple syrup, vanilla and spices and mix well to combine.

3.  Add the oats, nuts, and seeds and mix well to evenly coat.

4.  Spread the granola in a thin layer over a parchment lined baking sheet. 

5.  Bake for 90-minutes to 2-hours stirring, breaking up any large chunks, and rotating every 10-15 minutes.

6. Cool completely and enjoy!

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FAQs

Q: My granola is soggy, what happened?

A: It sounds like you needed to cook it for a little longer.  Try testing a spoonful before removing from the oven by letting it cool on a clean plate.

Q: My granola isn’t clumping, is that okay?

A: This recipe is not a “clumping” granola recipe, so a looser granola is the desired outcome.

Q: What can I use instead of maple syrup?

A: Pure, raw honey is the next best thing. 

If you like this recipe, check these out!

Pumpkin Spice Yogurt with Gingersnap Toffee Topping: This is one of my favorite things to eat for breakfast!  The toffee topping is so good over any dairy free, unsweetened yogurt.

Paleo Pumpkin Scones: These tender, melt in your mouth, perfect pumpkin spice scones will be your favorite go to breakfast this fall.  Made with all whole food ingredients, they are Paleo and Whole30 friendly, gluten free, dairy free and egg free!

Pumpkin Spice Energy Bites: Warm spices, sweet caramel-y dates, and loads of protein, these tasty and nutrient-dense energy bites are the perfect snack for your hungry family! 

I hope you enjoy this as much as my family does. – Amy

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