Super Crunchy Pumpkin Spice Granola with Big Clusters: Your Go-To Refined Sugar-Free Fall Treat

Indulge in the perfect autumn delight: a super crunchy, big-clustered pumpkin spice granola, crafted without any refined sugars. This wholesome granola cereal is a lightly sweetened, fall-inspired treat, brimming with nutrient-rich pecans, toasted pumpkin seeds, and a generous blend of aromatic pumpkin spices.

There’s truly nothing quite as comforting and satisfying as a large bowl of homemade crunchy granola cereal. We all know that delightful moment when you stumble upon an unexpectedly jumbo cluster in store-bought granola – it feels like finding a little culinary treasure. While that’s a rare occurrence with commercial brands, making your own granola means you can have those coveted big clusters every single time, along with complete control over all the wholesome ingredients.

I’ve always been a passionate advocate for making granola at home, and for good reason. Not only is it incredibly cost-effective compared to store-bought options, but it’s also remarkably easy to prepare. The real magic, however, lies in the ability to create as many substantial clusters as your heart desires and to dictate precisely what goes into your mix. This means saying a firm “no, thank you” to excessive added sugars and artificial ingredients. In fact, this particular pumpkin spice granola recipe proudly features absolutely no refined sugars, relying solely on natural sweeteners. This makes it the ultimate guilt-free snack to enjoy, whether you’re curled up on the couch with a cozy blanket for a 30 Rock marathon or catching up on Criminal Minds – healthy snacking at its best!

After perfecting this batch of pumpkin spice granola, I happily distributed some to my parents and Anees’ sisters. My husband, typically not a fan of anything pumpkin, initially expressed his reservations, and I certainly didn’t intend to devour the entire batch myself! Beyond sharing the deliciousness, I also wanted to gather a few extra opinions on the flavor balance, the satisfying crunch, and overall appeal. So, I gently urged the hubs to at least try a single bite. And you know what? He couldn’t get enough! He absolutely raved about the subtle sweetness and, of course, those irresistible clusters. He declared them “adorably poppable” – high praise indeed! This unexpected endorsement cemented my belief that this recipe truly is a winner, even for the most discerning palates.

This exceptional super crunchy granola recipe is truly bursting with delightful pumpkin flavor, making it a quintessential fall staple. Its delicate sweetness comes from a thoughtful combination of pure maple syrup and just a few tablespoons of honey, offering a natural and balanced taste without overpowering the spices. While the possibilities for additional mix-ins are virtually limitless (which we’ll explore further below), I’ve already packed this seasonal favorite with an array of wholesome ingredients: crunchy pumpkin seeds (also known as pepitas), flaky unsweetened coconut, warm cinnamon, classic pumpkin spice blend, and, crucially, real pumpkin puree for that authentic autumnal depth. Every bite delivers a symphony of textures and flavors that celebrate the essence of fall.

Let’s take a moment to dive deeper into the incredible versatility of this pumpkin spice granola recipe. One of the greatest advantages of making granola at home is the freedom to customize it to your exact preferences, dietary needs, or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t think of this recipe as rigid; instead, view it as a fantastic base for endless creative variations.

ADDITIONS AND SUBTRACTIONS FOR YOUR PERFECT PUMPKIN SPICE GRANOLA:

• **Nuts and Dried Fruit:** I’ve opted for pecans in this particular granola recipe for their rich, buttery flavor and satisfying crunch. However, if pecans aren’t your favorite, feel free to swap them out for other nuts like sliced almonds, chopped walnuts, or even cashews. For a delightful chewy element, dried fruits make an amazing addition. Imagine vibrant dried cranberries or sweet chopped apricots mixed in for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
• **Coconut Flakes:** Unsweetened coconut flakes add a lovely tropical hint and subtle chewiness. If you’re not a fan, simply omit them from the recipe without any issue.
• **Chocolate Lover’s Delight:** This granola is designed to be lightly sweetened, which makes it an ideal canvas for adding a touch of decadent chocolate without making it overly rich. Once the granola has completely cooled, gently fold in about 1 cup of bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips. The residual warmth of the granola will soften them just enough, but they won’t melt entirely if added after cooling. For an even more indulgent twist, consider adding peanut butter chips – absolutely YUM!
• **Adjusting Sweetness Levels:** If your palate leans towards a sweeter granola, you can easily adjust the amount of natural sweetener. The recipe suggests 2 tablespoons of honey or agave nectar; to increase the sweetness, simply up this amount to 1/4 cup (which is equivalent to 4 tablespoons). This small change will make a noticeable difference without altering the core texture.
• **Seeds for Extra Nutrition:** Quinoa and chia seeds are fantastic additions, boosting the nutritional profile with extra protein and fiber. However, if you don’t have them on hand or prefer to keep your granola simpler, feel free to omit them entirely without impacting the core recipe.
• **Sweetener Alternatives:** The recipe calls for maple syrup and honey, but you have flexibility here too. If you prefer, you can use agave nectar, brown rice syrup, or even all honey in place of the maple syrup. Just ensure your chosen liquid sweetener maintains the proper moisture balance for the dry ingredients.

And now for the grand reveal: I shall teach you the coveted secret to achieving those impressive, satisfyingly large clusters that will make you want to devour the entire container of this pumpkin spice granola in one sitting!

The key to producing those glorious big clusters lies in a specific technique. After mixing all your ingredients and spreading the granola onto the baking sheets, take small, teaspoon-sized amounts of the mixture and firmly press them into compact balls or flattened discs. The tighter you press, the more robust your clusters will be. During the baking process, it’s crucial to be gentle when tossing the cereal. Instead of aggressive stirring, either lightly shake the pan to shift the granola or carefully use tongs to gently flip sections and break apart larger formations as needed. Regular rotation is important: make sure to shimmy the pan every 10-15 minutes to prevent the granola from burning on the edges. When you have clusters, be especially mindful not to shake the pan too aggressively, as this can break them apart before they’ve had a chance to fully set and crisp up. The goal is to allow the clusters to bake undisturbed for a good portion of the time, only gently manipulating them to ensure even browning. Patience and a light touch are your best friends here!

Now that you’re armed with all the tips and tricks, go ahead and treat yourself to this absolutely delicious homemade granola cereal. It’s truly a labor of love that pays off in every crunchy bite. Enjoy it in a bowl with your favorite milk, sprinkle it generously over creamy vanilla Greek yogurt, or simply snack on it by the handful straight from the jar. This pumpkin spice granola isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience, bringing all the quintessential flavors of fall directly into your kitchen and onto your plate. You simply must make it – your taste buds will thank you! ♥

Yield: ~ 5 cups

CRUNCHY PUMPKIN SPICE GRANOLA WITH BIG CLUSTERS

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
40 minutes

Total Time
50 minutes

This incredibly crunchy, big-clustered pumpkin spice granola is a refined sugar-free delight. It’s the quintessential fall treat, lightly sweetened and bursting with the flavors of pecans, pumpkin seeds, and a generous blend of autumn spices.

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups old fashioned rolled oats (ensure gluten-free if needed)
• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
• 1/2 cup pecan halves or pieces
• 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes, packed
• 1/4 cup uncooked quinoa
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds (optional, adds extra nutrition and helps with clusters)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (ensure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons honey or agave nectar*
• 1/2 cup coconut oil (melted, or use vegetable oil for a neutral flavor)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt (enhances all the flavors)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). Place two oven racks at equal distances apart for even baking. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats; set them aside. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
2. In a very large bowl, combine all your dry ingredients: the rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, pecans, coconut flakes, quinoa, chia seeds (if using), ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and ground ginger. Toss these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined.
3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together all the wet ingredients: pumpkin puree, maple syrup, honey (or agave nectar), melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Continue whisking until the mixture is completely smooth and homogeneous. Pour this wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl and mix vigorously with a spatula or your hands until every oat and seed is evenly moistened. For those desirable big clusters, take small, teaspoon-sized amounts of the mixture and firmly press them into compact balls or flat clusters. Evenly distribute the granola mixture, including any pressed clusters, between the two prepared baking sheets.
4. Bake the granola for approximately 40 minutes, stirring or gently flipping the clusters every 10-15 minutes to ensure even browning and prevent burning. Be gentle when tossing, especially with the clusters, to keep them intact. The granola will still feel slightly soft when hot. Remove from the oven and allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheets for at least 20 minutes (or longer). It is crucial to let it cool undisturbed; this is when the granola will crisp up and the clusters will firm.
5. Once cooled, break the granola into your desired cluster sizes. Store the super crunchy granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Please note: due to the pumpkin puree, the granola may lose some of its crunch over time. To refresh it, spread it in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 325 degrees F (160 degrees C) for 10-15 minutes. Allow to cool completely before enjoying again for renewed crispness.

Notes

• This recipe is designed to yield a lightly sweetened granola, allowing the natural flavors of pumpkin and spices to shine. If you have a preference for a sweeter granola, you can easily increase the amount of honey or agave nectar to 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons).
• Feel absolutely free to customize your granola by adding or omitting any of the suggested mix-ins (such as pecans, coconut flakes, quinoa, chia seeds). The possibilities are endless! Some other fantastic suggestions include, but are not limited to: dried cherries, dried cranberries, chopped almonds, chocolate chips (semisweet or dark for less sweetness), or even peanut butter chips for a different flavor profile.
• For a gluten-free option, ensure you use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
• For a vegan version, simply ensure your maple syrup is pure and omit the honey, replacing it with additional maple syrup or agave nectar.

Have you made this recipe?

If you enjoyed this delightful pumpkin spice granola recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and a comment below. Your feedback helps other home cooks! You can also share a picture of your amazing creation on Instagram with the hashtag #LITTLESPICEJAR – I would absolutely love to see what you made!

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