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Welcome to the delightful world of homemade granola! If you’ve ever wandered through the aisles of your local grocery store, you know that granola comes in countless varieties, often boasting impressive health claims. However, there’s something truly special about crafting your own granola at home. Not only does it allow complete control over the ingredients and flavors, but it also lets you customize your mix to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Homemade granola can be enjoyed in a myriad of ways: as a topping for yogurt, a crunchy addition to smoothies, or simply as a healthy snack on its own.

Pumpkin Granola Clusters for Snack Time

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with homemade Pumpkin Spice Granola Clusters! This easy recipe combines rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, nuts, and warm spices to create a nutritious treat perfect for breakfast, snacks, or topping yogurt. Enjoy the health benefits of fiber, protein, and natural sweetness from pumpkin puree and honey or maple syrup. Customize with your favorite mix-ins and celebrate autumn with every delicious bite!

Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

1/2 cup pecans, chopped

1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (for a vegan option)

1/3 cup pure pumpkin puree

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons pumpkin spice blend (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, shredded coconut, chopped pecans, pumpkin spice blend, and salt. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

      Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), pure pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until smooth. This will create a sweet and flavorful binding mixture.

        Combine: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until all the dry ingredients are well coated.

          Form Clusters: With clean hands or a spatula, press the mixture firmly onto the prepared baking sheet to form clusters. It’s important to pack it tightly to achieve good clusters during baking.

            Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning. Keep an eye on your granola; it should be golden brown and fragrant.

              Cool Down: Once baked, remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. It will harden as it cools, forming delicious clusters.

                Add Dried Fruits: Once cooled, if desired, stir in the dried cranberries or raisins just before breaking the granola into clusters.

                  Store: Transfer the pumpkin granola clusters to an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 35 minutes | Makes about 6 servings