- Honey: Acts as a natural sweetener and binds ingredients together (SEO keyword: honey)
- Almond flour: Keeps the granola healthy without compromising on texture (SEO keyword: almond flour)
- Salt: Balances the sweetness of the other ingredients (SEO keyword: salt)
- Coconut flakes: Adds an extra layer of crunch and tropical flavor (SEO keyword: coconut flakes)
Steps
### Crunchy Pumpkin Pie Granola Recipe
#### Introduction to the Recipe
Looking for a delicious and nutritious way to start your day or as an afternoon snack? Try making this delightful Crispy Pumpkin Pie Granola! This recipe combines the sweet flavors of pumpkin with crunchy oats, nuts, and seeds. Perfectly seasoned with spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, it's reminiscent of autumn's warm pie.
#### Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or almonds (for crunch)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ginger
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp melted coconut oil or butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
#### Step-by-Step Instructions
**Prep and Mix Ingredients**
1. **Preheat Oven**: Preheat your oven to 300°F (about 150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
**Add Wet Ingredients**
3. **Mix in Sweeteners**: Stir in the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract (if using) until all dry ingredients are well coated.
4. **Fold in Pumpkin Puree**: Gently fold in the pumpkin puree to ensure it's evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
**Bake and Cool**
5. **Spread on Baking Sheet**: Spread the granola mixture evenly onto your prepared baking sheet.
6. **Bake Until Crispy**: Bake for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
7. **Cool Completely**: Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
#### Tips and Variations
- **Substitutions**: For a nut-free option, replace the nuts with more seeds or dried fruit like cranberries.
- **Storage**: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- **Additions**: Enhance your granola by adding a few drops of pumpkin spice flavoring or a handful of chocolate chips.
#### Conclusion
This Pumpkin Pie Granola is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it the perfect addition to any breakfast or snack routine. Perfect for those chilly autumn mornings, enjoy this homemade treat that's both healthy and comforting!
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By following these steps, you'll create a crunchy pumpkin pie granola that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen! Don’t hesitate to experiment with different spices and ingredients to tailor the flavor according to your taste preferences.