Breakfast/ Recipes

Pumpkin Crunch Granola

The other day I was really craving granola…so I made some!

I love homemade granola because it’s so easy to make, lasts forever when stashed in the fridge, and tastes wonderful on thick Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey. Greek yogurt, granola and honey has been my staple breakfast for awhile now — I seem to go in breakfast stages where I’ll eat a certain food every day for a few months then suddenly switch. I’ve been on smoothie kick, a cinnamon raisin kick and now homemade granola and Greek yogurt kick! It tastes great and keeps me full all morning long.

I have a few different types of granola I like to make (chocolate peanut butter being an old favorite!), but this time I wanted to take a seasonal approach. So what did I do? I candied some pumpkin seeds and then stuck them in a pumpkin bread-flavored toasty oat blend…hence the “pumpkin crunch”. I think it might be a new favorite!

Candied pumpkin seeds {pepitas} sound more difficult than they actually are to make! All you do is toss the seeds in a blend of brown sugar, honey, butter and spices in a hot skillet on the stove for a few minutes. The seeds get a beautiful spiced candied shell around them! I could eat these guys all.day.long. They are SO addicting!

But you know what’s even more addicting? The final product! If you’ve never made homemade granola before, you’re in for a real treat!! And bonus! This stuff makes for great gifts. Just fill up clean, dry mason jars {I get mine for cheap at our local hardware store!} with homemade pumpkin crunch granola, screw the top on and then tie a festive orange ribbon around them. It’s the perfect fall-themed hostess gift, if I do say so myself.

I hope you guys love this homemade granola as much as I do! It’ll last for about a month in the fridge {in sealed tupperware containers}, so you have quick and easy breakfasts during the week. Next, I’d like to try making this granola into a bar for snacks on-the-go!

Pumpkin Crunch Granola

yields about 6 cups granola

Print this Recipe!

Ingredients:

for spice mix—

2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp allspice

for candied pepitas—

2 cups pepitas (pumpkin seeds, raw)

1 tbsp butter

1/4 cup honey

1 tsbp brown sugar

1 tsp spice mix

sprinkle of salt

for granola assembly—

4 cups old fashioned oats

remaining spice mix

1 cup maple syrup

3 tbsp coconut oil

1 tsp salt

Directions:

Mix together all spice mix ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.

Melt the butter in a skillet set over medium high heat. Add the pumpkin seeds and 1 tsp of the spice mix. Toast seeds, stirring constantly, until golden brown. And honey and brown sugar and continue to cook while stirring for another two minutes. Carefully transfer and spread out candied seeds on a large sheet tray. Let cool for about 12 minutes, until no longer sticky. Break seeds up with a spatula to avoid sticking and set aside.

Place the oats, along with the remaining spice mix and salt, in a large bowl. Mix well.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Combine the maple syrup and the coconut oil in a large skillet or small saucepot over high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for two minutes. Very carefully, pour the hot syrup over the oats. Toss well.

Spread out granola on two large sheet pans. Bake for about 25 minutes, tossing every five minutes. When done, remove granola from the oven and let cool. Place cooled granola in a large bowl with the candied pumpkin seeds and toss well so everything is incorporated.

 Time:

1 hour

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  • Jenn
    September 21, 2012 at 2:53 am

    Wonderful quality post here! I guess you’re not on your breakfast egg kick anymore? 🙂

  • Heidi - Apples Under My Bed
    September 21, 2012 at 3:50 am

    Yum! This looks so good, love the generous use of the spice mix! Craving has set in 🙂
    Heidi xo

  • Sonal
    September 21, 2012 at 3:57 am

    Granola is my favourite thing to make and this looks so seasonal and delicious! 🙂 Can’t wait to try it!

  • mom
    September 21, 2012 at 4:29 am

    Oh MY!! Will some of this be coming in your suitcase … ?

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
    September 21, 2012 at 4:36 am

    Yumm I love homemade granola… and pumpkin too! Candied pepitas sound awesome, but let’s be honest here, is there anything that doesn’t taste good after being tossed in butter, honey and sugar? 😉 I’m not big on fall weather, but fall foods (especially this granola)? Sign me up!! 🙂

  • Alissa
    September 21, 2012 at 4:46 am

    I love pumpkin and I love granola so this sounds like a win-win combination to be, definitely will have to try and make it soon!

  • Molly @ RDexposed
    September 21, 2012 at 5:06 am

    I’ve been throwing cereal in my yogurt for some crunch. This sounds like a good change up. And who doesn’t lose it when anyone mentions pumpkin?

  • Kitchen Mommy
    September 21, 2012 at 5:21 am

    This recipes SPEAKS to me! I can’t wait to try my hand at candied pepitas – and then the whole granola, if I don’t eat all those delicious-sounding seeds!

  • Abby@ Totes Delish Blog
    September 21, 2012 at 5:28 am

    I NEED to go out and buy a pumpkin now! Between this and all the pumpkin dessert recipes going around, this needs to happen ASAP!

  • Joelle (on a pink typewriter)
    September 21, 2012 at 6:04 am

    Omg omg- I need to make this this weekend!

  • Abby W
    September 21, 2012 at 6:24 am

    You should try pumpkin butter (TJs makes some) instead of honey with your greek yogurt and granola. It’s divine!

  • Molly
    September 21, 2012 at 6:30 am

    Would any kind of oil work? I’d love to make this today but no coconut oil in this house 🙁

    • jenna
      September 21, 2012 at 6:57 am

      Yes, any kind of oil will work 🙂

  • amy walters, aDESIGNdock
    September 21, 2012 at 6:46 am

    Fantastic recipe for this lovely Friday morning!

  • Yolanda
    September 21, 2012 at 6:49 am

    I will so be trying this but without the brown sugar as I don’t do processed sugars or flours. By the way, super excited as your book came in the mail yesterday!

    • Yolanda
      September 21, 2012 at 9:41 am

      In the oven right now as a matter of fact! 🙂

      Our kitchen smells delicious

  • Laura
    September 21, 2012 at 6:54 am

    Are the pepitas peeled? Did you buy them raw or get them from a pumpkin?

    • jenna
      September 21, 2012 at 6:57 am

      I bought them from Trader Joe’s- if using from a pumpkin, you’ll need to bake them first!

  • Andrea @ Vegvacious
    September 21, 2012 at 7:02 am

    Oh yum! I’ve been wanting to make my own pumpkin puree and I just need to do it because I keep seeing all sorts of amazing pumpkin recipes! I love the “Fall” spin you put on your granola recipe – who doesn’t love candied pepitas 🙂

  • Julie
    September 21, 2012 at 7:13 am

    This recipe is exactly what I needed this morning! A few weeks ago I bought pumpkin granola at a farm stand and I loved it. Nothing has ever kept me that full all morning long. When I used it all, I went back and they didn’t have any more. I was SO disappointed. I’ll definitely be making this one!

  • Bekah @ She.Walks.In.Freedom
    September 21, 2012 at 7:16 am

    yum!!!!!! I love fall! It means you can eat so many cozy, yummy things! Like pumpkin granola!!

  • MoneyAfterGrad
    September 21, 2012 at 7:17 am

    My mother in law always gives us homemade granola and it’s SO yummy. This pumpkin seed one looks amazing, and has more of a fall feel to it. Plus the candied pumpkin seeds look tasty! Thanks!

  • Sam @ Better With Sprinkles
    September 21, 2012 at 7:36 am

    It’s been at least a year since I made homemade granola – might have to break that cycle with this deliciousness. 🙂

  • Mary Catherine
    September 21, 2012 at 7:43 am

    Hey Jenna! Are you eating dairy again? What made you decide to add it back to your diet? Love hearing your perspective on health and fitness!

  • Carolyn
    September 21, 2012 at 8:00 am

    Looks amazing! Question: what goes “bad” with granola? Why do you keep it in the fridge? Would it just get stale if left in a container out of the fridge, or is there something else I don’t know about? Good luck on your upcoming book tour and safe travels!

  • allie@sweetpotatobites
    September 21, 2012 at 8:06 am

    love this idea! it’s so perfect for fall!

  • Averie @ Averie Cooks
    September 21, 2012 at 8:18 am

    Your granola looks great! I made pumpkin granola this week too! I just cannot get enough pumpkin in my life – from breads to granola. Mmmm, now that I see yours, I need some pumpkin again 🙂

  • Amanda
    September 21, 2012 at 8:37 am

    What would you suggest for substituting for coconut oil (I have an allergy)?

  • Moni @ {Moni Meals}
    September 21, 2012 at 8:56 am

    This might be one of my favorite things ever! I am so in love with granola–I love love love the flavors you have here too Jenna, good job!!

  • Rebecca
    September 21, 2012 at 8:59 am

    I’ve bookmarked many of your recipes but have never made any until yesterday (i end up forgetting to check the recipes before i go to the grocery store *sigh*). I made the Muhallabia pudding. Delish!!!! I’m trying to slow down and really enjoy cooking and food prep the way I used to, so I plan to use more of your delicious recipes. This one will definitely happen!! My husband and I are big granola fans. And I absolutely LOVE your idea for the hostess gift. I may just have to do that 🙂

    Anywho, my whole reason for commenting was actually to say thank you for taking the time to post these wonderful recipes and beautiful pictures. It’s inspiring!

  • Caroline L.
    September 21, 2012 at 9:12 am

    This sounds so wonderful… I just want to toss some in yogurt and go watch football. Life is good.

  • Heather @ Girlyeverafter
    September 21, 2012 at 9:29 am

    I love making my own granola and never thought to use pumpkin seeds, what an easy and yummy addition!

  • kim@hungryhealthygirl
    September 21, 2012 at 9:45 am

    I go through breakfast phases too. I’ve had this almost everyday for a couple of weeks http://www.hungryhealthygirl.com/recipes/?recipe_id=6032250
    Yummmmm…..candied pumpkin seeds!

  • Angela @ Happy Fit Mama
    September 21, 2012 at 10:21 am

    Perfect timing since I’m on my annual fall pumpkin kick! I love the simplicity of granola. Perfect as a breakfast, snack or really any meal!

  • Rachel
    September 21, 2012 at 10:38 am

    YESSSS! This is THE granola recipe I have been dreaming about. Thank you so much! Cannot wait to try this!!!!

  • Addy@ Six-Kick Switch
    September 21, 2012 at 11:10 am

    Ohmigoodness, this looks amazing. Candied pumpkin seeds – are you kidding?! I pretty sure the granola-making process will stop there… thanks Jenna!

  • kristen
    September 21, 2012 at 11:43 am

    how much greek yogurt would you say you have on a normal basis? I never know what kind of serving size to have with greek yogurt.

  • Megan @ Megan's Miles
    September 21, 2012 at 11:45 am

    This looks delicious! And I just ordered your book on Amazon — can’t wait to read it!

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  • Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
    September 22, 2012 at 6:42 am

    This looks fabulous Jenna!!

  • Joanne - Inspired Taste
    September 22, 2012 at 1:11 pm

    Looks delicious! Perfect for cooler mornings, too.

  • Lesley
    September 22, 2012 at 4:34 pm

    I made your chocolate and peanut butter granola before! Looks like this one is next!!

  • Heather
    September 22, 2012 at 4:38 pm

    Homemade granola is the absolute best thing to make and not buy at the store. And it’s so easy. Healthy but also so delicious! The candied pumpkin seeds are such a good idea!

  • Katie @ Talk Less, Say More
    September 22, 2012 at 6:27 pm

    YUM! This sounds absolutely amazing!!

  • Leslie
    September 23, 2012 at 4:38 pm

    Made this today. It is great! My whole house smells like fall now. Love the candied seeds might have to just make some more.

  • Laura
    September 23, 2012 at 7:55 pm

    I love homemade granola and this is pretty different from anything I have made before. Pinning now!…

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  • Meghan @ kansaspokerwife.com
    September 24, 2012 at 10:32 am

    OMG! This sounds amazing. I love homemade granola.

  • sally @ sallys baking addiction
    September 24, 2012 at 12:58 pm

    Love those candied pepitas. 🙂 I made pumpkin granola but mine are missing those adorable little sweet seed. And I cannot EVER get enough granola in my life!

  • Stacy
    September 24, 2012 at 2:22 pm

    About how long does it take for the pumpkin seeds to turn golden brown? I kept toasted mine and felt like I was burning them, so I took them off even though a few were only golden brown. They are cooling now, so we will see how they turn out!

  • April
    September 24, 2012 at 8:06 pm

    I’m making my second batch of this today! This is my new favorite granola 🙂 Thank you!!!

  • Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles
    September 25, 2012 at 7:52 am

    Homemade granola has become one of my favorite go-to breakfasts. Can’t wait to try this one, thanks!

  • Ami
    September 25, 2012 at 9:33 am

    I CAN NOT WAIT to try your recipie!! If all goes well, I will be giving it as a gift to some dear friends of mine, that just got engaged!!

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  • Kate gonzalez
    September 27, 2012 at 7:58 am

    I bought a pumpkin and wanted to use the seeds to make this granola. How long do I bake the seeds for before I make the candied seeds and can I leave the shell on?

  • Sara @ sarasmiles
    September 28, 2012 at 7:57 am

    Oh. My. Gosh. That granola looks so good! and I love the gift giving idea…feel free to send some to me for xmas!

  • Stephanie
    September 30, 2012 at 11:10 am

    I made a batch of this granola recipe and it is wonderful! My husband and I cannot stop snacking on it. I may have to introduce it to my mother – in – law who is an avid granola eater. Thanks for the recipe, I think this will be a staple in our household for the fall months!

    Stephanie

  • Nicole
    September 30, 2012 at 4:07 pm

    I was about to make a pumpkin granola and put it in some cute jars. I love your idea for making the pumpkin seeds candied.

  • Micha @ blissful bites
    October 2, 2012 at 7:17 am

    I never thought to candy pepitas before adding them to granola. Genius! It’s in the oven as I type….
    Thanks for the recipe!!

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    November 5, 2012 at 10:34 am

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  • Marybeth
    March 8, 2013 at 11:07 am

    I made this delicious recipe this morning and I must say….YUM! Thanks for sharing. I really must leave the house so that there is some left over for the kids and hubby this afternoon!

  • Lynn
    October 1, 2013 at 1:03 pm

    what is in the spice mix? I have all the ingredients but that one..to be honest, I never heard of it. Is it the same as pumpkin pie spice? Thank you.. I plan on making this for my Bible study group on Friday!

    • jenna
      October 1, 2013 at 5:37 pm

      You can use pumpkin pie spice, that’s fine 🙂

  • Kristin
    October 1, 2013 at 2:00 pm

    Does it stay crisp in the fridge or does it soften?

    • jenna
      October 1, 2013 at 5:36 pm

      It stays crisp 🙂

  • Valerie
    October 3, 2013 at 10:45 am

    I make homemade granola on an almost weekly basis – we love it. I just whipped this up and it is hands down our new favorite!!! 🙂 Soooo good!!!! Next time, I’m going to make a double batch of the pumpkin seeds and keep the extra for snacking. 😉 Thanks for another fabulous recipe!!

  • Tracey
    October 3, 2013 at 9:24 pm

    Sounds fabulous but is there something I can substitute for the maple syrup. Not a big fan of maple but the rest of the recipe sounds amazing!!:)

  • Carolyn
    August 22, 2014 at 1:34 pm

    This granola is terrific! I used only half the candied pumpkin seeds in the granola, my preference. The spice flavors were just right-not too concentrated. I also liked that the taste is pretty simple. A lot of granola recipes are made with several different dried fruits, nuts, and seeds. Thanks!

  • Jennifer
    October 20, 2014 at 6:29 pm

    I made this today, haven’t mixed the granola and pepitas yet. The pepitas are still very moist and sticky. Is that ok or is there a way to dry them more?

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  • Mary
    September 20, 2017 at 10:54 am

    This is the best granola ever! I have tried several other recipes over the years and this is by far the best. I made a batch last week which quickly disappeared and today i made a batch and a half. I love how crunchy and chunky this granola is! Amazing. Thanks for another great recipe! 🙂