It's been a hot minute since I made up a batch of homemade granola, mostly because it's just been way too hot here to even think about turning the oven on. But, sometimes... it's just worth it. And this morning? It was just that - totally worth it! With pumpkin spice season on the horizon, I thought there was no better time than now to tempt the cooler weather in with another pumpkin inspired treat!
I based this grain-free granola off of one that I made a while back. The main differences would be the spice used in it and the seeds that I chose to include. Since we're going with the Fall theme, I decided to use pumpkin seeds. Two kinds of pumpkin seeds, that is. I picked up a raw one to roast with the granola, and a lightly salted roasted seed called 'snow white' pumpkin seeds to add in at the end.
I really and truly love to make my own granola. Mostly because I get to put in what I'm craving at the time; whether it's sweet, fruit, salty, or just something simple. I left this Pumpkin Spice Granola grain-free and gluten-free, but if you're in the mood for some oats, by all means feel free to add some in!
Making your own granola is all about versatility. I chose to go with cranberries for my dried fruit, because I felt like it was the most seasonal out of all my choices. And as we roll into Fall, it's all about being more festive.
One of my most favorite ways to enjoy this granola (and almost any granola) is paired with some fresh fruit and just a touch of almond milk. It's a great way to start a day off right with plenty of healthy fats and protein.
As I said, if there is any nut, seed, or fruit that you aren't a fan of - swap it out for another one that you enjoy more to make this pumpkin spice granola your own!
TheSkinnyFork.com Pumpkin spice and everything nice - that's what this 'Nut & Seed' Grain-Free Pumpkin Spice Granola is made of! A truly delish gluten-free and grain-free Fall inspired granola. Prep Time: 5 Minutes • Cook Time: 15 Minutes
Servings: 8 • Serving Size: About 1/4 Cup • Calories: 286 • Fat: 21 g • Saturated Fat: 4 g • Carb: 21 g • Fiber: 4 g • Protein: 8 g • Sugar: 11 g • Sodium: 5 mg
• 1 1/2 C. Raw Mixed Nuts
• 1/3 C. Raw Pumpkin Seeds
• 1/4 C. Flax Meal
• 1/4 C. Dried Cranberries
• 1/4 C. Honey
• 1 Tbsp. Coconut Butter, Melted
• 1/2 Tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 1/3 C. Roasted White Pumpkin Seeds
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat; set aside. In a large bowl, mix together the 1 1/2 C. nuts, 1/3 C. raw pumpkin seeds, 1/4 C. ground flax meal and 1/4 C. dried cranberries until well combined and the flax meal coats everything evenly. Add in the 1/4 C. honey, 1 Tbsp. melted coconut butter, 1/2 Tsp. pumpkin pie spice; stir to combine well again. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet and spread it out into an even layer. Place the baking sheet into the oven to bake for about 10 minutes or just until the nuts are turning golden brown and smelling fragrant. Remove briefly from the over and carefully add in the 1/3 C. white pumpkin seeds and stir them up on the baking sheet before placing back into the oven. Bake for another 5 minutes. Once done, remove from the oven and allow the granola to cool completely. As this stuff cools, it hardens up to create the 'granola' texture. Store in an air-tight container on the counter-top and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Photos:
Nutritional Claims: Low Sodium, Kidney Friendly, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Gluten Free, Wheat Free, Egg Free, Soy Free, Fish Free, Shellfish Free, Pork Free, Red Meat Free, Crustacean Free, Celery Free, Mustard Free, Sesame Free, Lupine Free, Mollusk Free, Alcohol Free, Kosher
