Hello, October. I feel like it was just March, but now we are quickly approaching the holiday season. I cannot complain. It is just wild how quickly this year has gone by. When I think October, I think of pumpkin everything. Even our apartment currently smells of pumpkin. While I am currently obsessed with granola clusters, I decided to make another recipe. These Pumpkin Spice Granola Clusters are perfectly spiced and oh-so addictive.
Americans may have gone a little crazy when it comes to pumpkin spice, but I don’t think anyone is complaining. There are plenty of pumpkin spiced food items at the grocery store. There are pumpkin spiced scented candles and sprays. And of course, there is the quintessential pumpkin spice latte.
So what exactly is pumpkin spice?
While scents and recipes vary, the general pumpkin spice can be connected to the flavors found in pumpkin pie spice blend. The spices in this blend include: cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and cloves. It’s a representation of the smells we think of when we think fall. Whether because of sweet memories or the cozy feeling these scents provide, pumpkin spice is autumn in a nutshell.
Granola Cluster Ingredients:
- Oats: As with all of my granola cluster recipes, this one calls for old-fashioned rolled oats.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: As described above, this lovely blend of spices is what makes these clusters “pumpkin spice.”
- Inclusions: The additions to these clusters include roasted and salted pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries. These two ingredients accompany the spiciness of the pumpkin spice blend perfectly!
- Fats: For this recipe, the fat is avocado oil. However, you could substitute with coconut oil or even grape-seed oil.
- Sweeteners: This recipe calls for a small amount of brown sugar and maple syrup. The flavor profile of both of these sweeteners accompanies the flavors of pumpkin spice very well.
Procedure:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a sheet tray with a silpat or parchment, set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the oats, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, light brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice blend. Stir to combine. Add the maple syrup and avocado oil. Using a rubber spatula, stir mixture until everything is well coated and incorporated.
Pour the oat mixture onto your prepared tray. With your hands (and a sheet of wax paper) or a spatula, flatten and press the granola down into a tight rectangle. The key here is to press everything together as much as you can, almost like a giant granola bar. This process is what is going to give you those lovely clusters of granola.
Bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Rotate the tray and bake for approximately 12 to 15 minutes more. Allow the granola to cool before breaking into clusters. You may have some bits that break off.
These clusters should stay fresh for about 5 to 7 days in an air-tight container.
These Pumpkin Spice Granola Clusters will make your home smell so delightful while in the oven. Perfect as a snack or healthy breakfast, these granola clusters will bring you the flavors of fall in one healthy bite. Served atop yogurt, in a bowl with milk, or with your hands, I think you will enjoy this granola cluster recipe. Happy October!
You May Also Like:
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Granola Clusters
- Coconut Cranberry Granola Clusters
- Chocolate Coconut Pecan Granola Clusters
- “Use What You’ve Got” Granola
Pumpkin Spice Granola Clusters
Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¾ cup pumpkin seeds roasted and lightly salted
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar packed
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ⅓ cup avocado oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a sheet tray with a silpat or parchment, set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, light brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice blend. Stir to combine. Add the maple syrup and avocado oil. Using a rubber spatula, stir mixture until everything is well coated and incorporated.
- Pour the oat mixture onto your prepared tray. With your hands (and a sheet of wax paper) or a spatula, flatten and press the granola down into a tight rectangle. The key here is to press everything together as much as you can, almost like a giant granola bar. This process is what is going to give you those lovely clusters of granola.
- Bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Rotate the tray and bake for approximately 12 to 15 minutes more. Allow the granola to cool before breaking into clusters. You may have some bits that break off.
- These clusters should stay fresh for about 5 to 7 days in an air-tight container.
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