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To make this snack mix, you need a few key ingredients. They give the mix its great taste and crunch. - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup pumpkin seeds - 1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped These three ingredients form the base of your granola. Rolled oats provide texture and bulk. Pumpkin seeds add a nice crunch, while pecans give a rich flavor. Now, let’s add some wet ingredients. They help bind everything together. - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Honey or maple syrup sweetens the mix. Coconut oil gives it a slight richness. Vanilla adds warmth and depth to the flavor. Finally, we need some flavor enhancers. They make your granola pop with taste. - 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice blend - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt - 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional) Pumpkin spice blend is the star here. It brings that cozy fall flavor. Sea salt balances the sweetness. Dried cranberries add a hint of tartness, while dark chocolate chips are for a special treat. You can find the full recipe to create this tasty mix. Follow the steps closely for the best results! - Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Start by warming your oven. This ensures the granola cooks evenly. Next, grab a baking sheet and cover it with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. - Combine oats, pumpkin seeds, pecans, pumpkin spice, and salt. In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, and coarsely chopped pecans. Then, add the pumpkin spice blend and fine sea salt. Stir well so every piece gets some flavor. - Mix honey (or maple syrup), coconut oil, and vanilla extract. - Pour wet mixture over dry ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, and pure vanilla extract. This mixture adds sweetness and binds all the dry ingredients. Pour this over the dry mix and stir gently. Make sure everything is coated. - Spread onto the baking sheet and press slightly. - Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway. Now, spread the mixture onto your lined baking sheet. Press it down slightly to form clusters. Bake it in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Be sure to stir it halfway through to promote even browning. The granola should turn golden brown and smell fantastic. - Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. - Add cranberries and chocolate chips once cooled. After baking, take the sheet out and let the granola cool completely. This step is key for it to clump together. Once cool, fold in the dried cranberries and dark chocolate chips. Stir gently to mix evenly. For the complete recipe, visit the Full Recipe section. To create clusters in your granola, press the mixture down gently as you spread it on the baking sheet. This helps the oats stick together. When you bake, you want to ensure even baking. Stir the granola halfway through the baking time. This keeps the edges from burning and lets it brown nicely. Balancing flavors is key. If you find the granola too sweet, try using less honey or maple syrup. You can also switch sweeteners. Brown sugar or agave syrup works well, too. Each sweetener adds a unique twist to the flavor. Make your granola your own by adding spices. A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can boost the warmth of the mix. You can also enhance it with dried fruits or nuts. Consider adding chopped dates, dried apples, or walnuts for extra flavor and texture. The options are endless, so get creative! {{image_4}} You can easily make this pumpkin spice granola snack mix fit your diet. If you need a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free oats. This small change allows everyone to enjoy the mix without worry. For those who prefer vegan options, swap honey for maple syrup. Maple syrup gives your granola a sweet flavor while keeping it plant-based. Want to switch things up? Try adding a chocolate and coconut twist. Just mix in some dark chocolate chips and shredded coconut. This combo adds a rich taste and a delightful chewiness. Another tasty variation is the maple pecan mix. Simply replace the pumpkin seeds with more pecans and add a splash of maple extract. This will give your granola a sweet, nutty flavor. You can also add festive ingredients to keep things fun during the holidays. Think about mixing in dried apples or cranberries for autumn vibes. You can even try other spice blends like cinnamon or nutmeg for a new taste. These little changes keep your pumpkin spice granola exciting all year round. Store your pumpkin spice granola in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and crunchy. I recommend placing it in a cool, dry spot. Avoid areas with heat or moisture, like near the oven or sink. Your granola will stay fresh for up to two weeks at room temperature. Check for signs of staleness. If it feels soft or tastes bland, it’s past its prime. Fresh granola should be crispy and full of flavor. To keep granola longer, you can freeze it. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. When you want to enjoy it, take it out and let it thaw on the counter. This keeps the texture nice. Enjoy your homemade pumpkin spice granola snack mix anytime! You can find the full recipe above. You can add many fun toppings to your mix. Here are some ideas: - Chopped nuts: Try almonds, walnuts, or cashews for extra crunch. - Seeds: Sunflower seeds or chia seeds add more nutrition. - Dried fruits: Apricots or figs can add sweetness and chewiness. - Coconut flakes: Unsweetened coconut can give a tropical twist. - Spices: A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg enhances flavor. These mix-ins can make your snack mix even more exciting! Yes, you can easily prepare this recipe in advance. Make your granola mix and store it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to two weeks at room temperature. To save time, you can make larger batches. This way, you always have a tasty snack ready to go! To achieve that perfect crunchy texture, follow these tips: - Use less oil: Too much oil can make granola soft. - Bake longer: Keep an eye on it; bake until golden brown. - Stir halfway: This helps it bake evenly and become crunchy. - Let it cool: Cooling helps it firm up and stick together. These steps will help you create a crunchy granola snack. Yes, you can easily reduce sugar in this recipe. Here are some options: - Use less honey: Cut the amount in half for a lower-sugar mix. - Try sugar substitutes: Use stevia or erythritol for sweetness. - Add natural sweetness: Incorporate mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce. These changes make the mix friendlier for low-sugar diets. If you prefer ready-made options, several brands offer tasty pumpkin spice granola mixes. Look for these popular choices: - Nature Valley: Known for crunchy granola with great flavors. - Bear Naked: Offers organic options with a variety of mix-ins. - KIND: Known for nut-based blends with unique flavors. You can find these at most grocery stores or online. This blog post offered a complete guide to making pumpkin spice granola snack mix. You learned about the essential ingredients, precise steps for preparation, and tips to customize and store the mix. Use the variations to match your taste or dietary needs, like gluten-free or vegan options. Involve your creativity to make a snack everyone loves. Enjoy this tasty treat that boosts energy and delights your senses. Get started now, and share your results!

Pumpkin Spice Granola Snack Mix

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this delicious pumpkin spice granola snack mix! Perfect for snacking or gifting, this recipe combines rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, pecans, and a hint of sweetness from honey or maple syrup. In just 40 minutes, you can create this wholesome treat that’s great for any occasion. Click through to discover how easy it is to make your own pumpkin spice granola and enjoy every crunchy bite!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup pumpkin seeds

1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 tablespoon pumpkin spice blend

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

1 cup dried cranberries or raisins

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

    In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, coarsely chopped pecans, pumpkin spice blend, and fine sea salt. Stir the mixture well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

      In a separate bowl, combine the honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, and pure vanilla extract. Whisk these wet ingredients together until they are fully blended and smooth.

        Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently stir until every piece of dry ingredient is well coated with the wet mixture.

          Transfer the combined granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use your hands or a spatula to spread it out evenly, pressing down slightly to create clusters.

            Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Be sure to stir the mixture halfway through baking to ensure even browning. The granola is done when it appears golden brown and emits a delightful aroma.

              Once baked, remove the sheet from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, it will become even more clumped together.

                After the mixture has cooled, fold in the dried cranberries (or raisins) and dark chocolate chips if you choose to include them, mixing gently until evenly distributed.

                  Store your delicious pumpkin spice granola snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature, where it will stay fresh for up to two weeks.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 8

                      - Presentation Tips: For a delightful serving, consider filling mason jars with the granola mix as individual gifts or snacks, adding a festive ribbon around the jar for a charming touch.