Pumpkin Spiced Granola

Today, I bring to you an incredibly simple recipe that is perfect to snack on all throughout the fall months. This granola is packed full of nutrients and is oil-free, gluten free, nut free, refined sugar free, vegan and still tastes incredible… it doesn’t get much better than that!

This is the perfect recipe to whip up when you’re in a hurry and want a quick snack or need to make a gift for someone special. While the granola is toasting it fills your house with the most heavenly fall scent and creates such a cozy environment.

I decided to use maple syrup as the sweetener instead of sugar, and included flax seeds for a nutty flavor as well as omega-3 fatty acids. The pumpkin seeds are the best part of this recipe, in my opinion, because they provide the perfect crunch while also providing lots of iron, magnesium, protein, and zinc.

I kept this recipe extremely simple so that substitutes could easily be made based on what you have available in your pantry. The pumpkin seeds could be swapped out for any other type of seed or nut you have on hand. Chia seeds could be used instead of flax seeds. The maple syrup could be replaced with honey, agave, molasses or completely eliminated if you did not want to use a sweetener.

To keep this recipe oil-free, I not only removed oil from the recipe but I also suggest using a baking sheet liner instead of greasing the pan with oil. You can use parchment paper, or these amazing reusable silicon baking sheet liners you can buy off Amazon.

Granola is the perfect treat to make in bulk to package up as gifts. Not only is it inexpensive and easy to make, but it’s a healthy treat to share with those you love. Rather than handing out candy or chocolates for Halloween, make a big batch of this granola to hand out instead!