I love granola. For some reason it always makes me feel better about myself and the idea of eating granola makes me think I am getting fitter. (It’s all about perception, right?) Therefore, I am always trying to find a healthier way to make it.
Yes, there are healthier ways to make even granola. Most conventional recipes call for LOTS of oil. I have found some recipes that use olive oil (which I adore), but the following granola definitely has the flavors for the season—pumpkin and all the spices associated with pumpkin pie. Most importantly, it has no oil but uses applesauce.
Healthy Pumpkin Granola
5 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup pecan halves
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
¾ tsp. fine sea salt
¾ cup brown sugar
½ cup pumpkin puree
¼ cup applesauce
¼ cup maple syrup (or maple flavored agave nectar)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 t. freshly grated ginger
3/4 cup dried cranberriesPreheat the oven to 325° F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicon pad and set aside.
In a LARGE bowl, combine oats, pecans and next four ingredients (spices and salt). Carefully toss to mix well.
In a food processor or blender, add brown sugar, pumpkin puree, applesauce, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and ginger. Process until smooth. Pour wet ingredients into oat mixture and stir until the oats are evenly coated. They will be moist. Evenly spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20 minutes. Remove pan from the oven and stir. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the granola is golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and let cool. Stir in dried cranberries. Store in an airtight container.
Note: Serve granola with yogurt, milk, or enjoy plain as a snack.
I adapted this recipe from Two Peas & Their Pod (which they adapted from Baking Bites).
Granola in an antique jar.
Package this granola in an antique jar or other decorative sealable container.
Although this is now my favorite granola of ALL TIME, you can see my previous favorites: Maple-Olive Oil Granola and My Favorite Granola (previously, of course).
For more gift ideas, see last year’s posts: 12 Days of Christmas Treats.
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I LOVE this — I too am a big granola fan, but years ago I gave up eating it because of the oil factor. The fact that you can make a great tasting granola without oil is wonderful news to me. Thanks so much 🙂
I love granola, too…and the different spices in yours sound so yummy!!!
Couldn’t you just call this pumpkin granola and leave the “healthy” word out? Granola is a great snack, love it with yogurt. I’ve been meaning to make my own…. I have an antique jar like that but no lid, it’s a weird size and I haven’t been able to find one, but it still makes a great vase.
ok…got it. I’m making this tomorrow. yum!!
Glad you did. Hope you found the search button; I just emailed you as well.