I believe this Pumpkin Spiced Granola is the last of my pumpkin obsessed recipes for the season. We'll see, I may end up getting one more wave of pumpkin fever before the apple and pear baking begins, but for now, I'm leaving you with the sweet taste of pumpkin and spice in the form of granola.
This pumpkin spice granola is made from soaked nuts and is flavored with honey and Autumn spices. There's no oats or wheat as a typical granola would have. Soaking the nuts overnight makes them easier to digest by breaking down the outer barrier called phytic acid, and drying them at really low heat preserves the valuable nutrients they provide. I try to soak my nuts whenever possible, with the exception of almond flour as I haven't yet been able to reproduce the fine grind that I can get by ordering it online. Want to know more about Phytates and nuts? I'm not an expert but I know my body handles nuts better when soaked (plus it gives this granola an awesome crunch!), so I'll direct you over to Mark's Daily Apple for more answers.
If you’re counting calories, I need to warn you this granola is probably not for you. It’s made up of 4 different types of nuts, which while high in good fats, definitely tap in high on the calorie scale! You really only need a small amount sprinkled over yogurt with fresh fruit, or with a little almond milk. It's also a great snack to keep in your bag when you're going to be out and about for the day and need a little pick-me-up.
Looking for more pumpkin?
Dehydrating is my preferred method for making this granola, but you can bake the granola in your oven at 170 degrees for 3-4 hours, or until it is completely dried and free of all moisture.
Morgan
Yum! How many servings does this make?
Alex
Love it! I need to get a dehydrator ASAP. Thanks for another wonderful idea! I’ll share it with my paleo fellows for sure.
Renee
I never tire of pumpkin. This will be a nice addition to my recipe file for my pumpkin obsession. Thanks Danielle.
Amber
Wow! this looks great. I’m constantly looking for portable snacks that are Paleo-friendly. I can’t wait to try this!
Alyssa | Queen of Quinoa
Another fabulous way to use my all-time favorite fall food! I love pumpkin everything, but mixed with granola, I think you’ve found the perfect combo. Just lovely!
Vicky
This looks sooo delicious Danielle!
Loretta | A Finn In The Kitchen
The granola looks incredible! I love that it made clusters….
Lisa
Do you have to soak the Mac nuts too??
Beth Trizza
This is SOOOO addictive! I can’t walk into my kitchen without eating some of this amazing granola! I am thinking about making it into food bars so it will be easier to snack on at work. THANK YOU for this fabulous recipe!
Jill Jarvis
Can you give suggestions on a good dehydrater?
Against All Grain
I use a TSM but an Excalibur is a great one and a little more affordable. Check my amazon store to the right!
Deidre
Hi, this looks delicious. Im wanting to make this, but am nervous about the soaking of the nuts. Won’t this ruin them? Any words of wisdom to get me started.
Against All Grain
You will dehydrate them afterwards so they will return back to their crunchy state. Read up on phytic acid and the benefits of soaking nuts.
Deidre
Thanks all makes perfect sense now. Thanks.
Against All Grain
Enjoy!
Tanya
This is soooooo tasty. I love it. Thanks for the recipe!! 🙂
Amy
Could you leave out the honey? Or any non sweetener substitutes?
Against All Grain
No, it adds to the flavor and helps bind it.
Julia
Would organic maple syrup work rather than honey in this recipe?
Against All Grain
perhaps, although I find honey binds it better
Deborah
The taste of this recipe is really good, but I struggled with the dehydration process b/c I don’t have one. I cooked it at 170 for about 4-5 hours. It’s time consuming b/c of the various processes, so be prepared to spend time on it. Mine never got “sticky” as mentioned and my pieces don’t seem as dry as they should be or as “chunky” as your photo. It’s all separated and more like a cereal than chunks of granola.
All in all, the flavor is GREAT! I would definitely make it again, but probably will get a dehydration machine first.
One question….. Why can’t I just make balls, put it in the oven at around 350 and cook them till crunchy? What will happen?
Against All Grain
I’m not sure, I have never tried that. If you try it, let me know. Thanks!
Mary
Would a Vitamix work or does it have to be a food processor? Thanks!
gigi61
It looks terrific! However, I am on a diet without any sugars, including honey and maple etc. do you have a recommendation for a substitute for the honey? Or a way to leave out the honey, yet still have the binding effect of the honey? Maybe almond butter? Just guessing.
Vickie
Did you ever come up with an answer for not using honey? I’m also not supposed to have any sugar.
Paula
Hi! I don’t have a dehydrator, but my oven has a convection setting. Could you suggest a temperature and length of time that would work for an oven? Thanks so much!
Paula
Hi! I don’t have a dehydrator, but my oven has a convection setting. Could you suggest a temperature a cooking length for an oven? Thanks!
Danielle
Hi Paula, you can try baking it at 350 for about 15 mins stirring half way through.