Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Spiced Pumpkin and Brown Sugar Granola


If you know me, then you know that I love, love, love all things pumpkin and am always on the lookout for a new and delicious way to use it. So, it definitely caught my attention when I found this recipe for Spiced Pumpkin and Brown Sugar granola on Kori's Refresh blog. Now, I've made pumpkin bread, cookies, pie, and scones, but a granola, hmmmm, well that sounded downright interesting. Having stocked up well on pumpkin last year, I still had a couple of cans left in my pantry and they were calling my name.



It all came together beautifully and the only change I made was to double the spices. I would also recommend that you bake it longer than it states in the recipe. Although I baked it for the full time and let it cool completely, it still remained soft and chewy like oatmeal cookies rather than the munchy crunchy granola I was going for. But, after putting it back in the oven for another half an hour or so, it was just right.




As for the taste, I would have liked a little more pumpkin punch to it, but it was still very tasty and I found myself snacking on it over the next few days. Now that I know how easy it is to make my own granola, I'm already contemplating making other versions. Oh the yummy possibilities.


Spiced Pumpkin & Brown Sugar Granola
(from Refresh)


3/4 c. canned pumpkin
1/2 c. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. canola or olive oil
1 Tbsp. vanilla
2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice (I increased the spices)
1 tsp. kosher salt
3 c. old-fashioned oats
2 c. nuts (I left these out)
2 c. dried fruits (I used dried cherries and peaches)

Preheat oven to 325F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, sugar, oil, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Add oats and nuts; toss to coat. Spread evenly on baking sheet and bake 30 min., stirring halfway through (I'd recommend letting it go for an hour). Stir in dried fruit and continue baking until oats are just crisp, about 10-15 min. more. Stir one last time; then set aside to cool completely. When hard, break into chunks and store in an airtight container.

This recipe is linked to:
Decidedly Healthy or Horridly Decadent
Full Plate Thursday
Friday's Potluck

27 comments:

  1. Sounds delicious!! I like that the sugar and oil used isn't on the heavy side. Thanks for sharing.

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  2. I love pumpkin and granola but have never seen the two together. This sounds fantastic! I can't wait to give this a try. Yummy!

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  3. I am on that pumpkin train with you. I love all things pumpkin. This recipes looks so great. I am making this one!

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  4. Oh Lisa, this would have been a favorite of our daughter, Kelly--she loved pumpkin. In fact, for her birthday each year, she'd ask for pumpkin pie instead of a cake! I'll have to make it for her son and ship it to him.
    Love, Susan XOXO

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  5. Bem criativa a receita!
    E bem saudável também!
    Delícia!!!

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  6. What a great combination for a granola. It sounds superb!

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  7. I love pumpkin and granola, this recipe looks great! I'm going to have to try it, thanks. :)

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  8. I make granola all the time and have never made pumpkin and I love it too- maybe it's time to try it!

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  9. Sounds healthy and delicious. I've never made granola myself and this seems easy and simple. Thanks for sharing. :)

    Amy
    http://utry.it

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  10. Yum Lisa, this sounds delicious. I love granola for snacking more than for breakfast. thanks.

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  11. I'm a little quacky for pumpkin too. Love this. And I love that the sugar (yes, I know this blog is called sweet as sugar cookies, but still...) is not a crazy high amount. Can't wait to try it.

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  12. What an interesting idea! I'm gonna have to try this one for sure. I love granola...and pumpkin too. Check out my blog post tomorrow (Friday) for a lowfat recipe using pumpkin. Thanks for all you do here!

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  13. I added your blog button to my blog also...*-*

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  14. Oh goodness this looks so yummy. I adore granola and even though it doesn't have that big pumpkin kick, I bet the flavor was just enough to still be quite tasty. Love this recipe!

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  15. Oh yum! This must taste delicious. I love granola and with the pumpkin and pumpkin spice even better:)

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  16. wow so simple! I love it. I will be trying that next week!

    Peace!
    Missy
    http://throughanindielens.blogspot.com/

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  17. I make my own...but it isn't pumpkin! I'm trying this! yum!

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  18. Nothing beats home made granola!

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  19. This looks good. Have never tried making granola before. Thanks for sharing!

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  20. I LOVE this kind of granola! So delicious! I find myself eating way too much of it! Thanks!

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  21. Great minds think alike!! I made granola this week and I am loving it. This recipe sounds amazing! I love the addition of the pumpkin pie spice. OH YUM!!

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  22. This sounds great and can't wait to try it. Wouldn't it be great with pumpkin seeds as well...just wish they were as easy to find as when they are in season ;) Have a great weekend. Fondly, Roberta

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  23. Hi Lisa,
    Although I know you didn't really make this Granola just for me, I am pretending you did. It looks so delicious and I am going to love it. Thank you so much for bringing it to Full Plate Thursday and please come back!

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  24. Lisa, I second Miz Helen... maybe you made it for us both? What a lovely post.

    Thank you so much for bringing to Friday Potluck! You've been so supportive of all of my bloggy efforts! :)

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  25. Thanks Lisa - I love all styles of homemade granola - this looks like a winner.

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  26. I love this granola! It looks so delicious and yummy! I can't wait to mae it for the family, they'll love it! Thanks!

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