Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup raw pumpkin or sunflower seeds
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- ⅓ cup olive oil
Add-ins
- ½ cup dried raisins or dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the oats, pumpkin or sunflower seeds, pumpkin pie spice, salt, maple syrup, and olive oil. Mix thoroughly until the oats and seeds are evenly coated with the wet ingredients and spices.
- Spread and Bake: Spread the granola mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring once or twice if desired, until the granola is lightly browned and fragrant.
- Cool and Add Fruit: Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for about 1 hour. During this time, it will harden and become crunchy. After cooling, mix in the dried raisins or cranberries.
- Store and Serve: Once completely cooled and mixed, store the granola in an airtight container. Enjoy as a seasonal snack, breakfast topping, or with yogurt or milk.
Notes
- For the crunchiest granola, avoid under-baking or baking at too high a temperature to prevent burning.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure even baking of the granola.
- For larger clusters, press the granola mixture firmly down on the baking sheet before baking.
- Allow the granola to cool completely to achieve its crunchy texture as it hardens while cooling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
