Making pumpkin seed granola is a delightful and nutritious way to enjoy a crunchy snack or breakfast topping. Here’s a simple recipe for pumpkin seed granola:
Ingredients:
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup pumpkin seeds (raw or roasted)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional, for added sweetness)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, chopped nuts, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to mix evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the melted coconut oil, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until the oats and seeds are evenly coated.
- Spread on Baking Sheet: Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, pressing it down slightly to form a uniform layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until the granola turns golden brown. Stir the granola every 10-15 minutes to ensure even baking.
- Add Dried Fruits (Optional): If you’re using dried cranberries or raisins, add them to the granola after it comes out of the oven. Mix well.
- Cool: Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. It will continue to crisp up as it cools.
- Store: Once completely cooled, transfer the pumpkin seed granola to an airtight container for storage.
- Enjoy: Serve the granola with yogurt, milk, or as a topping for your favorite desserts.
Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other ingredients like coconut flakes, chia seeds, or your favorite spices. Enjoy your homemade pumpkin seed granola!