Spice Up Your Homemade Granola This Fall

We can’t get enough of the irresistible flavors of fall and they’re even better in granola form. Leave the candy at the store, we have some great fall inspired recipes that you can make at home. The key to making healthy granola is to use natural sweeteners that come from fruits and spices. Here are some healthy granola creations you can indulge in:

Pumpkin Granola
If you love pumpkin spice, then give this Pumpkin Granola a try! It’s packed with protein as well as fiber and is low in calories. Pair this festive granola with some yogurt or even enjoy it as a healthy cereal. The pepitas (pumpkin seeds) used in this recipe are rich in nutrients and antioxidants, making them a great addition to your bowl. Check out the recipe below:

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed well and pat dry with paper towel
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseeds
• 1/4 cup pepitas (or other seed)
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup real maple syrup (or honey)
• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 tsp oil (coconut or canola)
• 1 tsp pumpkin spice (or more to taste)
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• pinch kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 325° F. Spread oats and quinoa out on a parchment lined baking pan. Toast in the oven 10 minutes, stirring once. Remove the oats from the oven, pour the toasted oats into a medium bowl and add the ground flaxseeds, pepitas, pecans and dried fruit. Reduce oven to 300° F. In a second medium bowl, combine maple syrup, pumpkin puree, oil, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, salt and vanilla. Pour over oats and stir together with a spatula. Spread back onto a baking sheet and bake an additional 20 minutes, or until golden.

Brown Butter Pecan and Maple Quinoa Granola
A fan of pecans? Get into the spirit of fall with Brown Butter Pecan and Maple Quinoa Autumn Harvest Granola. This delicious autumn treat is full of flavor and healthy ingredients, and is a great source of protein and fiber. The quinoa used in this recipe not only gives this granola some extra crunch, but also provides a high amount of antioxidants. Try pairing it with yogurt to make a delicious treat! Check out how to make this recipe below:

INGREDIENTS

• 3 cups old fashioned oats
• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 1 cup raw pecans
• 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
• 1 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 3 small-medium honey crisp apples, chopped
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (homemade if possible)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or 1 more tablespoon butter)
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 tablespoons honey

INSTRUCTIONS
In a large bowl, combine the oats, cooked quinoa, pecans, pumpkin seeds, cranberries and chopped apples. In a skillet or small sauce pot melt the butter over medium heat until just browned. The butter will melt, foam and froth, then begin to brown along the bottom. Whisk browned bits off of the bottom of the pan. Once the butter is browned quickly remove from the heat and slowly stir in the maple syrup, pumpkin and coconut oil. Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and salt, and stir in the vanilla. Pour the warm mixture over the dry oat mixture and stir to fully combine. Spread the granola out onto two parchment lined baking sheet with sides and drizzle with 2 tablespoons honey. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes stirring every 15 minutes so the granola will get evenly toasted at 325 F. The last time you stir the granola, drizzle it with the remaining 2 tablespoons honey. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before storing. Store up to one week or longer if kept in the fridge, and enjoy!

What are some of your favorite festive granola recipes for the fall season? Share in the comments below!