Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Granola Easy and Tasty Snack

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Craving a tasty snack that is easy to make? You’ll love my Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Granola! This simple recipe combines wholesome oats, nuts, and pumpkin seeds with warm spices to create a delicious treat. Not only does it smell amazing while it cooks, but it also nourishes you with every bite. Ready to make your own homemade granola? Let’s dive into the tasty details!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Granola

– 3 cups rolled oats

– 1 cup pumpkin seeds

– 1/2 cup chopped almonds

– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

– 1/4 cup maple syrup

– 1/4 cup coconut oil

The main ingredients in this granola are simple yet flavorful. Rolled oats form the base of the recipe. They give you a hearty texture. Pumpkin seeds add a nice crunch and are full of nutrients. I love using chopped almonds and walnuts for their rich taste. They provide healthy fats and protein. Maple syrup adds sweetness, while coconut oil brings a lovely richness to the mix.

Spices and Flavorings

– 1 teaspoon cinnamon

– 1 teaspoon nutmeg

– 1/2 teaspoon ginger

– 1/2 teaspoon allspice

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

The spices in this recipe are what make it special. Cinnamon and nutmeg create that warm, cozy feeling. Ginger gives it a little kick, while allspice adds depth. A touch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors. Together, these spices make your kitchen smell amazing.

Optional Ingredients

– 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins

– 1/2 cup shredded coconut

You can customize your granola with optional ingredients. Dried cranberries or raisins add a chewy texture and a burst of sweetness. Shredded coconut brings a tropical flavor that pairs well with the spices. Feel free to mix and match these ingredients based on your taste. They can make your granola even more delightful!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dry Ingredients

Start with a large mixing bowl. Add 3 cups of rolled oats. Next, toss in 1 cup of pumpkin seeds. Then, chop 1/2 cup each of almonds and walnuts. Mix these ingredients well. Now, add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon of ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon of allspice. Don’t forget 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir everything together until it is well combined. This blend brings out the warm fall flavors.

Combining Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, take 1/4 cup of maple syrup. Add 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil. Mix these two ingredients until they are smooth. This syrupy mix will help the dry ingredients stick together. It also adds a sweet touch to your granola.

Cooking in the Slow Cooker

Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir well to coat all the oats and nuts. Now, transfer this mix into your slow cooker. Spread it out evenly. Cover the cooker and set it on low. Cook for 3 to 4 hours. Be sure to stir every hour. This helps the granola cook evenly and prevents burning. After cooking, take off the lid and let it cool slightly. While it is warm, mix in 1 cup of dried cranberries or raisins. You can add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut if you like. Once cool, store your delicious granola in an airtight container.

Tips & Tricks

Best Practices for Cooking Granola

To avoid burning your granola, stir it every hour. This step helps spread the heat evenly. If you leave it too long, the edges may burn while the middle stays raw.

Use the low setting on your slow cooker. This method allows the granola to cook gently. It takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach the perfect crunch. Keep an eye on the color; it should turn golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

For a great presentation, serve your granola in a clear glass jar. This way, you can show off its colorful layers. Pair it with yogurt and fresh fruits for a tasty breakfast parfait. You can also sprinkle it over oatmeal or ice cream for a delightful treat.

Storing Your Granola

To keep your granola fresh, store it in an airtight container. A glass jar works great for this purpose. It helps prevent moisture and keeps your granola crunchy. If stored well, it can last for up to two weeks.

For longer storage, consider freezing your granola. Just place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, let it thaw at room temperature.

Variations

Nut and Seed Substitutions

You can change the nuts and seeds in your granola. Try walnuts or pecans instead of almonds. Sunflower seeds or chia seeds work well too. If you want less crunch, use ground nuts. Just remember, each nut or seed adds different flavors and textures.

Add-Ins and Mix-Ins

You can add more fun to your granola. Dried fruits like raisins, dates, or apricots can sweeten it. For extra spice, try cardamom or cloves. You can even add chocolate chips for a treat. Be creative and mix what you love!

Dietary Modifications

If you need gluten-free granola, use certified gluten-free oats. To make it vegan, swap maple syrup for agave nectar. For nut-free granola, skip the nuts and use extra seeds. These changes keep the flavor great while meeting your needs.

Storage Info

How to Store Granola

To keep your granola fresh, store it in an airtight container. Glass jars work great for this. You can also use plastic containers with tight seals. Proper storage helps keep moisture out. This granola should stay good for about two weeks at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it.

Freezing Granola

Freezing granola is simple. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, just take out what you need. Let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours or on the counter for about 30 minutes. You can also enjoy it straight from the freezer for a crunchy snack.

When to Discard

Look for signs of spoilage to know when to discard your granola. If it smells off or has a strange taste, it’s best to throw it away. Check for any mold or unusual colors, too. Always trust your senses. If you’re unsure, it’s safer to discard it than risk eating spoiled food. Keeping an eye on these factors helps you enjoy your granola at its best.

FAQs

Can I make Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Granola ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this granola ahead. Store it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to two weeks at room temperature. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge. If you want to enjoy it warm, just reheat it in the oven for a few minutes.

How do I adjust the sweetness in the recipe?

You can modify the sweetness easily. If you like it sweeter, add more maple syrup. Use a tablespoon or two more. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the syrup by the same amount. You can also try honey or agave syrup.

Is it safe to cook granola in a slow cooker?

Yes, it is safe to cook granola in a slow cooker. Just follow a few simple rules. First, keep the heat on low. This helps prevent burning. Second, stir the mixture every hour. This ensures even cooking and great flavor.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

You can use quick oats, but the texture will change. Quick oats make a softer granola. It may also cook faster, so check it often. If you prefer a crunchier granola, stick with rolled oats for the best results.

This post covered how to make Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Granola. We discussed key ingredients like oats, nuts, and spices. I shared tips for cooking and storing your granola. You learned how to add variations and adjust flavors to fit your tastes.

Try different nuts, seeds, or fruits to make this recipe your own. Enjoy your homemade granola, knowing it’s fresh and tasty! With these simple steps, you’ll create a snack that’s both healthy and satisfying.

- 3 cups rolled oats - 1 cup pumpkin seeds - 1/2 cup chopped almonds - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts - 1/4 cup maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil The main ingredients in this granola are simple yet flavorful. Rolled oats form the base of the recipe. They give you a hearty texture. Pumpkin seeds add a nice crunch and are full of nutrients. I love using chopped almonds and walnuts for their rich taste. They provide healthy fats and protein. Maple syrup adds sweetness, while coconut oil brings a lovely richness to the mix. - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon ginger - 1/2 teaspoon allspice - 1/2 teaspoon salt The spices in this recipe are what make it special. Cinnamon and nutmeg create that warm, cozy feeling. Ginger gives it a little kick, while allspice adds depth. A touch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors. Together, these spices make your kitchen smell amazing. - 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins - 1/2 cup shredded coconut You can customize your granola with optional ingredients. Dried cranberries or raisins add a chewy texture and a burst of sweetness. Shredded coconut brings a tropical flavor that pairs well with the spices. Feel free to mix and match these ingredients based on your taste. They can make your granola even more delightful! Start with a large mixing bowl. Add 3 cups of rolled oats. Next, toss in 1 cup of pumpkin seeds. Then, chop 1/2 cup each of almonds and walnuts. Mix these ingredients well. Now, add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon of ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon of allspice. Don't forget 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir everything together until it is well combined. This blend brings out the warm fall flavors. In a separate bowl, take 1/4 cup of maple syrup. Add 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil. Mix these two ingredients until they are smooth. This syrupy mix will help the dry ingredients stick together. It also adds a sweet touch to your granola. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir well to coat all the oats and nuts. Now, transfer this mix into your slow cooker. Spread it out evenly. Cover the cooker and set it on low. Cook for 3 to 4 hours. Be sure to stir every hour. This helps the granola cook evenly and prevents burning. After cooking, take off the lid and let it cool slightly. While it is warm, mix in 1 cup of dried cranberries or raisins. You can add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut if you like. Once cool, store your delicious granola in an airtight container. To avoid burning your granola, stir it every hour. This step helps spread the heat evenly. If you leave it too long, the edges may burn while the middle stays raw. Use the low setting on your slow cooker. This method allows the granola to cook gently. It takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach the perfect crunch. Keep an eye on the color; it should turn golden brown. For a great presentation, serve your granola in a clear glass jar. This way, you can show off its colorful layers. Pair it with yogurt and fresh fruits for a tasty breakfast parfait. You can also sprinkle it over oatmeal or ice cream for a delightful treat. To keep your granola fresh, store it in an airtight container. A glass jar works great for this purpose. It helps prevent moisture and keeps your granola crunchy. If stored well, it can last for up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing your granola. Just place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, let it thaw at room temperature. {{image_2}} You can change the nuts and seeds in your granola. Try walnuts or pecans instead of almonds. Sunflower seeds or chia seeds work well too. If you want less crunch, use ground nuts. Just remember, each nut or seed adds different flavors and textures. You can add more fun to your granola. Dried fruits like raisins, dates, or apricots can sweeten it. For extra spice, try cardamom or cloves. You can even add chocolate chips for a treat. Be creative and mix what you love! If you need gluten-free granola, use certified gluten-free oats. To make it vegan, swap maple syrup for agave nectar. For nut-free granola, skip the nuts and use extra seeds. These changes keep the flavor great while meeting your needs. To keep your granola fresh, store it in an airtight container. Glass jars work great for this. You can also use plastic containers with tight seals. Proper storage helps keep moisture out. This granola should stay good for about two weeks at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Freezing granola is simple. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to eat, just take out what you need. Let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours or on the counter for about 30 minutes. You can also enjoy it straight from the freezer for a crunchy snack. Look for signs of spoilage to know when to discard your granola. If it smells off or has a strange taste, it’s best to throw it away. Check for any mold or unusual colors, too. Always trust your senses. If you’re unsure, it’s safer to discard it than risk eating spoiled food. Keeping an eye on these factors helps you enjoy your granola at its best. Yes, you can make this granola ahead. Store it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to two weeks at room temperature. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge. If you want to enjoy it warm, just reheat it in the oven for a few minutes. You can modify the sweetness easily. If you like it sweeter, add more maple syrup. Use a tablespoon or two more. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the syrup by the same amount. You can also try honey or agave syrup. Yes, it is safe to cook granola in a slow cooker. Just follow a few simple rules. First, keep the heat on low. This helps prevent burning. Second, stir the mixture every hour. This ensures even cooking and great flavor. You can use quick oats, but the texture will change. Quick oats make a softer granola. It may also cook faster, so check it often. If you prefer a crunchier granola, stick with rolled oats for the best results. This post covered how to make Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Granola. We discussed key ingredients like oats, nuts, and spices. I shared tips for cooking and storing your granola. You learned how to add variations and adjust flavors to fit your tastes. Try different nuts, seeds, or fruits to make this recipe your own. Enjoy your homemade granola, knowing it’s fresh and tasty! With these simple steps, you’ll create a snack that's both healthy and satisfying.

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Granola

Get ready to savor the flavors of fall with this easy Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Granola recipe! Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, and warm spices, it’s the perfect crunchy topping for yogurt or as a tasty snack. This simple recipe takes just 15 minutes of prep and fills your home with a delicious aroma. Click through to discover how to whip up this delightful treat that everyone will love!

Ingredients
  

3 cups rolled oats

1 cup pumpkin seeds

1/2 cup almonds, chopped

1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ginger

1/2 teaspoon allspice

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

1 cup dried cranberries or raisins

1/2 teaspoon salt

Optional: 1/2 cup shredded coconut

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, chopped almonds, chopped walnuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and salt. Stir together until thoroughly mixed.

    In a separate bowl, mix together the maple syrup and melted coconut oil until well combined.

      Pour the maple syrup mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until all ingredients are evenly coated.

        Transfer the granola mixture into a slow cooker, spreading it out evenly.

          Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, stirring every hour to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

            After cooking, remove the lid and let it cool slightly. Stir in the dried cranberries or raisins (and shredded coconut, if using) while it's still warm.

              Once completely cool, transfer the granola to an airtight container for storage.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 4 hours 15 minutes | Makes about 8 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the granola in a clear glass jar to showcase its colorful layers. Pair it with yogurt and fresh fruits for a beautiful breakfast parfait!

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