Clumpy Pumpkin Cranberry Granola

If fall had a flavour, this would be it. This Clumpy Pumpkin Cranberry Granola is packed with cozy spices, crunchy clusters, and just enough sweetness from maple syrup and cranberries. It’s a make-ahead dream and the perfect addition to your October breakfast routine. Start your morning with a little extra crunch this season!

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Clumpy Pumpkin Cranberry Granola

Is there such a thing as too many pumpkin recipes? I’d hope not because I am coming in hot with another brand new granola flavour that is perfect for October. We had a glorious September, but October is here, and that means pumpkin recipes get their time in the spotlight!! Apples were so last month, and while I adore apple recipes (my website will prove that), I have such a soft spot for pumpkin as October will prove. 

All my ingredients are from my favourite YUPIK; I order online and it magically gets delivered to my door. The large format bags are my favourite, and they have an endless range of ingredients on their website. If you enjoy making granola, granola bars, cakes, cookies or basically just enjoy baking – Yupik is seriously the answer. No more running out of ingredients because it’s like buying in bulk, but it comes to your house. It’s truly perfect!

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Blend

The recipe would not be complete without pumpkin spice (also got all the goods from Yupik). If you’ve ever wanted to make your own pumpkin spice blend, this is your chance. I’m sharing my absolute favourite pumpkin spice blend recipe with you because it’s perfect, if I do say so myself. Once you have the blend in a jar, you can add it to everything this season! I love to sprinkle it into my oatmeal, on top of yogurt bowls (with this granola of course!), and I even sprinkle it on top of my coffee. Of course, you can add it to the classic pumpkin pie, cakes, cheesecakes, puddings, whipped cream… the list is long. Let’s get baking!

Ingredients for This Clumpy Pumpkin Cranberry Granola

This healthy pumpkin granola recipe brings together pantry staples with seasonal flavours. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Oats: I use gluten-free rolled oats as the sturdy base for this granola. They toast up beautifully in the oven and hold their shape, creating a hearty crunch in every bite.
  • Walnuts: These add a buttery, earthy flavour along with healthy fats and a satisfying crunch. Walnuts also complement the warming spices in the granola perfectly.
  • Cashews: Soft and slightly sweet, cashews bring a creamy note to the mix. Their mellow flavour balances the tangy cranberries and pumpkin seed butter.
  • Pumpkin Seeds: These little green gems add texture, healthy fats, and a subtle nutty flavour. They also toast up perfectly for extra crunch.
  • Sunflower Seeds: Sunflower seeds are mild and nutty, making them a great way to sneak in extra minerals and crunch without overpowering the mix.
  • Unsweetened Coconut: Brings a subtle chew and richness that balances the crisp oats.
  • Dried Cranberries: Soaked in warm water before baking, they plump up and deliver sweet-tart bursts of flavour in every handful.
  • Pumpkin Spice: My homemade blend (see below) adds deep, warming flavour.
  • Olive Oil and Maple Syrup: This duo helps crisp the granola while lightly sweetening it.
  • Pumpkin Seed Butter: Adds moisture and flavour without overpowering sweetness. Make your own or use store bought. 
  • Vanilla and Sea Salt: Enhance and round out the flavour.

How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Spice

You can absolutely use a pre-made pumpkin spice mix, but I prefer to make my own so I can tweak the ratios. Here’s my go-to:

  • 3 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1½ tsp ground allspice
  • 1½ tsp ground cloves
  • Pinch of black pepper

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl or mason jar. Seal and shake to combine. This makes a generous batch, so you’ll have extra for lattes, muffins, or anything else you want to spice up.

How to Make My Pumpkin Spice Granola

Preheat & Prep

Set your oven to 320°F convection (or 300°F if your oven runs hot). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, stir together the oats, nuts, seeds, coconut, pumpkin spice, and salt.

Heat the Wet Ingredients

Add the olive oil, maple syrup, pumpkin seed butter, and vanilla to a small pot. Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring until smooth.

Combine & Bake

Pour the wet mixture over the dry and stir until everything is coated. Drain your soaked cranberries and mix them in. Divide the granola between your baking sheets and firmly press it down into a single, even layer. Bake for 20 minutes, rotate the pans (don’t mix the granola), and bake another 10–15 minutes until golden and dry to the touch.

Cool Completely

Don’t skip this step! Leaving the granola on the pan to cool completely ensures maximum cluster formation. Once cool, lift with a spatula and break into large clumps.

Additional Healthy Add-Ins for Granola

If you want to customize your granola, there are plenty of nutritious options to try. Add chia seeds or flaxseeds for an extra boost of fibre, or swap out the cashews for pecans or almonds if you prefer a different nutty flavour. Once your granola has cooled, you can also sprinkle in some cacao nibs for a hint of chocolate. Reduce the amount of maple if you want your granola to be less sweet, or stir your granola if you don’t want clumps (who the heck would want that?!).

How to Serve This Clumpy Pumpkin Cranberry Granola

Try it spooned over Greek yogurt with a drizzle of almond butter for a hearty breakfast. Add it to a smoothie bowl for extra texture and crunch or layer it in a parfait. It’s also delicious served as cereal with almond or oat milk. For a quick and easy dessert, sprinkle it over baked apples or pears. And of course, it’s just as satisfying eaten by the handful straight from the jar!

How to Store Pumpkin Cranberry Granola

Once cooled, transfer your granola to an airtight container or large mason jar. It’ll keep well in the pantry for up to 2 weeks. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure you let it come to room temperature before eating.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Granola

You’ll love this homemade granola because it’s naturally sweetened with maple syrup, completely gluten-free and vegan, and made with wholesome ingredients you can feel good about. Each bite is crunchy, clumpy, and packed with warm fall flavour, making it the perfect seasonal upgrade to your breakfast routine. It’s not only healthier than store-bought versions, but also much more affordable, especially when you buy ingredients in bulk. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead and enjoy all week long as a quick breakfast or nourishing snack.

Pumpkin Granola FAQs

Does baking temp matter in homemade granola? Yes! A lower temperature helps prevent burning and ensures even crisping. Pressing it firmly onto the baking sheet also helps get those big clusters.

Can I crisp up soggy granola? If your granola gets soft, you can pop it back into the oven at 300°F for 8–10 minutes. Let it cool completely to crisp up.

Is it cheaper to make your own granola? Absolutely. Especially when buying ingredients like oats, nuts, and seeds in bulk from Yupik. Homemade granola also lets you control the sugar, oil, and add-ins.

Did you make this recipe?

Don’t forget to leave a rating and review below, and let me know how you liked it! Try these delicious pumpkin recipes next:

Pecan Pumpkin Pie Granola

Pumpkin Tomato Soup

Brown Butter Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

TERI ANN CARTY

Food Photographer and Recipe Developer based in Toronto, Canada. 

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Clumpy Pumpkin Cranberry Granola

If fall had a flavour, this would be it. This Clumpy Pumpkin Cranberry Granola is packed with cozy spices, crunchy clusters, and just enough sweetness from maple syrup and cranberries. It’s a make-ahead dream and the perfect addition to your October breakfast routine. Start your morning with a little extra crunch this season!
4 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Servings: 12 cups
Author: Teri-Ann Carty
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Equipment

Ingredients

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Ingredients

Pumpkin Cranberry Granola

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 320 convection. If your oven runs hot, you may decrease the temperature to 300°F and cook 5 minutes longer.

Pumpkin Spice Instructions

  • Add all the spices to a small mason jar. Cover with a lid and shake to combine. You can also whisk ingredients in a bowl and transfer to a mason jar.

Granola Instructions

  • Pour hot water over dried cranberries and allow them to sit while mixing other ingredients.
  • Add dry ingredients to a large bowl and mix to combine.
  • Add wet ingredients to a small pot. Heat over medium low heat, stirring to combine.
  • Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and mix until no dry parts remain.
  • Drain cranberries and mix them into the granola.
  • Spread evenly onto 2 baking sheets to ensure even baking. Use your spatula to PRESS THE GRANOLA FIRMLY onto the pans.
  • Bake for 20 minutes, turn the pans 180 degrees and bake again for 10-15 minutes until golden brown and dry to the touch.
  • ALLOW GRANOLA TO COOL COMPLETELY before using a spatula to lift it off of pan.
  • Transfer to mason jars and store in the pantry.

Notes

If you don't like the taste of tahini or you happen not to have it, use whatever nut or seed butter you have handy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 416kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Sodium: 155mg | Potassium: 318mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 812IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 3mg

*Macros are provided as an estimate for convenience. Your final numbers will vary depending on ingredient brands, substitutions, and how you portion the recipe.

7 Responses

  1. The recipe calls for pumpkin purée which to me means puréed pumpkin but the photos are all showing a jar of pumpkin seed butter. I’m confused… I do have canned pumpkin purée but I’m thinking that’s not what I need.

  2. 4 stars
    Hello, made the recipe as written and as such used pumpkin puree, given that I had this document saved in my favourites so did not have the updated version. Overall I am pleased with the outcomes. Very earthy tasting but that’s okay. I do not have a convection oven so cooked at 300 F for 40 minutes in a parchment lined insulated baking sheet. Turning every 10 minutes.
    Where does the Tahini butter comes me into play? You make mention of it in your comments but no mention of it in the ingredient list of measurements.

    1. Hey Mignon, sorry about that!! Major typos that have since been fixed. There is no tahini and its pumpkin seed butter not pumpkin puree!! I’m glad the recipe turned out and I hope you’ll try it again as intended 🙂 thanks for pointing this out!

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