Pumpkin Spice Granola Clusters Slow Cooker

$For our pumpkin spice granola clusters, you will need the following: - 3 cups rolled oats - 1 cup pumpkin seeds - 1/2 cup chopped pecans - 1/2 cup almond butter (or peanut butter) - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup dried cranberries (optional) - 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (optional) You can add some fun extras to your granola. Here are a few ideas: - Chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds - Chocolate chips for a sweet touch - Seeds like sunflower or chia for extra nutrition - Other dried fruits like raisins or apricots If you don’t have something on hand, don’t worry! Here are some swaps: - Use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter. - Substitute agave nectar for honey or maple syrup. - Replace pumpkin seeds with sunflower seeds if needed. - Use quick oats instead of rolled oats for a different texture. These ingredients work together to make a tasty and healthy snack. Feel free to mix and match to suit your taste! Start by greasing your slow cooker. Use a bit of coconut oil or cooking spray. This step helps prevent sticking. It makes removing the granola easier later. In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Add 3 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of pumpkin seeds, and 1/2 cup of chopped pecans. Then, stir in 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Make sure everything is well mixed. This step ensures each bite is flavorful. In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of almond butter and 1/2 cup of honey. You can also use maple syrup if you prefer. Add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth. This will add sweetness and depth to your granola. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to mix everything together. Make sure all the oats and seeds are coated well. This helps the flavors blend perfectly. Transfer the mixture into the slow cooker. Spread it out evenly. Cover the cooker with the lid. Set it to low and cook for 2-3 hours. Stir the granola every 30 minutes. This keeps it cooking evenly. When it turns golden brown and smells great, it's done. Let it cool with the lid slightly open. This step helps it crisp up nicely. To make the best pumpkin spice granola clusters, you need to focus on the wet and dry mix. Make sure you mix the wet ingredients well. This helps the oats and seeds stick together. When you spread the mixture in the slow cooker, press it down gently. This helps form nice clusters. Stir every 30 minutes while cooking to ensure even heat. When it's golden brown, take it out to cool. The cooling step is key for great clusters. Let it sit with the lid ajar to let moisture escape. You can boost the flavor in your granola. Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. If you love a sweeter touch, add more honey or maple syrup. You can also mix in some chocolate chips after cooking. This makes a delicious treat! If you like fruit, toss in dried cranberries or apples for extra flavor. Coconut flakes add a nice crunch, too. Each of these adds a different layer of taste to your granola. To keep your granola fresh, store it in airtight containers. This helps keep it crunchy. It can last for up to two weeks on your kitchen shelf. If you want it to last longer, freeze it in small batches. Just thaw what you need when you want a snack. This way, your pumpkin spice granola clusters will always taste fresh and delicious! {{image_2}} If you need a nut-free version of pumpkin spice granola clusters, you can swap out pecans. Use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds only. These seeds add great crunch and flavor. You can also add some extra oats to replace the nut volume. This keeps the texture light and tasty without nuts. You have many sweetener choices for this recipe. Honey is a popular choice, but maple syrup works just as well. If you prefer a lower-calorie option, try agave syrup or coconut sugar. Both give a sweet touch without overpowering the pumpkin spice flavor. Adjust the amount to fit your taste. Make your granola special by adding seasonal ingredients. In fall, mix in chopped apples or pears for fresh flavor. In winter, dried figs or dates add natural sweetness. Even a bit of grated ginger can spice up your mix. These add-ins keep your granola exciting and fun throughout the year. To keep your pumpkin spice granola fresh, use airtight containers. Glass jars or plastic bins work well. Avoid leaving them in open bags. Store the granola in a cool, dry place. This will help maintain its crunch and flavor. You can freeze granola too! Just place it in freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bags with the date. When you want to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. When stored properly, your granola can last about two weeks. If you freeze it, it can stay fresh for up to three months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before enjoying. This way, you can savor your delicious pumpkin spice granola clusters longer! Yes, you can use quick oats. However, quick oats may make your granola less chunky. They cook faster and absorb moisture differently. For best results, stick to rolled oats for nice, big clusters. To make this recipe vegan, substitute honey with maple syrup. Use the same amount, and your granola will still taste great. Almond butter is vegan too, so you are all set there! If you don't have almond butter, try peanut butter or sunflower seed butter. These options work well too. They add flavor and help bind the granola together. Yes, you can! Spread the mixture on a baking sheet. Bake at 300°F for about 25-30 minutes. Stir halfway through. This method gives you a crispy texture and great flavor. To make crunchy granola, cook it longer in the slow cooker. Let it cool with the lid slightly open. This step helps it crisp up nicely. You can also add a bit more almond butter or sweetener for extra crunch. This blog post covered how to make tasty granola step by step. We looked at the key ingredients and how to store them. You learned helpful tips for perfecting your granola and adding fun twists. Remember, you can swap ingredients and make it your own. With these easy methods, you can create a snack that suits your taste. Enjoy your granola and share it with friends or family!$

Pumpkin Spice Granola Clusters Slow Cooker

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with these delightful Pumpkin Spice Granola Clusters! Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, pumpkin seeds, and pecans, this easy slow cooker recipe delivers a crunchy snack perfect for any time of day. With just 10 minutes of prep, you'll have a delicious treat that’s sure to impress. Click through to discover how to make your own batch today! #Granola #PumpkinSpice #HealthySnacks #FallRecipes

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Ingredients

3 cups rolled oats

1 cup pumpkin seeds

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1/2 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)

1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup dried cranberries (optional)

1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Slow Cooker: Grease the inside of your slow cooker with a little coconut oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, chopped pecans, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Stir well to ensure even distribution.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients, and mix thoroughly until all the oats and seeds are well coated.

Add Extra Ingredients: If using, fold in the dried cranberries and coconut flakes for added texture and sweetness.

Cook: Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker and spread it out evenly. Cover with the lid and set the slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Check for Clusters: When the granola is golden brown and fragrant, turn off the slow cooker and let it cool with the lid slightly ajar to allow it to crisp up.

Store: Once cooled, break the granola into clusters and store in airtight containers for up to two weeks.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes | Servings: 10-12 servings