This Pumpkin Seed Granola Recipe is a simple homemade granola made with old fashioned oats, pepitas, raw nuts, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla, and pumpkin spice.

A yellow bowl filled with yogurt, chopped apples, and granola, with a spoon inside. A jar of granola, scattered granola pieces, and an apple are beside the bowl on a white surface.

It bakes into crisp clusters and works well for breakfast, snacks, yogurt bowls, or an easy make-ahead pantry staple.

What Is Pumpkin Seed Granola?

Pumpkin seed granola is a baked oat mixture that uses pepitas as one of the main ingredients. Pepitas are hulled pumpkin seeds, so they are tender enough to eat without the tough outer shell.

Unbaked granola mixture with oats and seeds spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ready to go into the oven.

In this recipe, the pepitas bake with oats, chopped nuts, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla, pumpkin spice, and kosher salt. The result is crunchy, lightly sweet, and easy to keep on hand.

The main ingredients are:

Old fashioned oats
Pepitas
Raw chopped nuts
Pumpkin spice
Kosher salt
Maple syrup
Coconut oil
Vanilla extract

Chopped walnuts and pumpkin seeds sit side by side on a bed of oats in a wooden bowl, ready to be mixed for a recipe.

Why Use Pepitas In Granola?

Pepitas are a good fit for granola because they add crunch without needing much prep. They are small enough to mix evenly with oats, and they toast nicely in the oven.

They also pair well with maple syrup, pumpkin spice, pecans, walnuts, and coconut oil. Since they are already hulled, you can add them straight to the bowl without chopping or peeling anything.

If you want the pumpkin seeds to stay noticeable, use a full cup like this recipe does. That keeps them from getting lost in the oats.

A mason jar filled with homemade granola sits on a beige cloth, with a blurred baking tray and kitchen items in the background.

How To Get Granola Clusters

Granola clusters come from coating the oats well, spreading the mixture evenly, and letting it cool on the pan before breaking it apart. The cooling time matters because the granola firms up as it sits.

A few tips help:

Use parchment paper so the granola does not stick.
Spread the oat mixture into an even layer.
Stir once halfway through baking.
Let it cool for about 30 minutes before moving it.
Break it apart gently once it has cooled.

If you stir it too much after baking, the clusters will be smaller. If you want bigger pieces, press the granola down lightly on the pan before baking and leave it alone while it cools.

A yellow bowl with yogurt, granola, and chopped apples, next to a glass jar of granola and a red apple on a white marble surface. A spoon is in the bowl and some granola is scattered nearby.

Ways To Use Pumpkin Seed Granola

Pumpkin seed granola is easy to use in simple breakfasts and snacks. It adds crunch without needing much else.

Try it with:

Greek yogurt
Cottage cheese
Smoothie bowls
Oatmeal
Milk
Sliced apples
Bananas
Ice cream
Parfaits
Trail mix

It also works well as a quick snack by itself. Keep a jar on the counter and it is easy to grab a small handful when you need something sweet and crunchy.

A green bowl contains chopped apples, granola, and yogurt, with a metal spoon resting inside.

Can You Change The Nuts?

Yes, this pumpkin seed granola recipe is flexible. Pecans and walnuts both work well, but you can use what you already have.

Good options include:

Pecans
Walnuts
Almonds
Cashews
Sunflower seeds
Extra pepitas

Storage Instructions

Let the pumpkin seed granola cool completely before storing. Warm granola can trap steam in the container and lose its crunch.

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Best Containers: Use a glass jar, sealed food storage container, or zip-top bag.
Before Storing: Make sure the granola is fully cooled.
After Freezing: Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

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