Cocoa Roasted Pumpkin Spice Granola
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This vegan, gluten-free granola is not super sweet but it is nutty and crunchy and totally flavorful.
Ingredients
Units
- 3 cups (720 ml) gluten-free old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup (55 g) chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup (65 g) chopped cashews
- 1 1/2 tbsp (22 ml) cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tbsp (22 ml) pumpkin pie spice
- healthy pinch of seasalt
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) unsweetened dutch process dark cocoa powder
- splash of vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) coconut oil (liquified)
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) maple syrup (or honey)
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) organic pumpkin puree
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and cover a baking sheet in parchment paper.
- Whisk together wet ingredients and combine dry ingredients in separate bowls.
- Slowly fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients until well mixed. Taste and add more spices and/or maple syrup if desired.
- Spread mixture over parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Check the granola periodically to ensure even toasting, and use a spatula to flip if necessary. Remove from item when golden brown.
- Store in an airtight container and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 230
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the recipe call for Dutch process dark cocoa powder specifically?
Dutch process cocoa has been alkalized, which gives it a deeper, less bitter chocolate flavor compared to natural cocoa — and it produces a darker color. Since I use 2 tbsp of it unsweetened and the granola itself is lightly sweetened with 1/3 cup maple syrup, the Dutch process cocoa delivers richer flavor without extra bitterness.
How do I know when the granola is done and avoid burning it?
Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, checking periodically and using a spatula to flip the granola for even toasting. Remove it from the oven when it turns golden brown — it will firm up as it cools, so don’t wait for it to feel crunchy in the oven.
