Low Fat Pumpkin Granola

I love, LOVE granola, but why does it have to be so high in calories? Darn you oil! I love to just grab a handful as a snack, have it with a splash of milk or sprinkle it on top of some yogurt. So, the research began. How can I still enjoy granola, but find a low calorie version that doesn't contain oil? Well, let me tell you, I found one and boy was it delicious.

To replace the oil, this granola contains pumpkin, apple sauce and maple syrup. And don't think just because this doesn't have oil that it won't get crunchy and clumpy. Oh, it will. Okay, it doesn't get hard crunchy like normal granola, but just trust me, it's good. Even better it won't break your teeth when you eat it. You know how some granola is super hard? Ya, you don't want to chip a tooth while eating. That just makes for a bad day. If you want your granola a little more clumpy, just use your hand to form them. If you don't like the clumps (who doesn't like the clumps?!), then break them up in the pan. This recipe is easy, simple and makes for the perfect little thing to have in the pantry for a quick breakfast. I bet this would even be great to bring a long on a hike. Just add some more nuts or dried fruit to it (dried cranberries and some pecans - just an idea), to give it more of a energy boost. Yum!

if you can, get your oats and nuts in bulk. It will help you save a few dollars!

mixing the oats with the spices, pumpkin and other delicious stuff

half way through the baking process

stirring in the pepitas (pumpkin seeds) after baking

YUM!

Low-Fat Pumpkin Granola (slightly adapted from www.twopeasandtheirpod.com)


5 cups rolled oats (not quick oats!)
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup applesauce (I used unsweetened)
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

1. Preheat the oven to 325° F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, spices, and salt. Mix well.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, pumpkin puree, applesauce, maple syrup and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. Pour wet ingredients into oat mixture and stir until the oats are evenly coated. They will be moist. Evenly spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove pan from the oven and stir. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the granola is golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and stir in pepitas. Let cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

The best part of making this (besides it tasting so good) is that it makes your house smell like a pumpkin candle. A pumpkin candle and pure deliciousness. Once you start making homemade granola, you will never go back to buying it from the store!