Name: Maple Pumpkin Seed Granola (Paleo & Vegan)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (divided); 1 cup raw walnuts; 1 cup raw pecans; 1/4 cup flaxseed; 3 tbsp maple syrup; 3 tbsp coconut oil; 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice; 1 tsp vanilla; 1/2 tsp sea salt

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This healthy pumpkin seed granola recipe captures everything you love about fall. Made with pumpkin seeds, flaxseed, nuts, pumpkin pie spice, and maple syrup, every bite is warm, comforting, and packed with cozy flavor. It makes a simple, delicious breakfast and is perfect for snacking. Paleo, grain-free, and vegan!

Pumpkin seed granola on baking sheet lined with parchment paper with wooden spatula

Can’t get enough of fall flavors? Then, meet your newest obsession: this maple pumpkin and flaxseed granola. Each year, when fall rolls around, I crave it.

It’s crunchy, naturally sweetened with maple syrup, and full of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. And while it may taste indulgent, it’s made with nutrient-dense and heart-healthy ingredients like nuts and seeds.

This recipe is also paleo, vegan, and lower in sugar than most store-bought granola. Perfect for topping your yogurt or smoothie bowls, or just snacking by the handful!

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Seed Granola

Healthy – Made with wholesome ingredients like pumpkin seeds, walnuts, pecans, and flaxseed, this granola is rich in nutrients, healthy fats, and fiber.
Fall flavor – A mix of pumpkin spice, maple syrup, and vanilla gives this granola the most amazing fall flavor!
Low in sugar – This homemade granola is naturally sweetened and has less than 3 grams of sugar per serving.
Higher in protein – This granola recipe swaps oats out for nuts, which gives it more protein than your average granola. Each ¼ cup serving delivers 4 grams of protein.
Seed cycling-friendly – If you practice seed cycling, this granola is for you! The combo of flaxseed and pumpkin seeds is perfect for the follicular phase.

Ingredients You’ll Need

pumpkin seed granola ingredients on marble counter labeled

Pumpkin seeds (aka pepitas) – pumpkin seed granola isn’t complete without… pumpkin seeds! These add a delicious crunch and a ton of nutrition. Pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium, zinc, and fiber.
Pecans and walnuts – the base of this granola. When chopped, they make a great grain-free sub for oats and add healthy fats to boot!
Flaxseed – adds a fun texture and omega-3 fatty acids.
Maple syrup – gives this granola sweetness and keeps this recipe vegan. Look for pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup, which is higher in sugar.
Coconut oil – adds moisture along with healthy fats.
Pumpkin pie spice – this spice mix makes this granola taste like fall. If you don’t have any on hand, see my recipe notes below for a DIY version.
Vanilla – adds extra flavor.
Sea salt – brings out the flavor of the other ingredients.

How to Make Pumpkin Seed Granola

walnuts, pecans, and pumpkin seeds in food processer

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Add the pecans, walnuts, and ½ cup of the pumpkin seeds to a food processor.

chopped walnuts, pecans, and pumpkin seeds in food processer

Pulse to break the ingredients into smaller pieces. Be careful not to overprocess. You want to keep some big chunks in there!

Step 2: Add the maple syrup, coconut oil, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and salt to a large bowl. Mix to combine.

mixing granola ingredients in glass bowl with small gray spatula

Step 3: Add the chopped nuts and seeds to the bowl, along with the flaxseeds and the other ½ cup of pumpkin seeds. Toss with a spatula until the mixture is well coated.

Unbaked granola spread on baking sheet lined with parchment paper

Step 4: Spread the granola out evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring midway until slightly golden. Keep a close eye on it to prevent it from burning.

View of baked pumpkin seed granola on baking sheet from above at an angle

Step 5: Remove from the oven and let the granola cool for at least 30 minutes. It will get crisper as it cools. If you’re using mix-ins like dried fruit, wait until it’s completely cooled to add them.

Storage

Once the granola is cool, store it in an airtight container. At room temperature, it’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks. Or to extend shelf life, freeze it in a freezer-safe bag. It should keep for several months!

small jar of pumpkin seed granola on baking sheet with granola and a wooden spoon

How to Serve This Healthy Granola

One of the best things about pumpkin flaxseed granola (other than the taste 🤤) is how versatile it is. Serve it with your favorite milk and berries for a simple, light breakfast. Or layer it with Greek yogurt for a delicious, protein-packed parfait.

This granola also makes a fun topping for smoothie bowls. I love to pair it with my pumpkin protein smoothie! You can even serve it over ice cream or frozen yogurt for a fun treat. Or just munch on it by the handful, for an easy on-the-go snack.

This homemade granola also makes a great holiday gift. Just pour into a mason jar and tie on a ribbon, and voila! You’ve got a thoughtful, handmade gift anyone will love.

serving of pumpkin seed granola in small white bowl with a metal spoon

Helpful Recipe Tips & Variations

Make your own pumpkin spice: If you can’t track down any pumpkin pie spice, no worries. It’s easy to make your own mix. Combine 2 tbsp of cinnamon, 1 tbsp ginger, 1 tsp nutmeg, and ½ tsp of allspice or cloves in a small jar and shake. If you don’t have all of these on hand, you can just use cinnamon instead.
Adjust the sweetness: This granola recipe isn’t overly sweet. If you prefer it a bit sweeter, just add an extra tbsp of maple syrup.
Change the sweetener: Feel free to swap the maple syrup for another sweetener. Honey, agave, or coconut nectar would all work.
Add mix-ins: Get creative and stir in other mix-ins if you like! Dried cranberries, coconut flakes, or dark chocolate chips would all be delicious!
Add protein powder: For an extra protein boost, add a scoop of vanilla protein powder (Garden of Life and Sunwarrior are my faves). This is a great option if you’re enjoying this granola as a post-workout snack.

FAQ

I can’t speak for all granola, but this one is! Many store-bought granola are high in sugar or made with processed oils. But this pumpkin flaxseed granola is naturally sweetened and made with simple, wholesome ingredients.

Sure is! Using a base of nuts and seeds makes this recipe naturally gluten-free. It’s also dairy-free, paleo, and vegan.