Are you ready to enjoy a tasty treat without turning on the oven? My No-Bake Pumpkin Spice Granola Clusters are fun to make and perfect for fall. Packed with wholesome ingredients, these clusters offer great flavor and crunch. You can easily customize them to fit your dietary needs, too! Let’s dive into this simple recipe that will delight your taste buds and keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients
Key Ingredients for No-Bake Pumpkin Spice Granola Clusters
Here are the main ingredients you need:
– 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
– 1 cup pumpkin seeds
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
– 1/2 cup almond butter
– 1/3 cup maple syrup
– 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
– 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– A pinch of salt
These ingredients come together to create a tasty and crunchy snack. The oats form the base, while pumpkin seeds and pecans add texture and flavor. Unsweetened coconut brings a bit of sweetness without too much sugar.
Benefits of Using Whole Ingredients
Using whole ingredients makes your granola healthy and satisfying. Old-fashioned oats provide fiber, which is good for digestion. Pumpkin seeds are high in protein and healthy fats. Pecans bring vitamins and minerals.
Almond butter adds creaminess and a nutty taste. Maple syrup offers natural sweetness without refined sugar. Pumpkin puree gives moisture and a rich flavor. Each ingredient has a purpose and adds to the overall goodness.
Suggested Substitutions for Dietary Preferences
If you have dietary needs, you can swap some ingredients. Here are a few ideas:
– Nut-Free: Use sunbutter or soy nut butter instead of almond butter.
– Vegan: Make sure your maple syrup is vegan, and use a plant-based butter.
– Gluten-Free: Choose gluten-free oats to keep this snack safe for those with gluten intolerance.
These swaps let you enjoy the recipe while meeting your needs. There’s always a way to make it work for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Overview
Making no-bake pumpkin spice granola clusters is easy and fun. You start with the dry ingredients and then mix in the wet ones. The process takes about 10 minutes of prep time. After that, you let the mixture chill to set. This recipe yields around 12 servings.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Begin by gathering a large mixing bowl. Add 2 cups of old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 cup of pumpkin seeds, 1 cup of chopped pecans, and 1/2 cup of shredded coconut. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt. Use a wooden spoon to stir everything together. Make sure each ingredient gets evenly mixed. This helps with flavor and texture in every bite.
Combining Wet Ingredients
Next, grab a separate bowl for the wet ingredients. Pour in 1/2 cup of almond butter. Add 1/3 cup of maple syrup and 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree. Then, mix in 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients until the mixture is smooth. This blend adds sweetness and spice to the clusters.
Forming the Clusters
Now, take the wet mixture and pour it over the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is coated well. After that, line a baking dish with parchment paper. Press the mixture firmly into the dish. Aim for a thickness of about 1 inch. This step ensures the clusters hold together well.
Setting and Cutting the Clusters
Place the dish in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This chilling time helps the mixture set properly. Once it’s firm, take the dish out of the fridge. Lift the mixture out using the parchment paper. Cut it into squares or clusters with a sharp knife. Store the granola clusters in an airtight container. They can stay at room temperature or in the fridge for longer freshness.
Tips & Tricks
How to Achieve Perfect Clusters
To get those perfect clusters, start with fresh ingredients. Old oats can lead to dry granola. When mixing, press the mixture down firmly into the pan. This helps the clusters stick together. If they feel loose, add a bit more almond butter or maple syrup. Allow them to chill in the fridge for at least two hours. This cooling time helps them set. I promise it makes a big difference!
Customization Ideas (Add-ins/Swaps)
You can easily switch up the flavors in these granola clusters. Try adding chocolate chips for a sweet touch. Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins work well too. If you want a nut-free option, use sunflower seeds instead of nuts. You can also swap almond butter for peanut butter if you prefer. Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a unique twist.
Best Practices for Ingredient Measurement
Accurate measurements matter for the best results. Use a kitchen scale if you have one. It ensures you get just the right amount of each ingredient. For dry ingredients, use the spoon and level method. Spoon the ingredient into your measuring cup, then level it off with a knife. This keeps your measurements precise. When measuring sticky ingredients like almond butter, spray your measuring cup with oil first. This helps the nut butter slide out easily.

Variations
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Spice Granola Clusters
You can easily add chocolate chips to this recipe. Just mix in a cup of dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips with the dry ingredients. This makes a sweet twist that kids love. The chocolate pairs well with the pumpkin spice flavor. It adds a rich and creamy texture to each bite.
Nut-Free Version
For a nut-free option, replace the chopped pecans with sunflower seeds or extra pumpkin seeds. This keeps the crunch while making it safe for those with nut allergies. You can also use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter. This swap keeps the clusters delicious and safe for everyone.
Seasonal Flavor Variations (e.g., Maple, Apple)
You can switch up the flavors based on the season. For a maple twist, use maple syrup as your sweetener and add a teaspoon of maple extract. If you want an apple flavor, mix in dried apple pieces with the dry ingredients. You can also add a teaspoon of cinnamon for extra warmth. These variations let you enjoy different tastes all year round.
Storage Info
Best Ways to Store Granola Clusters
To keep your no-bake pumpkin spice granola clusters fresh, store them in an airtight container. You can choose to keep them at room temperature or in the fridge. If you store them at room temperature, place them in a cool, dry area. If you want them to last longer, the fridge is a great option.
Shelf Life of No-Bake Granola
No-bake granola clusters can last up to one week when stored properly. If you keep them in the fridge, they may stay fresh for up to two weeks. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage, such as off smells or changes in texture.
Freezing and Thawing Instructions
You can freeze granola clusters for up to three months. To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. To thaw, simply take them out and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Enjoy your tasty treat without losing its flavor or texture!
FAQs
Can I use other nut butters?
Yes, you can use other nut butters. Some great options include peanut butter or cashew butter. Each nut butter gives a unique taste. Choose the one you love most. Just make sure it is creamy for the best mix.
How long do these clusters last?
These clusters can last up to one week. Store them in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature. For longer freshness, place them in the fridge. This helps keep them crunchy and tasty.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is already easy to make vegan. Just use maple syrup and almond butter as is. These ingredients are plant-based. You can swap honey for more maple syrup, too.
What are some serving suggestions?
You can enjoy these clusters in many ways. Try them with yogurt for breakfast. They also make great snacks on their own. Add them to smoothies for extra crunch. You can even sprinkle them on ice cream for a tasty treat.
In this post, we explored how to make no-bake pumpkin spice granola clusters. We discussed the key ingredients, their benefits, and tasty substitutions. You learned the step-by-step process, helpful tips for perfect clusters, and wonderful variations. Storing your granola properly is also key. These clusters are fun and easy to personalize. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and sharing your tasty results!


