PUMPKIN PECAN GRANOLA (GLUTEN-FREE)

Packed with fibre and a perfect hint of pumpkin pie flavour, this Pumpkin Pecan Granola is a delicious and wholesome fall breakfast! Enjoy it with yogurt and fresh fruit or totally solo.

I partnered with Paderno to create this fall-inspired version of my granola; it’s a breeze to whip up and will get the whole family excited for the change of seasons!  I’m not sure about you, but most of the baking sheets that I’ve used in the past are thin, warp easily and don’t bake evenly.  After years of making granola on these pans it was a treat to make it on the Paderno Professional Baking Sheet.  Nothing sticks to this pan: it is such good quality and lets everything bake evenly. The baking sheets have a textured surface (series of small pyramids) that provides more air flow for even cooking.  I can’t wait to do my Christmas baking on these pans this year!

This granola is a delicious and wholesome gluten-free cereal when you use gluten-free oats.  I used both pumpkin seeds (to add fibre and healthy fats) and canned pumpkin (note, not pumpkin pie filling – filled with sugar- there is a difference) to add beta-carotene (an antioxidant that is responsible for the rich orange colour of the pumpkin) to the granola.   The brown sugar adds a depth of flavour, but if you want you can leave it out or substitute it for more maple syrup or honey.  Try the granola sprinkled on top of your favourite yogurt for a nutritious and satisfying breakfast or dessert!  Make sure you use gluten-free versions of the ingredients if you are indeed making it gluten-free (i.e.: the oats).