Pumpkin Spice Granola

I am still not ready for summer to end. But as much as I dislike the shorter days and colder weather, I am  definitely looking forward to some fall baking. Last fall I talked a lot about my love for baking with pumpkin, probably to the point that it got annoying. I haven't done any serious pumpkin baking yet this year because I am trying to hold on to summer for as long as I can. However, I have started seeing pumpkin recipes pop up all over the blog world. In order to get my pumpkin fix, I made a large batch of  pumpkin spice granola last week. 

This granola is incredibly easy to make and packed with warm fall flavor. I added chopped pecans and dried cranberries, but feel free to use any dried fruit or nuts of your choice. I have been enjoying this pumpkin spice granola mixed with vanilla greek yogurt for the past week- it really makes a tasty breakfast. I guess if summer has to end, I can get on board with enjoying this granola everyday for the next few months. And now that I have opened one can of pumpkin puree, let the the pumpkin baking begin!

Pumpkin Spice Granola
Recipe adapted from Annie's Eats (originally adapted from Baking Bites)

3 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 1/2 cups puffed rice cereal
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup applesauce
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup dried cranberries

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats and puffed rice cereal. In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin pie spice, salt, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, applesauce, maple syrup and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients. Stir until evenly coated. Spread the oat mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Bake for 30 minutes. Using a large spatula, turn over the granola. Sprinkle the pecans on top of the oat mixture and bake for another 15 minutes or until crisp and golden. Allow the granola to cool completely on the pan or a wire rack. Break up the granola as desired and add the dried cranberries. Store in an airtight container.