Halloween Spooky Cranberry Chocolate Granola
This Halloween-themed granola combines crunchy oats and pumpkin seeds with tart cranberries and melty chocolate for a playful, dark-flavored treat. It’s baked until golden and fragrant, with clusters that are crisp and slightly smoky, perfect for snacking or topping your favorite fall desserts. The recipe emphasizes natural ingredients and a fun, hands-on process that fills your kitchen with warm, spicy aromas.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Saucepan
- Baking sheet with parchment
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats or toasted quinoa for variation
- 0.5 cups pumpkin seeds cashews can be used as a substitute
- 0.25 cups honey
- 0.25 cups maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon dark rum optional, for depth
- 0.5 cups dried cranberries or dried cherries
- 0.25 cups chopped chocolate melty and rich
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss them together until evenly mixed.
- In a saucepan, warm the honey, maple syrup, and a splash of dark rum over medium heat until the mixture becomes fragrant and slightly runny, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour the warm syrup mixture over the dry ingredients in the bowl, stirring thoroughly with a spatula until all the oats and seeds are coated evenly and sticky.
- Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, pressing down gently to form a compact layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the granola turns a deep golden brown and smells smoky and warm.
- Remove from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the sheet; it will crisp up as it cools.
- Once cooled, break the granola into clusters and transfer to a mixing bowl. Toss with dried cranberries and chopped chocolate for a burst of tartness and melty richness.
- Serve your spooky Halloween granola in bowls, or use it as a crunchy topping for yogurt, ice cream, or desserts for a festive touch.
Notes
Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks to keep the crunch fresh. Feel free to customize with your favorite dried fruits or nuts.