Place the rolled oats on a large parchment lined baking sheet (I use a full sheet pan size--2 half sheet pans is also great) and toast in the oven until fragrant, about 15 minutes. Remove the toasted oats from the oven.
Lower the oven temperature to 325°F. Set the lined sheet pan aside.
To a large bowl, add the toasted oats with pumpkin seeds. In a liquid measuring cup, whisk together the cinnamon, salt, coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla. Pour this mixture over the oats and pumpkin seeds. Using a spatula, stir the oat mixture until thoroughly coated and evenly mixed.
Transfer the oat mixture to your baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes or so. Stir and flip the granola around a couple times throughout the baking process to promote even browning. The finished granola should be deep golden brown and drying up a bit.
Allow granola to cool thoroughly (it will continue to crisp up and dry out) before packing into jars, bags etc.
Recipe Notes
I use extra virgin coconut oil because of the amazing buttery taste it gives. It does have a bit of a coconut tang so if you aren't into that, reach for a grapeseed, sunflower or even olive oil.
This recipe will keep in a sealed container on the counter for up to 3 weeks.
The first edition of the recipe had a full cup each of coconut oil and maple syrup. Of course, this makes for a richer and slightly sweeter granola. I personally found that reducing the amount to ¾ cup each didn't sacrifice taste or texture.
My maple cinnamon pumpkin seed granola is naturally vegan, crunchy, buttery, loaded with warm spice from cinnamon, and fragrant with vanilla. Perfect for having on top of yogurt with fruit or for snacking on by the handful!