Pumpkin Spice Granola

3 1/2 c. rolled oats
2 1/2 c. puffed rice cereal
2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
3/4 tsp. salt
3/4 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. pumpkin puree
1/4 c. applesauce
1/4 c. maple syrup
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Up to 1 1/2 c. chopped nuts
Up to 1 c. dried fruit

Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine oats and puffed rice cereal. In a medium bowl, whisk together pumpkin pie spice, salt, sugar, pumpkin puree, applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk until very smooth. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until oat mixture is evenly coated. Spread on prepared baking sheet in an even layer.

Bake 30 minutes. Flip granola using a large, wide spatula. Sprinkle nuts onto granola and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until crisp and golden. Depending on the size of your baking sheet, the center may not be fully dried if your granola layer is thick, so if necessary remove the edges of the cooked granola and let the rest cook until done, 10 to 15 more minutes. Cool on pan or on fine wire rack.

Break up granola as desired and toss with dried fruit. Store in an airtight container.