Cracklin’ Oat Bran Cereal Copycat
Start your day off with the unforgettable flavor of homemade Cracklin’ Oat Bran. This oven-baked oat cereal is a delightful blend of whole grain oats, coconut flakes, and a touch of warm cinnamon that’s both wholesome and delicious. With every bite, you’ll enjoy the satisfying taste of coconut flakes, complemented by a dusting of nutmeg and a hint of molasses. Unlike the store-bought versions, this homemade cereal is free from corn syrup, soy lecithin, and palm oil, offering you a cleaner, healthier option to start your day.
Kellogg’s Cracklin’ Oat Bran is my favorite cereal. Made with whole-grain oats, a touch of warm cinnamon, and a dusting of nutmeg, it’s good stuff! I am not the only one – in searching the internet for recipes, I found the word “crack” used a few times to describe how addictive it is. I am sharing my Cracklin’ Oat Bran Cereal Clone recipe with you, so you can create a healthier version in your own kitchen. There’s even a subreddit devoted to this crunchy treat.
You can make a healthier version of Cracklin’ Oat Bran Cereal in your own kitchen. This Cracklin’ Oat Bran Clone recipe is a delicious take on the popular high-fiber, whole-grain breakfast cereal and is made with oats, flakes of coconut, flax, and spices. Each serving has 5 grams of dietary fiber.
This homemade Cracklin’ Oat Bran copycat recipe skips the long list of processed ingredients found in the store-bought cereal. It’s naturally gluten-free, made without wheat bran, malt flavoring, palm oil, corn syrup, or soy additives. There’s also no added folic acid, making it a smart choice for anyone sensitive to synthetic folate. Completely egg- and dairy-free, it’s safe to taste before baking. With a food processor, the ingredients blend into a perfectly crumbly mix. Enjoy it as a crunchy cereal or press it into granola bars for an easy, wholesome snack.
Ingredients
To make this tasty breakfast cereal, you need the following ingredients:
- 1½ cups oats
- 1 cup oat bran
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup sweetened coconut flakes
- ½ cup ground flax seeds
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- pinch of nutmeg
- ⅓ cup coconut oil, in a liquid state
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
How To Make Cracklin’ Oat Bran
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large food processor, add the oats, oat bran, brown sugar, coconut flakes, flax seeds, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Pulse 5-6 times until the mixture is well combined.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Pour in the coconut oil, maple syrup, molasses, and vanilla extract. Process on high until the mixture is moist and holds together.
- Spread on a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the mixture evenly. Aim for a thin layer to help it bake evenly and develop that irresistible “crackle.”
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until golden.
- Cool and Break: Once the cereal is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely. Break it into pieces and store it in an airtight container.
Alternatively, after removing the cereal from the oven and while it is still warm, gently cut (score) it into small rectangles, but don’t separate them. If you want to replicate the hole in the middle, insert a chopstick point into the center of each piece and gently move it around. The cereal will be soft and pliable while it is still hot. Allow it to cool and harden, then break it into pieces.
If breakfast is your love language, you’ll want to keep the morning momentum going with a few more classics from my kitchen. Try my Blueberry Buckle for a fruity, old-fashioned favorite that pairs perfectly with coffee. Or go all-in on indulgence with Caramel Sticky Buns – they’re worth every gooey bite. And if you’re craving something quick and comforting, you can’t go wrong with a stack of Fluffy Pancakes fresh off the griddle.
Cracklin’ Oat Bran Cereal Clone (Gluten-Free Recipe)
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
- Add all of the dry ingredients to the well of a large food processor and pulse 5-6 times.
- Add remaining ingredients and process on high until mixture is moist.
- Spread mixture onto baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for approximately 25 minutes.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool. Break granola into pieces and store in an airtight container.
Nutrition
Video
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Tips for Perfect Cracklin’ Oat Bran
- Achieving the Perfect Texture: For the ultimate taste experience, spread the mixture thinly on the baking sheet. This ensures even baking and that satisfying crunch.
- Customizing the Recipe: Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding less molasses or maple syrup. For a spicier kick, increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of ginger.
- Shaping Options: While traditional Cracklin’ Oat Bran comes in O-shaped clusters, you can cut your cereal into squares or bars for a quick breakfast on the go.
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy this cereal with dairy milk, almond milk, or even as a tasty snack right out of the container. It also pairs perfectly with a homemade trail mix recipe for a wholesome time snack.
- Allergen Notice: This recipe contains tree nuts and coconut. Be mindful of this if you’re preparing it for someone with allergies.
How To Store Homemade Cereal
After preparing your batch, allow it to cool completely to prevent moisture buildup. Then, transfer the cereal into an airtight container, ensuring it’s sealed tightly to prevent moisture from sneaking in. Store the container in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or kitchen cupboard.
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free oats and oat bran to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Sweetener Alternatives: Swap out the brown sugar for coconut sugar or honey to suit your dietary preferences.
- Adding Extras: Incorporate dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, or add a handful of chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
If you find yourself constantly in a hurry in the mornings, consider cutting the cereal into bars instead. Then you will have a delicious grab-and-go breakfast treat ready to go when you are.
Last Bite
If you make this Cracklin’ Oat Bran clone, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below, share this recipe with your favorite breakfast crew, and let’s keep the homemade cereal revival going one bowl at a time.
Great recipe but way too much cinnamon (and I like cinnamon!)