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 addicting it is. I am sharing with you my Cracklin’ Oat Bran Cereal Clone recipe so that you can make 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.
What you’ll love about this recipe:
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 you remove the cereal from the oven and while it is still warm, gently cut (score) it into small rectangles, but don’t separate it. If you want to try to replicate the hole in the middle, insert a chopstick point into the middle of each piece and lightly 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.
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
Storing homemade cereal is a breeze and ensures your delicious creation stays fresh for extended enjoyment. 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 this 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.
Enjoy the joy of delicious eating with this homemade Cracklin’ Oat Bran cereal. It’s a good source of fiber, free from artificial colors, and provides an unforgettable flavor of golden oats. Whether you’re a fan of the original Kellogg’s Cracklin’ Oat Bran or just looking for a healthy, satisfying breakfast cereal, this recipe will surely become a favorite at your breakfast table.
Cracklin’ Oat Bran Cereal Clone (Gluten-Free Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1½ cups oats
- 1 cup oat bran
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup sweetened coconut
- ½ cup ground flax seeds
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- pinch of nutmeg
- ⅓ cup coconut oil in liquid state
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
Nutrition
The homemade version won’t have those perfectly shaped in the cute little “O’s” like Kellogg’s. At least we know exactly what is in our cereal and just how fresh it is.
If you find yourself always 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.
Ready to try this homemade Cracklin’ Oat Bran recipe? Give it a go, and share your delicious creations with us! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media to show off your breakfast masterpiece. Enjoy!
I loved this cereal as a kid and would really like to rekindle that enjoyment. Thanks for this awesome recipe!
That just sounds delicious. I bet my kids would enjoy this one. Pinning for later.
My husband has suffered for most of his life with digestive issues and until now no one has been able to diagnose him… he has more of taken it to be more of a lifestyle for him. Now that I’m learning more and more about ciliacs, I’m watching his diet and thinking that is a large part of his issue. I’m printing out this recipe and pinning it because it’ looks like something he may enjoy!
Now that looks AWESOME! Not sure I can get all of these ingredients here, but I will try. I love cereal, and so many US brands are not available here.
Thanks SO much for stopping by my blog this morning and taking the time to leave a comment.
Hugs from Ecuador,
Kathy
This is definitely a good recipe for all of the New Year’s resolutions.
This looks really good and I’m so looking forward to making it, Thanks!
I have friends who have gluten free diets, so I will share this with them.
My sister is on a gluten free diet. She will really appreciate this recipe. Thanks!
What a great idea! And something you can feel good about feeding your family!
I used to love that cereal! Your version looks incredible!
This is a great idea for hubby’s new diet plan.
This looks really good. I love this kind of cereal and totally need to be healthier.
This sounds like it would be great over yogurt!
Oh bookmarking this! The kids would love to make this with me.
This really does look and sound good and I’m not a big cereal person.
This looks fantastic. I have been wanting a great homemade cereal recipe. Thank you for sharing!