This homemade cereal mix is a nutritious and budget-friendly alternative to store-bought cereals. Featuring rolled oats, whole wheat flour, and natural sweeteners like brown sugar and syrup, it provides a hearty, lightly sweetened breakfast or snack. The recipe also allows customization with raisins, nuts, or dried fruits, making it versatile and family-friendly. Perfectly baked until crisp, this cereal delivers a wholesome, crunchy texture without unnecessary additives.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 6 cups quick-cooking (or old-fashioned rolled oats)
- 13 oz wheat germ
- ½ cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup syrup (light or dark corn syrup, warmed slightly)
- ½ cup raisins or other dried fruit (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Sugar Syrup
- Dissolve ½ cup brown sugar in ⅓ cup water over medium heat.
- Bring to a boil and simmer for 1 minute.
- Allow to cool slightly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, wheat germ, whole wheat flour, and raisins (if using).
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry
- Warm oil slightly and add 1 tsp of vanilla extract.
- Pour the brown sugar syrup and oil over the dry ingredients.
- Mix thoroughly to evenly coat the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Bake the Cereal
- Spread mixture evenly in two greased shallow baking dishes or pans.
- Bake at 200°F for about 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even crisping.
Step 5: Cool and Store
- Once the cereal feels dry and crisp, remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Add additional dried fruits if desired.
Tips
- Do not increase oven temperature, card specifically warns cereal will burn
- Stir frequently during baking to ensure even drying and browning
- Add any dried fruit you like (raisins, dates, apricots, etc.) after cooling
- Use quick or old-fashioned rolled oats as written on the card
- Whole wheat flour and wheat germ add nutrition and “nutty” flavor
- Allow cereal to cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup
- Store in airtight jars for longer shelf life
- Serve plain as a ready-to-eat cereal, as the note states it is “completely ready to eat as is”
- Delicious with milk, yogurt, or sprinkled on fruit
- Adjust sugar level by reducing or increasing the cooked syrup to taste
Nutrition
Calories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 6gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 45mgPotassium: 160mgFiber: 4gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 30IUCalcium: 70mgIron: 2.1mg
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