Homemade Crunchy Wheat Cereal
Start your day with this wholesome recipe for Homemade Crunchy Wheat Cereal, reminiscent of Grape Nuts. Packed with fiber and nutrients, this easy-to-make breakfast cereal combines whole wheat flour and wheat germ for a nutty flavor and satisfying crunch. Sweetened with brown sugar or corn syrup and enriched with low-fat buttermilk, this cereal is perfect served with milk or your favorite yogurt. Make a large batch and keep it in an airtight container for a quick and nutritious breakfast option that will keep you fueled for the day ahead.
40
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Graham flour or whole wheat flour
3 cups (Use as is)
Wheat germ
1/2 cup (Optional—omit and substitute with an additional 1/2 cup flour if preferred)
Brown sugar or corn syrup
1 cup (Use as is)
Low-fat buttermilk or sour milk
2 cups (Use as is)
Baking soda
1 teaspoon (Use as is)
Salt
1 pinch (Use as is)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the graham or whole wheat flour, wheat germ (if using), brown sugar (or corn syrup), buttermilk (or sour milk), baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
3
Mix the ingredients together until smooth and well combined.
4
Divide the dough evenly between two large greased cookie sheets, spreading it out into a thin layer.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the dough is lightly golden and firm to the touch.
6
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Break the baked mixture into chunks.
7
Using a grater or a blender, pulse the chunks briefly to break them down into smaller granules, working with about one cup at a time.
8
Spread the granules back onto the cookie sheets and return them to the oven, reducing the temperature to 250°F (120°C).
9
Bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, until the cereal is crispy and golden brown.
10
Allow to cool completely before transferring the cereal to an airtight container for storage.
11
Serve your Homemade Crunchy Wheat Cereal with milk, yogurt, or enjoy it as a snack on its own.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Homemade Crunchy Wheat Cereal?
It is a wholesome, DIY breakfast cereal made with whole wheat flour and wheat germ, designed to be reminiscent of Grape Nuts.
What commercial cereal is this recipe similar to?
This cereal is similar in taste and texture to Grape Nuts.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients are whole wheat or graham flour, wheat germ, brown sugar or corn syrup, buttermilk or sour milk, baking soda, and salt.
Can I substitute the graham flour?
Yes, you can use regular whole wheat flour if graham flour is unavailable.
What can I use instead of wheat germ?
You can omit the wheat germ and substitute it with an additional 1/2 cup of flour.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 40 servings.
Is this cereal high in fiber?
Yes, it is packed with fiber and nutrients due to the whole wheat flour and wheat germ.
What is the first baking temperature?
The initial baking temperature is 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long is the first baking session?
The dough should bake for 25 to 30 minutes until it is lightly golden and firm.
What is the second baking temperature?
For the second bake, the oven temperature is reduced to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius).
How long is the second baking session?
The second bake lasts for 20 to 30 minutes until the cereal is crispy.
Can I use sour milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, low-fat buttermilk or sour milk both work well in this recipe.
What type of sweetener is recommended?
You can use either brown sugar or corn syrup to sweeten the cereal.
Does the recipe require salt?
Yes, a pinch of salt is added to the mix.
How do I turn the baked dough into cereal granules?
You can use a grater or a blender to pulse the baked chunks into smaller granules.
Should the cookie sheets be greased?
Yes, you should use two large greased cookie sheets to prevent sticking.
How thin should the dough be spread?
The dough should be spread out into a thin layer across the sheets.
Can this cereal be eaten as a snack?
Yes, it is crunchy and flavorful enough to be enjoyed as a dry snack.
How should the cereal be stored?
Store the cooled cereal in an airtight container to maintain its crunch.
What are the suggested serving methods?
It is best served with milk, yogurt, or as a standalone snack.
Is this a whole grain recipe?
Yes, it is categorized as a healthy, whole grain breakfast option.
Can I use a blender for the whole batch at once?
It is recommended to work with about one cup of chunks at a time for even granules.
Why is there a second baking step?
The second bake at a lower temperature ensures the cereal becomes completely dry and crispy.
Does this cereal contain leavening agents?
Yes, it uses one teaspoon of baking soda.
What is the flavor profile of this cereal?
It has a nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an easy-to-make recipe with simple steps.
Can I make a large batch for meal prep?
Yes, the recipe already produces 40 servings, making it ideal for long-term storage.
How long should the cereal cool after the second bake?
Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a storage container.
Is this cereal suitable for a healthy diet?
Yes, it is wholesome, nutritious, and avoids many of the preservatives found in store-bought cereals.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include breakfast, cereal, homemade, healthy, wholesome, whole grain, and easy recipe.