Name: Chocolate Cereal (Homemade Cocoa Puffs) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: ⅔ cup (60 g) oat flour (gluten-free if needed); 2 ½ Tbsp (13 g) cocoa powder (or cacao powder); 3 Tbsp (60 g) maple syrup (or any other liquid sweetener); 3 ½ Tbsp (56 g) nut or seed butter of choice (e.g., almond, cashew, sunflower seed butter)

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Introduction

This homemade chocolate cereal is a delightful and healthy alternative to store-bought cocoa puffs. Made with simple ingredients like oat flour and cocoa powder, these little chocolate balls are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. Plus, they’re vegan and customizable to your taste.

A bowl with a thick grey and brown rim holds a layer of round, dark brown chocolate cereal balls resting in white milk that is being poured from above. The milk is fresh and slightly frothy, flowing over the cereal and filling the bowl. The bowl sits on a round wooden board with natural wood grain, placed on a white marbled texture surface. A few scattered cereal balls are visible on the surface nearby, and a woman's hand is partly visible holding the pouring container. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

⅔ cup (60 g) oat flour (gluten-free if needed)
3 Tbsp (60 g) maple syrup (or any other liquid sweetener)
3 ½ Tbsp (56 g) nut or seed butter of choice
2 ½ Tbsp (13 g) cocoa powder (or cacao powder)

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the nut or seed butter and maple syrup, stirring with a spoon until smooth.
Step 2: Add the oat flour and cocoa powder, mixing well until a dough starts to form.
Step 3: Use your hands to shape the mixture into a dough. Adjust the texture by adding more maple syrup or nut butter if it’s too dry, or more oat flour one teaspoon at a time if it’s too wet.
Step 4: Preheat your oven to 320 °F (160 °C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Step 5: Divide the dough into four equal pieces and roll each into ropes about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick.
Step 6: Slice the ropes into pieces about ½ to ¾ inch thick, then roll each piece into a small ball with your hands. You should have between 120 and 140 balls.
Step 7: Place the cereal balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out to prevent sticking.
Step 8: Bake for about 10 minutes, then allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. They will firm up as they cool.
Step 9: Enjoy your chocolate cereal with your favorite dairy-free milk and optional fruit.

Tips & Variations

For a different flavor, try using almond butter or sunflower seed butter in place of nut butter.
If you prefer a sweeter cereal, add a little more maple syrup, adjusting the dough consistency as needed.
To boost nutrition, mix in a teaspoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseed before shaping the dough.
Be careful not to overbake the cereal balls to avoid burning; they are best when slightly soft right out of the oven and firm when cooled.

Storage

Store the cooled chocolate cereal in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Reheat briefly in a warm oven or enjoy cold; the cereal’s texture holds well both ways.

How to Serve

A close-up shot of a gray ceramic bowl filled with light brown milk and round chocolate cereal balls floating on top, with a woman's hand holding a shiny gold spoon scooping some cereal near the right side of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a rustic wooden board, and a small white bowl with more chocolate cereal balls is seen blurred in the background, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different flour instead of oat flour?

Yes, you can substitute oat flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour or almond flour, but the texture may vary slightly. Adjust liquids as needed when changing flours.

Is this cereal suitable for children?

Absolutely. This homemade chocolate cereal is made from simple, natural ingredients without added preservatives or artificial flavors, making it a great choice for kids’ breakfasts or snacks.