Ever wondered if you could make your own cereal, just like Nara Smith does? With homemade cereal, you can skip the preservatives, go big on flavor, and start your day with a satisfying crunch!

It’s easier than you’d think to whip up a batch that’s just right for you. Customize it to your taste, add nutrients, and enjoy the satisfaction of a breakfast you crafted yourself. Let’s dive into the steps to upgrade your cereal game!

<h3>Ingredients</h3>

To get started, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. Feel free to customize as you like:

- 1 ½ cups rolled oats

- 1 cup rice crisps or puffed quinoa

- ½ cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, or pecans)

- ⅓ cup of almond butter or an alternative nut butter of your choice.

- ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)

- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

- ½ tsp cinnamon

- ¼ tsp sea salt

- Optional mix-ins: chia seeds, flaxseeds, shredded coconut, dried fruit, or cacao nibs

<h3>Step-By-Step Recipe</h3>

<b>1. Prep and Mix Your Dry Ingredients</b>

Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C) and preparing a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, rice crisps, chopped nuts, and any additional seeds you want to add, like chia or flaxseeds. Stir them together until evenly distributed. This will be your crunchy cereal base.

<b>2. Make the Syrup</b>

In a small saucepan set over low heat, mix together the almond butter and honey (or maple syrup) along with vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sea salt. Stir the mixture gently until it’s warm, smooth, and slightly bubbling. The warm syrup acts like a “glue” that will help your cereal clusters stick together. Once melted, pour the syrup over your oat mixture and stir until everything is well-coated​.

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Video by Adam Ragusea

<b>3. Spread and Bake</b>

Spread your mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet, keeping it in a single layer. Bake it for about 20 minutes, stirring every 7-10 minutes to make sure it toasts evenly without burning. You’ll know it’s ready when it turns a golden brown and has a fragrant, nutty aroma. Let it cool completely on the tray - this helps it become nice and crunchy​.

<b>4. Cool, Add Extras, and Store</b>

Once cooled, break the cereal into clusters and add any extra toppings you want, like shredded coconut or dried fruits. Store it in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Now, you’ve got a homemade cereal that’s ready whenever you are!

<h3>Store and Experiment!</h3>

Store your cereal in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to two weeks. Want more variety? Experiment with dried fruits, shredded coconut, or even freeze-dried berries for a unique twist. Homemade cereal is easy to personalize, and with a little creativity, you can come up with endless combinations that you’ll look forward to every morning!

The beauty of homemade cereal is that it’s endlessly customizable. Try switching up the nut butters or adding in a dash of cocoa powder if you’re a chocolate fan. Your mornings just got a whole lot better - enjoy the satisfaction of a breakfast that’s as unique as you are!