Paleo Cracklin Oat Bran Cereal

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This Paleo Cracklin Oat Bran is a copycat of a popular cereal. Made grain-free, but just as delicious! Easy, healthy, and the perfect breakfast!

Paleo Cracklin Oat Bran Cereal

 

Cracklin Oat Bran brings up so many good memories for me. I am the youngest of 5 kids and growing up, boxes of cereal disappeared so fast. A small box of this stuff is expensive and there was no way my parents would buy it for all of us.  It was my dad’s favorite and when he had some, he would hide it in his room. On special mornings when we were up without anyone else, we would share a bowl. It is still one of my favorite, I just don’t buy it anymore because the ingredients are not good at all. It is full of corn syrup, soybean oil, and other ingredients I try to avoid.

Paleo Cracklin Oat Bran Cereal - Golden Barrel

My dad just came to visit and while he was here, he requested a homemade version of this cereal. I love being able to take something unhealthy and make it over to be healthy and unprocessed. I already had an idea of what was in it, but obviously I left the oats and bran out to keep it paleo. Paleo is grain free, so I used almond flour as the base and it works perfectly. Coconut, molasses, and cinnamon are the other key ingredients. I swapped out the soybean oil (from the original) to coconut oil which is so much healthier. All the ingredients work together perfectly and create the same texture and flavor. If you’re familiar with the original, you know it’s a thick, hearty cereal. It’s super crunchy and so is my version. I am so happy with how it turned out. My dad loved it and took a whole batch home- that makes my heart happy!!

Homemade Oat Bran Cereal - Golden Barrel

This is so easy to make. I know making cereal homemade sounds hard, or time consuming, but it’s not. Everything is mixed in one bowl and baked for less than an hour. It can be stored in an air tight container and eaten throughout the week. If you can make cookies or cake, then you can make this- it is even easier!

 

Ingredients to make Paleo Cracklin Oat Bran Cereal

Here are the ingredients: Golden Barrel Blackstrap Molasses, almond flour, Golden Barrel Coconut Oil, finely shredded coconut, coconut sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and an egg. I’ll give you a little information on the ingredients in case you’re not familiar with them. The almond flour can be found at Trader Joes, most health food stores, and even a lot of major chain stores. I like to use finely shredded unsweetened coconut because the squares are cut pretty small and I like it to blend well. That is either by the other coconut or in the “health” section of stores. Coconut sugar is an unrefined sugar that has a lower glycemic level than granulated sugar. It is usually found on a higher shelf, right above the regular sugar. Of course, these items can be bought online as well. They are all ingredients I keep in my pantry now.

 

Rolled and uncooked dough to make Oat Bran Cereal

Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl, then press it out evenly on a parchment lined sheet tray. Try to make it as even as possible, so it cooks at the same rate.

 

Cut Strips to make Oat Bran Cereal

After it cooks for 30 minutes, remove it from the oven and cut it into squares. I like to cut it in 11×8 strips. A thin knife works best for this, and you’ll have to remove some cereal from the blade as it builds up. Flip all the squares over, and move the outside pieces to the center, and the center pieces to the edge. That way they cook evenly. Bake for another 15 minutes. They will harden as they cool.

Paleo Cracklin Oat Bran Cereal made with Golden Barrel Coconut Oil and Blackstrap Mollasses

Even if you have never tried the original I encourage you to try this cereal. It is crunchy, sweet, and so delicious! The combination of cinnamon, molasses and coconut is incredible and makes a great breakfast or snack.

Paleo Cracklin Oat Bran Cereal - Golden Barrel

Paleo Cracklin Oat Bran Cereal
Paleo Cracklin Oat Bran Cereal
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
6 people 5 minutes
Cook Time
45` minutes
Servings Prep Time
6 people 5 minutes
Cook Time
45` minutes
Paleo Cracklin Oat Bran Cereal
Paleo Cracklin Oat Bran Cereal
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
6 people 5 minutes
Cook Time
45` minutes
Servings Prep Time
6 people 5 minutes
Cook Time
45` minutes
Ingredients
Servings: people
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 325° and line a sheet tray with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine almond flour, coconut, sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. Add molasses, egg, coconut oil, and maple syrup. Stir until well combined.
  4. Put mixture on the sheet tray and press into a rectangle. Try to get it as even as possible.
  5. Bake for 30 minutes, then cut into squares. Cut 11 rows by 8 rows, and flip them all over. Move edge pieces to the center, and center pieces to the edge so they bake evenly.
  6. Bake for another 15 minutes. They will still be soft when they come out, but will harden as they cool.
  7. Let cool and store in an airtight container.
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40 thoughts on "Paleo Cracklin Oat Bran Cereal"

  1. Rebecca says:

    OMG–it was my favorite, too! I almost hoarded it as well :). In fact, I fortified my regular oatmeal with a huge handful (or three) of Cracklin’ Oat Bran and made it super thick. It’s how I rolled back then. I have since learned of its less than healthful ingredients and have avoided it, which doesn’t mean I don’t miss it. This I will have to try. Thanks to you and your dad for the endeavor!

    1. Thanks, Rebecca!! Yay- another Cracklin Oat Bran lover! 🙂 I think you will love this homemade version- it is crunchy and sweet, just like the original. I hope you enjoy it!!

  2. Stumbling across this on tastespotting has made my night! Thank you for posting this! I can’t wait to make it!

    1. Hi Kel! I am so glad you stumbled across this recipe! You’re welcome- I hope you enjoy it as much as we do! 🙂

  3. Stephanie Morey says:

    Cracklin Oat Bran Cereal has always been one of my favorite cereals, but due to the cost, I have not eaten any in a long time. I can’t wait to try this healthier version.

    1. Thanks, Stephanie! It is expensive!! I hope you try this version and love it!

  4. Nancy says:

    One of my favorite cereals, I would eat it straight out of the box! Thank you for making this healthier and low carb/low sugar friendly! I am definitely trying this recipe today!

    1. I agree, Nancy! It’s good right out of the box for snacking 🙂 You’re very welcome! I hope you love this recipe!!

  5. Talyn says:

    Hi, we have nut allergies here, is there anyother flour that will work in place of almond?

    BTW just found your site and LOVE it 🙂

    1. Hi Talyn! I think an all purpose or gluten free blend would probably work. Thanks!! I’m so glad you like my site! 🙂 I hope you enjoy some recipes!

  6. Meredith says:

    Just made a single-serving-size version of this last night using Truvia Brown Sugar Baking Blend in place of coconut sugar and egg-whites in place of the egg. I also reduced the amount of coconut oil a bit. It was awesome! I can’t remember the last time I had cereal due to my dietary constraints. Ate it with some plain almond milk. I will be making this all the time. Thank you so much for the great idea!

    1. You’re welcome, Meredith! Thank you for trying it! I’m so glad you like it 🙂 I’m glad it satisfied your cereal craving.

  7. Stephanie Morey says:

    I made this last week, and used Truvia White Sugar Baking Blend instead of coconut sugar, and it turned out great! I found this healthier version to be very filling and satisfying. I will definitely make this again.

    1. Thanks, Stephanie! I’m so glad you tried and and liked it! Thanks for the great feedback 🙂

  8. Cindy says:

    What can I use in place of the shredded coconut – I don’t like it.

    1. Hi Cindy! I want to mention that you can’t really taste the coconut. My husband is not a fan of coconut and this is his favorite cereal ever! If you really don’t want to use it then I would say increase the almond flour by 1 cup to make up the difference. I can’t say for sure it will work because I haven’t tried it, but that would be my recommendation. I hope you enjoy it!

  9. T Meese says:

    I am so excited to have found this recipe, it was fantastic! Even my non-paleo family members couldn’t stay away. Everyone would grab a handful when they were walking through the kitchen. I had made a double batch and it only lasted 2 days. Thanks for sharing!

    1. You’re welcome! I’m so glad to hear you and your family all loved it 🙂 Thank you for making it and for the great feedback!

  10. I can not have almonds. Would cocnut flour work?

    1. Hi Debi- unfortunately all coconut flour wouldn’t work. It doesn’t convert 1:1. You could try oat flour for a gluten free (not paleo) version. I’m sorry I can’t be more of a help. Let me know if you have any more questions.

  11. Dana says:

    Hi! This sounds amazing as I too, miss this cereal (or any cereal). Just wondering, but do you think anything could replace the egg? I do eat eggs so it’s fine if not. But I’d like to be able to make some egg-free versions of things as well. Perhaps a “chia egg” could work? I can look into it just thought you might have a go-to. Thank you!

    1. Hi Dana- I think a chia or flax egg might work. I can’t say for sure, but it’s only one so I think it would. Let me know if you try it and how it comes out. Enjoy 🙂

  12. Nikki says:

    My doctor actually reccomended this cereal for my daughter because of constipation. Is this recipe full of fiber like the cereal? Thanks!!!

    1. Hi Nikki! Yes, coconut is very high fiber. I don’t normally calculate nutrition facts, but since you need to know a fiber count I did figure it out. It’s 6 grams of fiber per serving if you divide the batch into 6. I just looked up the actual cereal and it is the same- 6 grams. And with this homemade version you are avoiding all the processed sugar/oil/preservatives. I hope you try it and your daughter enjoys it! 🙂

  13. Thank you for a great recipe! I just made a batch. It tastes delicious, but it isn’t crunchy. Not sure if I did something wrong?

    1. You’re welcome, Sarah! Thank you for trying it. I’m not sure why it wouldn’t be crunchy. Did you follow it exactly? Those last 15 minutes are very important. Sorry I can’t be more of a help.

  14. Ginger Clark says:

    Is there a reason for stating 4 Tbs instead of 1/4 cup? They’re the same thing. I can’t figure out why the recipe says 4 Tbs of coconut oil and maple syrup instead of just 1/4 cup.

    1. Hi Ginger- when creating recipes, sometimes the measurements happen one tablespoon at a time until it’s perfect. I’m so sorry my use of tablespoons over cup bothers you that much! Yes, I do realize it’s the same thing!

      1. Kari H. says:

        Thank you for that explanation 🙂 I also have wondered about recipes that use 4 Tb vs 1/4 cup or 3 tsp vs 1 Tb but I am not a recipe creator in the least but what you said makes sense! Doesn’t make no never mind to me, just thankful for you uber delicious recipes 🙂

        1. You’re welcome, Kari! So glad you enjoy my recipes 🙂

  15. Diane Lewis says:

    Coconut sugar and molasses are NOT Paleo! Another recipe I got excited about, touted as Paleo, and can’t make after checking the ingredients.

    1. Hi Diane- actually both are considered paleo. Here are two articles on them that you should probably read. Blackstrap Molasses:https://www.thepaleomom.com/blackstrap-molasses-the-sugar-you-can-love/
      Coconut sugar: https://ultimatepaleoguide.com/is-coconut-sugarcoconut-nectar-paleo

  16. Diane says:

    Thank you, Jessica, for the articles, which I have read. I see that there is a distinction between blackstrap molasses and regular molasses–I agree that the minimal amount of blackstrap molasses that you use in this recipe is probably okay, but it is still sugar. As for coconut sugar, the article you referred me to admits that many persons following Paleo do not consider even coconut sugar Paleo because it is still processed and is still a sugar, and also says that ANY sugar should be used minimally. Interestingly, it recommends using the Paleo.io app as a quick reference for what is and is not Paleo. I actually have that app and it says coconut sugar is NOT Paleo–so a little contradiction in the article there. That app also shows that molasses is not Paleo, but does not address blackstrap molasses which appears to be more acceptable. So I guess we will have to agree to disagree on this point! I have chosen to follow a more strict Paleo diet recommended by my doctor and do not add ANY sugar to my cooking and baking. Since I avoid any packaged cereals at all with grains or added sugar, I would not then make a cereal with sugar added. Thanks for your response and viewpoint.

    1. Hi Diane- thank you for the reply. I definitely agree with limiting sugars and consider this cereal a treat, not something I would make for every day. I think for people coming from a SAD, this is a much better option.

  17. Jed Norden says:

    we are watching our diets. Really liked this recipe. What is the nutritional breakdown? Thanks.

    1. Thanks, Jed! I don’t have the nutrition facts, but there are many sites online that will help you calculate it if you want. My Fitness Pal is a popular one. Thanks for trying my recipe!

  18. Ariana says:

    This is wonderful! I’ve always loved Cracklin Oat Bran cereal. Now that I’m paleo, I miss it. My whole family loved this recipe and my brother, who was visiting and thinks paleo is a little excessive, loved it too! He couldn’t keep his hands out of the container, lol.

    1. Thanks for trying it, Ariana! I am so glad your whole family loves it 🙂

  19. Arianna says:

    This is wonderful! I’ve always loved Cracklin Oat Bran cereal. Now that I’m paleo, I miss it. My whole family loved this recipe and my brother, who was visiting and thinks paleo is a little excessive, loved it too! He couldn’t keep his hands out of the container, lol.

  20. Holly says:

    Hello, can sunflower seed flour be subbed for the almond flour? If so, do you think this will still come out crunchy? Thank You!

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