Homemade Cocoa Puffs (Healthy Chocolate Cereal)

This Homemade Cocoa Puffs recipe is a healthier alternative to the store-bought chocolate cereals. Made with just four simple ingredients—oat flour, maple syrup, nut or seed butter, and cocoa powder—this gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free cereal is a delicious and nutritious breakfast or snack for both kids and adults. Enjoy the crispy, chocolaty goodness without the added sugar or artificial ingredients!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Not only is this homemade cocoa puffs recipe easy to make, but it’s also made with wholesome ingredients that you can feel good about feeding your family. The oat flour provides a healthy base, while the nut or seed butter adds a creamy texture and richness. The cocoa powder gives the cereal that beloved chocolatey flavor, and the maple syrup sweetens the mixture naturally. This cereal is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even as a topping for yogurt or smoothie bowls!

Ingredients

• ⅔ cup (60g) oat flour (gluten-free if needed)

• 3 Tbsp (60g) maple syrup (or any other liquid sweetener)

• 3 ½ Tbsp (56g) nut/seed butter of choice (see notes)

• 2 ½ Tbsp (13g) cocoa powder (or cacao powder)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a bowl, combine the nut or seed butter and maple syrup. Stir together until well combined.

2. Add the oat flour and cocoa powder to the mixture and stir again until everything is well mixed.

3. Use your hands to knead the mixture into a dough. If the dough is too dry, add a bit more maple syrup or nut/seed butter. If it’s too wet, add more oat flour, one teaspoon at a time, until you get a dough that holds together but isn’t sticky.

Step 2: Shape the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

2. Divide the dough into four pieces and roll each piece into a rope about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick.

3. Use a knife to cut the ropes into smaller pieces, about ½ to ¾ inch thick, and then roll each of those pieces into balls with your hands. You should end up with around 120-140 small balls.

Step 3: Bake the Cocoa Puffs

1. Place the cereal balls on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between them.

2. Bake for about 10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them as they bake to prevent overbaking. They should be firm but still slightly soft when you remove them from the oven.

3. Let the homemade cocoa puffs cool completely on the baking sheet. They will firm up as they cool.

Step 4: Enjoy!

Once the cocoa puffs have cooled, serve them with your favorite dairy-free milk, and feel free to add some fruit for an extra boost of flavor. They also make a great snack on their own!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Yield: 3 servings (approximately 120-140 cereal balls)

Variations

1. Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter instead of nut butter to make this cereal nut-free.

2. Add-Ins: Stir in some chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough before baking for extra texture and flavor.

3. Fruit Flavored: Add a pinch of dried fruit powder, like freeze-dried strawberry or blueberry powder, for a fruity twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cocoa puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also keep them in the fridge for slightly longer shelf life.

• Reheating: If you prefer them warm, reheat the cereal in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes, or microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use a different sweetener?

Yes! You can substitute maple syrup with honey, agave, or your favorite liquid sweetener. Just make sure to adjust the quantity to your taste.

Can I use something other than oat flour?

You can substitute oat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that the texture might change slightly, but it will still be delicious!

How do I make these cereal balls even crunchier?

If you like your cocoa puffs extra crispy, you can let them bake for a couple more minutes, but be careful not to burn them. You can also leave the cereal in the oven after turning it off for a few minutes to get them crispier.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe yields approximately 3 servings, depending on how big you make the cereal balls. You’ll get about 120-140 cereal balls total.

Can I make these cereal balls bigger or smaller?

Yes! You can adjust the size of the cereal balls to your preference. Just remember that if you make them bigger, they will need a bit more time to bake.

Can I freeze these cocoa puffs?

Yes, you can freeze these cocoa puffs! Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Let them thaw before serving.

Can I use cacao powder instead of cocoa powder?

Yes, cacao powder can be used as a substitute for cocoa powder. It will give the cereal a more robust flavor and provide additional health benefits.

Conclusion

Homemade cocoa puffs are a healthier and equally delicious alternative to the sugary cereals you find on store shelves. With only four simple ingredients and a quick 30-minute prep time, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free breakfast option. Enjoy these tasty chocolate cereal balls with your favorite plant-based milk for a fun and nutritious way to start your day!

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