Homemade Protein Crunch Cereal (Vegan Gluten-Free)

This Homemade Protein Crunch Cereal is made in 15 minutes with 5 ingredients, packed with protein, crunch and only slightly sweet. It’s great for breakfast, snacking and for a delicious cheaper alternative to shop-bought cereals.

Protein, gut healthy and low-sugar cereals seem to be having a moment right now. So many brands are coming out with the latest best tasting and highest protein-packed cereal to make their mark on the cereal aisles. I have tried quite a few of them and some are really delicious (like the Brave Foods Cinnamon and Original hoops, they are amazing) but when you’ve run out or what to make your own at a fraction of the cost in 15 minutes with only 5 ingredients, this cereal crunch is for you.

Why will I love this cereal?

This homemade breakfast cereal is delicious, it’s:

• Crunchy, crispy and golden
• Chocolatey or vanilla-y depending on what protein you use
• High in protein
• Low sugar
• High in fibre
• Naturally vegan, gluten-free and nut-free
• Ready in 15 minutes
• Made in one bowl with 5 ingredients
• Cheaper than shop-bought cereals
• Delicious for breakfast, snacking or spooning from the jar

If you already love the look of this Homemade Protein Crunch Cereal then skip ahead to the recipe card below. Or, first let’s discuss the recipe in more detail.

What ingredients do I need?

For this recipe we only need 5 ingredients (plus a 6^th optional one):

• Puffed cereal: I use spelt, buckwheat or kamut puffs from KoRo which are really affordable and come in a huge bag so you will be able to make batch after batch of this cereal. You can find other puffed cereals in the supermarkets, just make sure they are unsweetened and unflavoured.
• Soya protein crispies: these are also from KoRo and are small, crunch and crispy. They are packed with protein and they add such a great texture. You can use other small crisped cereal, where needed.
• Protein powder: my favourite is a chocolate honeycomb, cookie dough or deluxe chocolate for this recipe but you can use any flavour you like. Macromike have the best range of flavours meaning that each batch can taste totally different. My code AMB-AMY saves you 10% off everything (or watch out for the regular seasonal sales too!).
• Maple syrup: for a tiny bit of sweetness and more to add the crunch as it bakes. You can also use agave or vegan honey here.
• Olive oil: I love using olive oil in sweet bakes as it adds a richness that nothing beats. That said, you can use melted coconut oil too, which also makes this cereal crunchy.
• Hemp seeds: these are optional but I love the boost of goodness they add. They are small but mighty.

How do I make this?

This recipe only requires two steps:

• Stir together all the ingredients: till the cereal is no longer dry or powdery and fully coated. All protein powders absorb more or less liquid than others, so you may need to add more syrup and oil.
• Bake till crispy: I have an option for the oven or the air fryer. Both result in crispy, crunchy cereal so use whatever you prefer.

If you are using an air fryer, this is the one I use and it means I have to cook this in 3 batches to fit it all on the tray in an even layer and it really does only need 3 minutes at the very most.

How long will this last?

This is great to make at the weekend to see you through the week. Depending how much you eat, it can last 2 days or the whole week. Store the cooled cereal in a sealed container or jar at room temperature for 1-2 weeks. If you notice it is less crispy, place it back in the oven or air fryer for up to 5 minutes (oven) or 1-2 minutes (air fryer).

Is this gluten-free and nut-free?

Yes the ingredients I use are all gluten-free depending on what puffed cereal you use. Spelt and kamut are not gluten-free but buckwheat and rice are. To keep this nut-free, check that your protein powder does not contain nuts.

Can I play around with the recipe with different add-ins?

Simply by changing the flavour of the protein, you can change the flavour of this cereal. Try any number of flavours like salted caramel, vanilla, white chocolate berry, cinnamon roll or cookies and cream.

If you want to add in some extras, try:

• Stirring in 2 tbsp of mixed seeds: into the dry mix before it bakes.
• Chopped nuts: chop these small so everything makes evenly and use about 2 tbsp.
• Chocolate chips or cacao nibs: add these once the cereal is cool at the end.
• Desiccated coconut: about 2 tbsp of coconut into the wet mix before it bakes will add an extra layer or crunch.
• Dried fruits: add these at the end once the cereal is cool. About 30g of raisins, chopped dates or cranberries would be great.

What else can I make?

I hope you are going to love this cereal and for more breakfast ideas, how about my:

• Mango Passionfruit Blended Oats
• Chocolate and Fig Baked Oats
• Blueberry Caramel Smoothie Bowl
• Easy Vegan Porridge 3 Ways
• Toffee Apple Pecan Baked Oats

I look forward to hearing what you think of this Homemade Protein Crunch Cereal so please let me know in the comments below and leave a star review above. If you do make this, I’d love to see so please tag me, I’m @nourishing.amy on Instagram and use the hashtag #nourishingamy. I’m also on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest  – please say hello!

With homemade cereal love x