Name: Homemade Protein Cereal Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 1 h 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 120g (1 Cup) All-Purpose Flour; 56g (1/2 Cup) Almond Flour; 45g (1.5 Scoops) Cinnamon or Vanilla Protein Powder; 50g Granulated Sugar Substitute (or regular sugar); 2 tsp Cinnamon; 1/4 tsp Salt; 5-6 Tbsp Milk of Choice (adjust depending on protein powder used); 1 tsp Cinnamon; 40g Granulated Sugar Substitute (or regular sugar)

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If you’re on the lookout for a crunchy, satisfying breakfast that packs a punch of nutrition, this Homemade Protein Cereal Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful combination of wholesome flours, protein powder, and just the right touch of cinnamon sweetness that transforms simple pantry staples into a crunchy cereal that fuels your day. This recipe gives you full control over ingredients, so you get a protein-packed, guilt-free breakfast bowl that tastes as amazing as it looks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two small round dough balls with a rough texture are placed separately on two rectangular sheets of light brown parchment paper. The parchment papers are set on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a wooden rolling pin resting along the top edge of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Keep it simple, keep it wholesome — these ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a vital role in delivering the perfect texture, flavor, and nutrition balance for the Homemade Protein Cereal Recipe.

All-Purpose Flour: The base that provides structure, making the cereal wonderfully crisp.
Almond Flour: Adds a subtle nutty flavor and tender texture while boosting the cereal’s protein content.
Cinnamon or Vanilla Protein Powder: The star ingredient that brings a rich dose of protein and a delicious flavor twist—choose wisely based on your taste preference.
Granulated Sugar Substitute (or regular sugar): Provides the perfect level of sweetness without overpowering the cereal’s natural flavors.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth, spice, and an irresistible aroma that makes you crave breakfast.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness beautifully.
Milk of Choice: Binds the dough and keeps it moist—adjust as needed depending on your protein powder.
Cooking Spray: Helps set the cinnamon sugar topping and keeps the dough from sticking during baking.

How to Make Homemade Protein Cereal Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Start by combining all your dry ingredients in a large bowl—this means the flours, protein powder, sugar substitute, cinnamon, and salt. Getting this mix right is crucial for the final texture and flavor to shine in your Homemade Protein Cereal Recipe.

Step 2: Add Milk Gradually and Form the Dough

Add your milk one tablespoon at a time while stirring to mix everything into a cohesive dough. Since different protein powders absorb liquids differently, this slow addition ensures you’ll get just the right consistency—not too wet, not too crumbly.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Pop the dough in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes so it firms up. Chilling makes the dough much easier to roll out later, preventing it from becoming sticky and unmanageable.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Dough

Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Separate the dough into two portions and roll each out as thinly as possible between sheets of parchment paper, dusting generously with extra flour to prevent sticking. Thin dough means crispier cereal!

Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping and Cut

Spray the dough lightly with cooking spray and sprinkle on your cinnamon sugar topping. Use a pizza cutter to slice the dough into small cereal squares—this creates those perfectly bite-sized pieces we all love!

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Crisp

Bake the cut dough at 350 degrees for 16 to 18 minutes, watching for golden edges. This timing depends on your protein powder choice, but once browned, the cereal is ready for the final crucial step: cooling.

Step 7: Cool and Break Apart

Allow your freshly baked protein cereal to cool completely for 20 to 30 minutes. This cooling firm-up is essential because the cereal will continue to crisp up as it rests, making it easy to separate along the cut lines into those delightful crunchy bites.

How to Serve Homemade Protein Cereal Recipe

The image shows two clear glass bowls on a white marbled surface, each filled with square-shaped crackers covered with a powdery layer of sugar and cinnamon. The crackers have a golden brown color with a slightly rough texture, and the sugar and cinnamon dusting gives them a speckled look. The front bowl is in sharp focus, revealing the stacked crackers inside, while the second bowl in the background is slightly blurred, with a black spoon sticking out of it. The scene has a clean and simple feel with soft lighting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle your homemade protein cereal with fresh berries or a handful of sliced almonds for extra texture and flavor. A drizzle of honey or a splash of vanilla extracts elevates every bite, transforming simple bowl into a breakfast feast.

Side Dishes

Pair your cereal with a creamy yogurt or a smoothie on the side to add layers of creaminess and freshness that complement the crunch. For an extra protein punch, a soft-boiled egg or a glass of cold protein shake also works beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Homemade Protein Cereal Recipe layered in a glass parfait with Greek yogurt and fruit for an eye-catching breakfast treat. You can also mix it into your favorite trail mix as a crunchy star ingredient on hikes or snack time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Homemade Protein Cereal Recipe fresh and crunchy by storing leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays at its best for about a week, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week without losing that satisfying crunch.

Freezing

You can freeze the cereal by placing it in a sealed freezer bag or container. When you want a quick nutritious snack, just thaw it at room temperature—the texture holds up surprisingly well to freezing and thawing.

Reheating

If your homemade cereal loses a bit of its crunch, simply pop it in a 300-degree oven for 5 minutes to revive that fresh-from-the-oven crispness. This quick reheat breathes new life into your protein cereal anytime.

FAQs

Can I use different types of protein powder?

Absolutely! Both whey and plant-based protein powders work well, though you might need to adjust the milk amount slightly. Try vanilla or cinnamon flavors to complement the spices in the recipe.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can easily make a gluten-free version by swapping all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Almond flour already adds a lovely gluten-free touch and nutty flavor.

How long does the cereal stay crunchy?

Stored properly in an airtight container, the cereal should stay crunchy for up to a week. Make sure to keep it away from moisture to maintain that perfect crisp.

Can I add other mix-ins like nuts or seeds?

Definitely! Adding chopped nuts, seeds, or even dried fruit before baking can give extra texture and nutrition, though you may want to reduce sugar slightly depending on your additions.

What milk is best for this recipe?

Any milk works well—dairy or plant-based. Almond, oat, or cow’s milk all bring different flavors, so pick your favorite or what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Homemade Protein Cereal Recipe enough for anyone wanting a crunchy, tasty, and protein-rich breakfast option that feels homemade and wholesome. It’s simple, versatile, and so satisfying—once you try it, this cereal will quickly become a breakfast staple you’ll reach for again and again. Go ahead, give it a try and watch your mornings transform!