Cheerios are surprisingly clean already with no seed oils, but contain synthetic vitamins and conventional oats. This DIY version uses organic oat flour, coconut oil for healthy fat, and eliminates synthetic additives for a truly clean breakfast cereal with the same satisfying crunch and nutrition.
Based on: Cheerios
· Makes approximately 45 servings
· Serving: 1½ cups (39g)
Why This Recipe is Seed Oil Free
Commercial Cheerios from General Mills often contains inflammatory seed oils like canola, soybean, or sunflower oil. This homemade version replaces them with healthier fats like butter, ghee, coconut oil, or avocado oil — giving you the same great taste without the processed oils.
Healthy saturated fat that creates crispness and helps bind the ingredients into cohesive shapes
Sea salt
8g (about 1½ teaspoons) · Redmond Real Salt Fine
Essential for flavor balance and helps activate the binding properties of the other ingredients
Natural vitamin blend
2 tablespoons crushed tablets (optional) · Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Iron or similar whole food vitamin
Replaces synthetic vitamins with whole food nutrients for optional fortification
Instructions
Step 1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1.8kg (7.5 cups) organic oat flour, 120g (1 cup) corn starch, 45g (3 tablespoons) coconut sugar, and 8g (1½ teaspoons) sea salt. Whisk thoroughly for 2-3 minutes to ensure even distribution — corn starch can clump easily and proper mixing is crucial for uniform texture.
Step 2. Melt 60g (¼ cup) coconut oil until just liquid (about 30 seconds in microwave). In a separate bowl, whisk the melted coconut oil with 180ml (¾ cup) water until well emulsified — this takes about 1 minute of vigorous whisking. The mixture should look creamy, not separated.
Step 3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon until a cohesive dough forms. The dough should hold together when squeezed but not be wet or sticky. If too dry, add water 1 tablespoon at a time. If too wet, add oat flour 2 tablespoons at a time. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes to allow the oat flour to fully hydrate.
Step 4. Divide dough into 4 portions for easier handling. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion to about ¼ inch (6mm) thickness. Using a small round cookie cutter (about 1-inch diameter) or bottle cap, cut circles. Then use a smaller round tool (like a straw or small piping tip) to cut out the center holes, creating O-shapes. Re-roll scraps and repeat until all dough is used.
Step 5. Arrange the O-shapes on prepared baking sheets, spacing them ½ inch apart. They won't spread much but need air circulation. Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating pans halfway through, until the pieces are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. They should feel completely dry and crispy — underbaking will result in chewy cereal that gets soggy in milk.
Step 6. Cool completely on baking sheets for 30 minutes before transferring to storage containers. If adding optional vitamin fortification, crush 2 tablespoons of whole food vitamin tablets into fine powder using a mortar and pestle, then toss the cooled cereal with the vitamin powder in a large bowl until evenly coated.
Step 7. Store in airtight glass containers for up to 3 weeks at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze portions in sealed bags for up to 3 months. Use the same way as commercial cereal: add ½ to ¾ cup milk per 1½ cup serving. The cereal should maintain crunch in milk for 5-7 minutes before softening.
Storage
Store in airtight glass containers at room temperature for up to 3 weeks. Freeze in sealed bags for up to 3 months. Keep away from moisture to maintain crispness.
Cost Comparison
Cost per serving (homemade)$0.50
Cost per serving (store-bought)$0.31
Savings-61%
DIY costs more per serving due to premium organic ingredients and smaller scale production. However, you eliminate synthetic vitamins, get superior nutrition from whole food ingredients, and have complete control over quality and freshness.