Breakfast can be sort of difficult when on a grain free diet (and/or a nut free diet). Ever try purchasing a cereal that’s grain free, nut free, cane-sugar free, and vegan. Ha ha. Good luck. If one exists is’t probably off-the-charts expensive (or comes in a 4 ounce bag). Over the years I’ve adopted the motto: If you can’t find it, make it, which has served me well. I said good-bye to store bought cereals a while ago for several reasons. But now I have only two reasons: it’s cheaper and healthier to make at home. That’s really the bottom line. I hope you give this cereal a try. You can add just about anything to the base of seed mixture, so get creative. I also must mention that my kids LOVE this recipe, as well as the apple cinnamon recipe, for breakfast or snack. They literally squeal when they get up and see this breakfast waiting for them at the table. Now that’s a great way to start the day!
Raw Strawberry Chocolate Cereal
nut free, grain free, dairy free, cane-sugar free, vegan
Ingredients:
-2 cups organic raw sunflower seeds
-1 cup organic raw pumpkin seeds
-1 cup shredded coconut
-1/4 cup raw hemp seeds
-3/4 cup coconut sugar
-2 1/2 cups fresh strawberries (small chop)
-1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder
-3 tablespoons chia seeds
-1 teaspoon liquid stevia
-1 teaspoon ground chia
-1 teaspoon psyllium husk
-1/4 teaspoon salt
How To:
1. In a large bowl add the sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds and cover with filtered water (about 2 inches over) and soak for at least 8 hours. I like to soak mine as long as I can, so I gave mine about 15 hours.
2. After they have soaked, drain and rinse (do not pat dry or try to dry the seeds, you need the moisture).
3. To a large bowl, add the wet seed mixture and all the other ingredients and mix well with your hands. This is the really best way to incorporate all the ingredients. Here is the dehydrator I use. 4. I spread the mixture onto these screens (which come with the dehydrator). I do not use these fruit roll sheets.
Make sure the seed mixture is in a nice thin layer so it dehydrates evenly and thoroughly.
5. I set my dehydrator between 110 – 115 degrees, put in the laundry room and let it rock. After about 18 hours I check for the crisp level. I dehydrate longer until that perfectly crisp texture is achieved.
6. The final mixture will be very stiff and pop out in a sheet. Break into pieces and store in an air tight container. This will keep for weeks. But it never lasts that long.
Here is what the cereal looks like when finished.
It’s very crispy and brittle.
This batch makes a nice amount.
I store in glass containers in the cupboard.
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Interested in another raw cereal?
See HERE for a Raw Apple Cinnamon version
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Shared on: Fat Tuesday, Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays, Raw Foods Thursday, Whole Food Fridays, Wellness Weekend, Allergy-Free Wednesdays,
I can only imagine how good this cereal is Amber. I need to get on that dehydrator train soon. 😉
Happy weekend! xo,
Shirley
Thanks Shirley! It’s a favorite for sure!!!
I am just loving your homemade cereal recipes Amber! I need inspiration in the breakfast area and you are my go to lady-thank you!
Thanks sweet friend. I just put a batch of cereal in the dehydrator this morning. It’s such a great treat…in addition to a fun breakfast.
Definitely gonna try this one and fast!!! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Ellen! I hope you enjoy it. 🙂
I am hosting a blog carnival this month with a grain-free bars theme. I’m hoping you may want to participate: http://mrsedsresearchandrecipes.blogspot.com/2013/07/go-ahead-honey-its-gluten-free-raising.html
Tracee
Oh darn, I think I missed the boat. Thanks for the invitation though.
Wow this looks amazing! I’m definitely going to have to try it!! Especially since strawberries are so delicious right now 🙂
Thanks Gabby. 🙂
Amber, this sounds incredible! I wish I had a dehydrator with screens, because I definitely would try this. I have an old school/cheap dehydrator right now. One of these days I will get a newer one!
We are having a wonderful summer here in AK. The temps (for the most part) have been steady in the 70’s-80’s. It’s been amazing. I can’t imagine temps up to 110 though! I would melt – and definitely head to SF! 😉 I’m glad you guys have that option!
I’m sorry June was a rough month for you. 🙁 But glad to hear July has been good. I’ve been doing okay for the most part. Going completely off of sugar (maple syrup, honey & dates included) and losing some weight has definitely relieved some pressure off of my knees and spine. I’m very thankful for that!
Sending you lots of love, my friend! I wish we were closer for a play date and coffee/tea.
Hugs!
M
Thanks for your well wishes sweet Megan. Wouldn’t that be fabulous to live closer. I would take you upon that in a heartbeat.
I am curious to how your sugar-free diet is going. Glad to hear you are getting some relief.
You’re such an inspiration!!
xo,
–Am
This looks FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for posting! Visiting from Fat Tuesday. Pinned!
Thanks Stacy.
Hi, this cereal looks amazing. Would it hold together without the sugar, or does it need it? I prefer to use all stevia for sweetness but sometimes leaving sugar out (coconut/maple/barley malt, etc.) doesn’t work in a recipe. Thanks!
Sorry this response is so late. I think this recipe would work without the coconut sugar. I would do the following:
Add in another cup of apples, another teaspoon of ground chia and psyllium husk, 1/4 cup additional apple sauce, and another teaspoon of stevia.
Let me know how it works for you.
Thanks,
-Amber
Is there a way to make this without a dehydrator but in the oven?
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