Name: Nut Free Granola Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Rice Krispies; 1 cup Shredded Wheat; 1 cup quick cook oats; 1/2 cup maple syrup; 2 Tbsp. unsweetened applesauce; 1 tsp. vanilla; 1 Tbsp. ground flax seed; 1 Tbsp. chia seeds

Homemade nut-free granola is made from the cereal in your pantry. It’s the perfect way to use up those boxes of almost empty cereal. Save money, clear your shelves, and repurpose your cereal!

Do you have as much cereal in your pantry as I do?

Mornings are hectic.

Mine goes a bit like this: 10 year old gets out of bed, no problem – he is my early bird. 8 year old has a lot to say in the morning, most of which is not good news. Cue the puppy (yes, we recently got a new puppy!) I let him wake her up. It works like a charm every time.

I head downstairs to pack lunches and attempt to get kids off to school while trying to get myself ready for the day. Oh, and feed the dog, clean the kitchen, start the laundry, pick up the dirty socks laying EVERYWHERE… all the wonderful things mothers try to shove into 30 minutes 😉

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Why is breakfast important?

Studies show that those who skip breakfast have a hard time making up nutrients throughout the day.

Studies also suggest that eating breakfast can offer benefits that range from improved concentration to a reduced risk of obesity and diabetes.

Despite the benefits breakfast provides, this meal isn’t a part of the daily routine for many children – it is skipped more than any other meal.

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001-2002 indicate that 13% to 14% of children aged 6 – 11 skip breakfast. Don’t become be a part of this statistic.

Quick breakfast ideas

If you rush in the mornings, fill your house with easy breakfast recipes. Include things like smoothies, fruit, pre-made breakfast options, and cereal.

My kiddos prefer cereal. The problem is they never finish the whole box – they leave the bottom of the bag behind. I have a lot of nearly empty cereal boxes taking up valuable space, but I don’t want to waste and throw away perfectly good food.

Don’t let the bottom of the bag go to waste

I am happy to show you a way to use up those boxes of almost empty cereal and turn it into a delicious breakfast or snack idea. Save money, clear your shelves, and repurpose your cereal!

Grab the Rice Krispies, Shredded Wheat, and oatmeal from your panty. Make sure to use the bottom of the bag cereal first.

Cereal granola is sweetened with maple syrup and unsweetened applesauce.

Next, are add-in choices. The options for add-ins are endless. Dried fruit, coconut, chopped nuts, flax seeds, chia seeds, the list can go on and on. I chose to add ground flaxseed and chia seeds because they blend in easily and don’t add much flavor – but do add a boost of nutrition.

Stir the cereal granola, spread it on a parchment-lined baking sheet, or use non- stick cooking spray. The parchment paper helps with sticking and makes for easy cleanup.

Bake for 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Stirring helps distribute the maple syrup evenly and helps with even baking.

Serve cereal granola with yogurt and fresh or dried fruit, eat the granola plain, or top it with milk. The perfect way to repurpose your cereal, avoiding waste along the way.