Homemade Malt O Meal Cereal Chocolate Frosted Flakes Recipe: A Healthier Twist On A Classic Favorite

Category: cereal

Introduction

Cereal is a beloved breakfast option for many, and Malt O Meal's Chocolate Frosted Flakes is a favorite among chocolate lovers. The combination of crunchy, sweet, and chocolatey flavors makes it a hit for both kids and adults. However, store-bought cereals often contain high amounts of sugar and preservatives, which can be a concern for health-conscious consumers. Making your own version at home allows you to control the ingredients, reduce sugar content, and enjoy a fresher product. Plus, it's cost-effective and customizable to your taste preferences.

The original Malt O Meal Chocolate Frosted Flakes have a distinctive malt flavor, a sweet coating, and a satisfying crunch. By replicating these characteristics at home, you can enjoy a healthier, yet equally delicious, alternative. The process involves making the cereal base, applying the chocolate frosting, and ensuring the right texture. This recipe guides you through each step, providing tips and variations to make the cereal your own.

Why Make It at Home?

Making your own cereal at home offers several benefits. First and foremost, you can control the amount of sugar that goes into your cereal, making it a healthier option for you and your family. Additionally, by using high-quality ingredients, you can enhance the nutritional value of your cereal. Homemade cereal is also cost-effective, as buying ingredients in bulk often saves money compared to purchasing individual boxes. Furthermore, you can customize the flavor to your liking, whether that means adding more chocolate, using different types of flour, or incorporating other grains for added nutrition.

Another advantage of making cereal at home is the freshness factor. Store-bought cereals can sit on shelves for months, losing some of their flavor and texture. When you make your own cereal, you can ensure that it's fresh and has the perfect crunch and flavor every time. Plus, it's a fun and rewarding process that allows you to get creative in the kitchen.

Personal Anecdote

I remember when I was a child, I would always look forward to mornings when my mom would let me have a bowl of Chocolate Frosted Flakes. The sweet, chocolatey flavor and the crunchy texture made it a treat I couldn't get enough of. But as I grew older, I began to pay more attention to the ingredients in my food and was surprised by the high sugar content in my beloved cereal. Determined to find a healthier alternative, I decided to try making my own version at home.

The first batch wasn't perfect; the cereal was a bit too dense, and the frosting didn't have that smooth, chocolatey flavor I was aiming for. But I didn't give up. I experimented with different types of flour, adjusted the amount of sugar, and played around with the frosting recipe. It took a few tries, but eventually, I landed on a recipe that not only matched the taste of the store-bought version but was also healthier and more cost-effective.

Since then, I've made this cereal a staple in my household. My family loves it, and it's become a go-to breakfast option that we all feel good about eating. The best part is that I can customize it to our preferences, whether that means adding a bit more cocoa powder for an intense chocolate flavor or using different types of sugar to reduce the glycemic index.

Recipe Details

• **Prep Time:15 minutes
• **Cook Time:20 minutes
• **Total Time:35 minutes
• **Yield:4-6 servings

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (120g) corn flour
• 1/2 cup (60g) whole wheat flour (optional for added nutrition)
• 1/4 cup (50g) malted milk powder (or substitute with an additional 2 tablespoons cornstarch)
• 1/2 tsp (3g) baking powder
• 1/4 tsp (1.5g) salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk (dairy or plant-based, such as almond or oat milk)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil (such as canola or sunflower oil)
• 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (100g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup (50g) powdered sugar (or natural sweetener like stevia or erythritol)
• 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter (or vegan alternative)
• 2 tbsp (30ml) milk (dairy or plant-based)

Instructions

• Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

• Prepare the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, corn flour, whole wheat flour (if using), malted milk powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until well combined.

  • In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients: milk, water, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
  • Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. The dough should be smooth and not too sticky. If it's too dry, add a little more water. If it's too sticky, add a bit more flour.

• Roll Out the Dough:

• Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it gently a few times until it becomes pliable.

  • Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch (6mm) thickness. The thinner you roll it, the crunchier the cereal will be.

• Cut the Cereal Shapes:

• Use a cookie cutter or a knife to cut the dough into desired shapes. Traditional cereal shapes are small squares or rectangles, but you can get creative with circles or other shapes.

  • Place the shapes on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each piece to allow for even baking.

• Bake the Cereal:

• Bake the cereal in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it's lightly golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't burn.

• Prepare the Chocolate Frosting:

• While the cereal is baking, prepare the frosting. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and milk, whisking continuously until smooth and well combined.

  • Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

• Frost the Cereal:

• Once the cereal has cooled slightly on the baking sheet, transfer it to a large bowl. Drizzle the chocolate frosting over the cereal pieces and toss until they are evenly coated. The frosting will set as it cools, creating a crunchy, chocolatey layer.

• Allow to Cool and Set:

• Let the frosted cereal cool completely on the baking sheet. Once set, transfer it to an airtight container for storage.

Variations

• Low-Sugar Version: Replace half of the powdered sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or erythritol. You can also reduce the amount of sugar in the frosting to your taste.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the frosting for a spicy kick.
• Smoky Version: Use smoked sea salt in the dry ingredients for a subtle smoky flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the corn flour is gluten-free as well.

Pro Tips

• Achieve the Perfect Crunch: To ensure your cereal is crunchy, make sure the dough is rolled out thinly and baked until golden brown. Keep an eye on the baking time to prevent burning.
• Even Frosting: For an even coating of frosting, toss the cereal pieces gently while drizzling the frosting. This helps distribute the frosting evenly without clumping.
• Freshness Tip: To maintain the crunchiness of the cereal, store it in an airtight container immediately after it has cooled and set. Avoid exposing it to moisture or humidity.

Nutritional Comparison

FAQ

• Can I use fresh ingredients instead of processed ones?

  • Yes, you can use fresh ingredients. For example, you can make your own malted milk powder by toasting oats and blending them into a powder. However, using fresh ingredients may affect the shelf life of the cereal.

• What can I do if the recipe turns out too sweet or too salty?

  • If the cereal is too sweet, reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting. If it's too salty, omit or reduce the salt in the dry ingredients.

• How do I make it last longer?

  • Store the cereal in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.

• Can I scale the recipe for large batches?

  • Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe. Just ensure you have enough baking sheets and storage containers.

• Can I make this cereal gluten-free?

  • Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensuring the corn flour is gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

• Traditional Bowl: Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Frosted Flakes with your favorite milk. The cereal pairs well with both dairy and plant-based milks.
• Yogurt Topping: Sprinkle the cereal over Greek yogurt for a crunchy, protein-packed snack.
• Trail Mix Addition: Add the cereal pieces to your homemade trail mix for a sweet and crunchy element.
• Ice Cream Topping: Use the cereal as a topping for ice cream or frozen yogurt for a fun textural contrast.

Conclusion

Making your own Chocolate Frosted Flakes at home is not only a healthier alternative to store-bought options, but it's also a fun and rewarding process. With this recipe, you can enjoy the same delicious, chocolatey flavor you love, but with the ability to customize it to your dietary needs and preferences. The homemade version is lower in sugar, higher in fiber, and made with wholesome ingredients that you can feel good about. Plus, it's cost-effective and allows you to get creative in the kitchen. So why settle for store-bought when you can make it better at home? Give this recipe a try and enjoy the satisfaction of biting into a crunchy, chocolatey cereal that's made just the way you like it.