There’s something incredibly satisfying about starting your day with a bowl of Homemade Bran Flakes Cereal, crafted with care in your own kitchen. These flakes are delightfully crisp, with a subtle nutty sweetness and a wholesome texture that store-bought versions simply can’t match. In just over an hour, you can create a batch that’s not only fresher but also free from unnecessary additives, making it a healthier choice for your morning routine.
With a prep time of only 15 minutes and a bake time of 50 minutes, this recipe is surprisingly simple yet yields a cereal that’s rich in flavor and full of fiber. The golden-brown flakes are perfect with milk, yogurt, or even as a crunchy snack on their own. Every bite offers a satisfying crunch and a warm, toasty aroma that will make you wonder why you ever settled for anything less. Treat yourself to the joy of homemade goodness—it’s worth every minute!
Ingredients for Homemade Bran Flakes Cereal
- 1 cup (5oz/142g) whole wheat flour
- 1 cup (3oz/85g) bran or miller’s bran
- 2 tablespoons ground flax
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons molasses (maple syrup or honey can be substituted)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or any flavorless oil)
- 1/3 cup (2 ½ floz/71ml) water
- Optional Add-Ins: 1/3 cup raisins, 1/4 cup dried fruit, or 1/4 cup nuts/seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Butter a 13 x 14 inch flat baking tray and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, bran, ground flax, and salt.
- In a small jug, mix the water, vegetable oil, and molasses until well combined.
- Stream the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, holding back a little initially. Mix with a spatula until a sticky dough forms. If too dry, add more wet ingredients as needed.
- Place a tea towel on a flat surface to hold the greased baking tray in place. Transfer the dough to the tray and cover with a large sheet of parchment paper.
- Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a very thin, even layer the size of the tray. Remove the parchment paper once rolled.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the bran flakes are completely dried out and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, break into small, bite-sized flakes.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 weeks.
Perfect Pairings: Toppings and Serving Ideas
Elevate your homemade bran flakes with a variety of toppings! Try fresh fruit like sliced bananas, berries, or diced apples for a burst of sweetness. For added crunch, sprinkle on nuts, seeds, or granola. A drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or yogurt can also enhance the flavor. Serve with your favorite milk or plant-based alternative for a wholesome breakfast or snack.
Storage Tips to Keep Your Flakes Fresh
Store your bran flakes in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 weeks. If you live in a humid climate, consider adding a silica gel packet to the container to prevent moisture. For longer storage, you can freeze the flakes in a sealed bag for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Customize Your Flakes: Recipe Variations
Make this recipe your own by experimenting with add-ins! Stir in 1/3 cup of raisins, 1/4 cup of dried fruit, or 1/4 cup of nuts or seeds before rolling out the dough. You can also swap molasses for maple syrup or honey for a different flavor profile. For a spiced twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Mornings
Prepare a double batch of bran flakes and store them for quick, ready-to-eat breakfasts. If you’re short on time, roll out the dough directly onto the baking tray without using parchment paper—just make sure it’s well-greased. To speed up cooling, transfer the baked sheet to a wire rack before breaking it into flakes.
Essential Equipment for Perfect Flakes
A sturdy rolling pin and a large baking tray are key for achieving thin, even flakes. If you don’t have a 13 x 14 inch tray, use two smaller trays instead. A silicone spatula works well for mixing the sticky dough, and a tea towel under the tray helps keep it steady while rolling. For precise measurements, use a kitchen scale for the ingredients.
Homemade Bran Flakes Cereal
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (5oz/142g)
- 1 cup bran/millers bran (3oz/85g)
- 2 tablespoons ground flax
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons molasses (maple syrup or honey will also work)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or any other flavorless oil
- 1/3 cup water (2 ½ floz/71ml)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/3 cup raisins *
- 1/4 cup dried fruit *
- 1/4 cup nuts or seeds *
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) then butter a 13 x 14 inch flat baking tray. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, bran flakes, flax, and salt.
- In a small jug, combine the water, vegetable oil, and molasses.
- Lastly, stream in the wet ingredients, holding some back initially. Mix with the back of your spatula until a sticky dough begins to form. If the mix is too dry add a little more of the wet ingredients until the dough comes together.
- On a large flat surface, lay a tea towel underneath your greased baking tray (this will hold it in place while rolling). Transfer the sticky bran mix to the tray and cover with a large sheet of parchment paper.
- Using a rolling pin roll the dough out to a very thin even sheet the size of the tray. Once rolled out, remove the parchment paper.
- Bake the bran flakes for 45 – 50 minutes until completely dried out and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and allow to slightly cool. When you can handle the bran, break it into small bite size flakes.
- Cover and store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 weeks.
