Healthy Crispy Chocolate Puffed Rice Cereal (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Cereal

01 - 4 cups of puffed rice
02 - 4 tbsp of coconut oil (liquid)
03 - 3 tbsp of raw cacao
04 - 2 tbsp of maple syrup (adjust as desired)
05 - 1/4 tsp of vanilla extract

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit).
02 - In a small bowl, combine the liquid coconut oil, maple syrup, raw cacao powder, and vanilla extract. Stir with a small spoon until well combined into a smooth chocolate mixture.
03 - Line a baking sheet or baking tray with parchment paper. Add the puffed rice to the prepared tray, then pour the cacao mixture over it. Use your hands to combine everything thoroughly, ensuring all the rice is coated with the cacao mixture.
04 - Use a spatula to press down the chocolate-coated puffed rice into an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
05 - After baking, let the cereal cool in the oven with the door slightly open. This helps it become crispy. Allow it to cool completely before storing.
06 - Once completely cooled, break into smaller pieces if desired and store in an airtight container.

# Notes:

01 - Adjust maple syrup to taste, being mindful not to add too much to keep the recipe healthy
02 - Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month
03 - Can be customized with nuts, seeds, or other whole grains
04 - Gluten-free and dairy-free alternative to traditional chocolate rice cereal