Ashure Cereal: A Caramelized Spiced Breakfast & Snack Mix

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15–20 minutes

Cooling Time: 20+ minutes

Total Time: 45–50 minutes

Servings: 6–8 cups (depending on portion size)

Introduction

This Ashure Cereal reimagines a traditional Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired blend, balancing caramelized sweetness with warm, aromatic spices. Often associated with cultural and seasonal celebrations, this crunchy, nutty treat transforms into a versatile breakfast or snack, perfect for pairing with yogurt, fruit, or enjoyed straight from the container.

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients (Syrup Base)

• ½ cup (85g) neutral-tasting oil (e.g., canola or sunflower oil)

• 6 tablespoons (110g) honey

• ½ cup (110g) dark brown sugar, packed

• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground mahaleb (cherry laurel, optional; substitute with ¼ teaspoon allspice if unavailable)

• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom

Dry Ingredients (Cereal & Nuts)

• 10 cups (160g) unsweetened puffed wheat (check for additives; "plain" cereal works best)

• Scant ¾ cup (85g) halved pecans (lightly toasted optional)

• ⅓ cup (50g) pumpkin seeds

• 3 tablespoons (30g) sesame seeds

• ½ cup (85g) almonds, very roughly chopped

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Surfaces

Adjust oven racks to lower-middle and upper-middle positions. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure even heat distribution and easy cleanup.

2. Prepare the Spiced Syrup

In a medium saucepan, combine oil, honey, and dark brown sugar. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring constantly with a whisk to dissolve sugar and prevent scorching. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat slightly to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens into a glossy caramel consistency. Remove from heat and stir in salt, cinnamon, ground mahaleb, and cardamom. Set aside briefly to allow spices to infuse.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend the unsweetened puffed wheat, halved pecans, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and chopped almonds. Ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed to ensure uniform coating.

4. Merge Syrup with Dry Mix

Working quickly (before the syrup cools), carefully pour the warm spiced syrup over the dry ingredients. Use a large silicone spatula to fold and stir vigorously, turning the mixture over repeatedly until every piece of puffed wheat and nut is coated in the caramelized syrup. Transfer the combined mixture onto the prepared baking sheets, spreading into a single, even layer (¼–½ inch thick).

5. Bake for Even Caramelization

Place one baking sheet on the lower-middle rack and the other on the upper-middle rack. Bake for 10 minutes, checking for initial golden edges. After 10 minutes, remove one tray at a time, stir the cereal gently with a spatula to prevent clumping, and rotate the tray 180°. Switch the trays between the lower and upper-middle racks to ensure balanced heat exposure. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 4–6 minutes until uniformly golden brown and deeply caramelized.

6. Cool & Break into Clusters

Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cereal cool completely on the trays (20–30 minutes). This cooling period is critical for the caramelized sugars to set, allowing the cereal to harden into crunchy clusters. Once cool, break the cereal into large, irregular pieces using hands or a clean knife.

7. Store & Preserve

Transfer the cooled Ashure Cereal to an airtight container. It will remain fresh for up to 2 weeks when stored in a cool, dry place.

Customer Reviews

• "Hi! Just a tip for those who can’t find puffed wheat: Trader Joe’s sells unsweetened, unflavored plain puffed wheat in the cereal aisle!"

• "Clarification: Puffed wheat is available in the cereal aisle (look for unsweetened options) or at Indian/Middle Eastern grocery stores. Avoid versions with added sugars."

• "This is our family’s go-to granola! We eat it by the handful or with yogurt and fresh berries. It’s addictive—like popcorn! Found all ingredients on Amazon when local stores were out."

• "Stunningly tasty! Sending bags to my college kids—they love it as a late-night snack."

Pro Tips

• Substitute Mahaleb: For unavailable mahaleb, use ¼ teaspoon ground allspice or ½ teaspoon extra cinnamon to balance flavor.

• Enhance Nuts: Lightly toast pecans in a dry pan for 2–3 minutes before adding to the mix for deeper nuttiness.

• Puffed Wheat Check: Always verify "unsweetened, unflavored" labels to avoid hidden sugars or additives.

Enjoy this culturally rich, caramelized blend as a breakfast staple or indulgent snack—its versatility and aromatic complexity make it a standout addition to any pantry!