Plain Cheerios are a classic and beloved cereal, enjoyed by both kids and adults alike. However, some find the wheat flavor of original Cheerios to be a bit too bland or bitter for their taste. Thankfully, there are a few easy ways to make plain Cheerios taste sweeter, adding flavor without significantly increasing the sugar content.
Why Make Plain Cheerios Sweeter?
There are a few key reasons why someone may want to make their bowl of plain Cheerios a little sweeter:
- Enhance the flavor – Plain Cheerios have a very mild, wheaty taste. Adding a touch of sweetness can make them more palatable, especially for kids or those with a sweet tooth.
- Cut bitterness – Some find the wheat flavor has a bitter aftertaste. A bit of added sweetener can mask any bitterness.
- Add variety – If you eat plain Cheerios often, sweetening them up can provide flavor variety from the usual plain cereal.
- Health benefits – Sweetening with healthy options like fruit or honey adds nutritional value.
Making your Cheerios sweeter doesn’t mean you have to pile on the white sugar. There are natural, low-calorie ways to subtly enhance the flavor.
Quick Tips for Sweeter Cheerios
Here are some quick tips for making your bowl of original Cheerios taste a little sweeter:
Use bananas – Sliced or mashed banana is a perfect topping to slightly sweeten Cheerios. The fruit flavor complements the wheat cereal. Banana also adds potassium and fiber.
Drizzle with honey – Honey is a naturally sweet way to enhance any cereal. Drizzle just a teaspoon or less over your Cheerios. The floral honey notes pair nicely with the wheat.
Mix in vanilla yogurt – Nonfat plain Greek yogurt adds creaminess, protein and a touch of vanilla sweetness. Use 2-3 tablespoons per bowl.
Sprinkle cinnamon – Just a dash of cinnamon adds warmth and natural sweetness without any sugar. It amps up the cozy breakfast feel.
Add sweet fruits – Berries, peaches, apple slices or other chopped fruits lend sweetness along with vitamins. Limit added sugars by skipping the sugary fruit preserves.
Swap milk – Substituting regular milk for a sweeter milk like coconut or almond milk can make Cheerios taste a bit sweeter.
Healthy Sweeteners to Use
To add flavor while avoiding excess sugar, use these healthy, natural sweeteners to make plain Cheerios sweeter:
Mashed banana – Banana infuses cereal with fruit sweetness. It’s also easy for babies or young kids to eat mixed into softened cereal.
Applesauce – Unsweetened applesauce contains just the natural sugars from apples. Use 1-2 tablespoons per bowl.
Pure maple syrup – 100% pure maple syrup has antioxidants. Use just 1 teaspoon for a touch of sweetness.
Honey – Honey also contains antioxidants and enzymes. Drizzle less than a teaspoon over cereal.
Cinnamon – Cinnamon adds sweet spice without any sugar. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to taste.
Vanilla extract – Pure vanilla extract enhances cereal’s flavor. Use just a few drops and mix well into milk.
Molasses – Blackstrap molasses provides an intense sweetness in small amounts. Start with 1/2 teaspoon mixed into milk.
Creative Ways to Sweeten Cheerios
If you want to get creative with sweetening your cereal, try out these fun combinations:
Cheerios with sweet milk – Substitute regular milk for a flavored, sweetened milk like coconut, almond or vanilla. The subtle sweetness enhances the cereal.
Honey nut Cheerios DIY – Drizzle a little honey and sprinkle chopped nuts onto your bowl for homemade honey nut flavor.
Apple pie Cheerios – Sprinkle on cinnamon, a dash of molasses and diced apples. It tastes like apple pie!
Chocolate banana Cheerios – Slice a banana over your cereal and drizzle a teaspoon of chocolate sauce. Kids will love it.
Maple roasted nut Cheerios – Toast chopped walnuts or pecans with a teaspoon of maple syrup to sprinkle on top.
Piña colada Cheerios – Use coconut milk and top with pineapple chunks and a dash of lime zest.
Making Your Own Sweetened Cheerios
For maximum control over sweetness and ingredients, you can make your own sweetened Cheerios copycat recipe at home.
Here is a simple homemade sweetened Cheerios recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups plain Cheerios cereal
- 2 tbsp honey, maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- Measure 4 cups of original plain Cheerios cereal into a bowl or resealable plastic bag.
- Add honey, maple syrup or brown sugar. Start with 2 tbsp and adjust to taste.
- Add vanilla and cinnamon. These enhance the sweetness.
- Seal bag and shake well to evenly coat cereal.
- Store in an airtight container. Keeps for up to 1 month.
Feel free to customize with berries, nuts, coconut flakes or other mix-ins. Store in an airtight container for snacking anytime.
Ready to Eat Sweetened Options
If you don’t have time to make your own sweetened Cheerios, there are some pre-sweetened varieties you can buy:
| Cereal | Sweetener | Flavor Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Honey Nut Cheerios | Honey | Sweet honey and nutty crunch |
| Fruity Cheerios | Fruit flavors | Sweet cherry, lemon, strawberry |
| Cinnamon Cheerios | Cinnamon | Warm cinnamon spice flavor |
| Chocolate Cheerios | Cocoa | Mild chocolate and cereal flavor |
These provide hassle-free ways to enjoy pre-sweetened Cheerios, though they do contain more sugar than plain.
Healthy Baking Uses for Sweetened Cheerios
Your homemade sweetened Cheerios also make for a healthy addition to baked goods. The crunchy texture and whole grain goodness makes them perfect for:
- Cheerios cookies – Mix into cookie dough for fiber and crunch.
- Cereal bars – Bind with peanut butter or marshmallow for homemade bars.
- Cheerios crusted chicken – Crush and coat chicken pieces for added flavor and fiber.
- Sweetened cereal mixes – Craft custom trail mixes with nuts, fruit and sweetened cereal.
- Cereal crust pies – Press into pie tins to make a fiber-filled crust.
Swap sweetened Cheerios 1:1 for regular or flavored cereal in all your favorite recipes.
Storing Your Sweetened Cheerios
To maintain freshness and optimal flavor, store your homemade sweetened Cheerios:
– In an airtight container at room temperature.
– Away from heat, light and moisture which can cause staleness.
– For 1-2 months for best texture and taste. The added sweeteners shorten shelf life compared to plain.
– In the freezer for up to 6 months to extend freshness if needed. Thaw fully before eating.
With proper storage, you can enjoy your flavored cereal for a good stretch until it’s time to whip up a new batch!
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making plain Cheerios sweeter:
Can I use artificial sweeteners?
Yes, you can use lower calorie sweeteners like stevia or Splenda. Use smaller amounts, as they are much sweeter than sugar.
Will added sweeteners make Cheerios soggy faster?
Possibly, as sugar and liquids can draw out milk quicker. For crispy cereal, don’t premix – add sweet toppings just before eating.
Is there a way to make Cheerios sweeter without added sugars?
Yes! Cinnamon, vanilla, peanut butter, or fruit all add natural sweetness with fiber, not empty sugars.
Are sweetened Cheerios still healthy?
In moderation, adding small amounts of healthy sweeteners preserves the nutritional benefits of Cheerios as a whole grain cereal.
Can I substitute plain Cheerios in recipes calling for Honey Nut?
Absolutely! Just add 2 tablespoons honey and a sprinkle of chopped nuts per 4 cups plain Cheerios to mimic the honey nut flavor.
The Takeaway on Sweetening Plain Cheerios
With just a few extra ingredients, you can easily give your plain Cheerios a flavor boost for a more delicious and satisfying breakfast. Bananas, cinnamon, honey and maple syrup are all healthy ways to subtly enhance the cereal’s natural wheaty taste. For maximum control, whip up a homemade sweetened Cheerios mix. However you choose to sweeten your cereal, enjoy the added flavor in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet.
