Oatless Oatmeal Crunchy Clusters (GF, Vegan, Oat Free)

You can tell a lot about people by how they like their oatmeal (or oatless oatmeal in my case). Do they like thin or thick? Lots of liquid or just enough to make it fluffy? Tons of toppings - even paired with nana ice cream! - or just some cinnamon and banana? While differing oatmeal tastes may not cause you and your significant other to start arguing over who keeps the silverware, it might be enough for you to decide to make your own breakfasts each morning.

Now, it's time for a confession: I'm a serial cheater in terms of the oatmeal world and I can't commit to one type over the other. I like my oatless oatmeal fluffy and spiced with cacao and maca - but I've also become addicted to what I've come to call oatless oatmeal "crunchy clusters." If you're a thick oatmeal addict, this may not be the post for you (unless you're open to reform). But if you want a healthy sweet "chip" of oatless oatmeal that crunches when you bite it or an easy, quick version of homemade granola to top your smoothies or yogurt, keep scrolling!

For 1-2 servings (depending on if you eat this as a main or topping):

2 TBSP buckwheat flakes
2 heaping TBSP rice flakes
1 tsp chia seeds
Sprinkle of cinnamon
6 TBSP (or just enough water/milk/other liquid to cover the flakes)
Optional add-in's: nutmeg, vanilla extract, cacao powder, maca powder, etc.

When it's crunchy enough to cut into shapes!

Be warned: this is probably one of the easiest recipes to make on my entire blog. No apron or fancy equipment necessary! Simply pour all of your dry ingredients into a bowl (preferably one that is old or well used) and mix well. Then add your liquid and mix again. For the crispiest results, you want the least liquid as possible - just enough to cover the flakes and chia seeds. Then, pop your bowl in the microwave.

Depending on the strength of your microwave and the amount of water you used, the cook time will vary. However, start with one minute thirty seconds and keep adding thirty seconds until the "oatmeal" doesn't give when you touch it and starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl. For the ultimate crispiness, let it cool, scrape it from the bowl and store it in a bag overnight (or at least for a few hours). I love making some the night before so I have a big crunch factor to add to my creamy smoothie bowls!

My favorite way to use it? Pretty obvious!

While these crunchy clusters may taste like a mix between a cookie, a cracker and regular oatmeal, you can also enjoy how good they are for you! Like my traditional oatless oatmeal, this snack is packed with protein, manganese and fiber from the buckwheat and brown rice flakes; Omega 3's, phosphorous and magnesium from the chia seeds and a variety of antioxidants and other nutritional benefits from your choice of spices.

As for how to enjoy your crunchy clusters, the only limit is your appetite! When I want a plain night snack, I like crunching (correction: munching) on these babies with some nut butter and banana. As I've mentioned earlier, you can also break up the main "cracker" and use it to boost the texture of your smoothie bowls or yogurt. If you need a snack on the go, you could even treat this like a nutritionally superior rice cake and slather on your usual favorite toppings!

It's true that we all might not like our (oatless) oatmeal the same way. People eat it cold, hot, thick, thin, loaded, naked...and now fluffy or crunchy to the max. But whatever way you like it, you can't deny that that perfect bite of oatmeal makes for a sweeter day or night.


What kind of oatmeal eater are you? Do you ever mix oatmeal with smoothies? Comment below!

*Also found at What's Cookin' Wednesday, Wow Me Wednesday, RunningwithSpoons,  VegetarianMama, Foodie FriDIY, ShareFest and AllergyFreeThursday!*

(Like this post? Then don't forget to share it using the "Share" button below, tag me at @collegeceliackc if you recreate it on Instagram or sign up for my email list by clicking subscribe on my site's top right corner!)