Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and Bircher Muesli is one of the best ways to start your morning. Popular throughout the Alps this classic Swiss overnight oatmeal is hearty, creamy and delicious. My recipe for Bircher Muesli is a great make ahead breakfast that’s healthy and wholesome.
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History of Bircher Muesli
Bircher muesli was created by Swiss physician Maximilian Bircher-Benner in the early 1900s. The original recipe for bircher muesli was inspired by a meal the doctor had while hiking in the Alps. Bircher-Benner created his recipe (consisting of apple, lemon juice, oats, cream, and honey) in order to encourage his patients to eat more raw fruits and veggies. Today Bircher muesli is a popular breakfast throughout Switzerland, Germany and Austria.
Ingredients for Bircher Muesli
- rolled oats
- grated apple
- raisins or dried cranberries
- shredded coconut
- chia seeds
- milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- yogurt (dairy or non-dairy)
- vanilla extract
- maple syrup or honey
How to Make Bircher Muesli
I fell in love with meusli after trips to the Bavarian and Austrian Alps and was delighted to discover just how easy it is to make. In a large bowl combine the oats, dried cranberries, shredded coconut and chia seeds. Add in the milk, yogurt, shredded apple, vanilla extract and maple syrup and stir to combine. Divide the muesli between 4 bowls (I love these jars) and refrigerate 6 hours or overnight. Top with your choice of fruit, nuts or other toppings and serve as desired.
If you like this Bircher Muesli recipe be sure to take a look at some of my other posts!
Apple Scones with Maple Cinnamon Glaze
If you make this Bircher Muesli please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for my latest recipes. Also, if you do make this recipe please tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see what you guys are making!
Bircher Muesli (Swiss Overnight Oatmeal)
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 apple, grated
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut optional
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine the oats, dried cranberries, shredded coconut and chia seeds.
- Add in the milk, yogurt, shredded apple, vanilla extract and maple syrup and stir to combine.
- Divide the muesli between 4 bowls and refrigerate 6 hours or overnight.
- Top with your choice of fruit, nuts or other toppings and serve as desired.
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Asiya Umer says
I first ate Bircher museli in Germany and fell in love with it. This recipe brings back those memories. I made this with whole milk and whole milk yogurt and enjoyed it with honey and sliced bananas. The idea of adding yogurt and grated apples to oatmeal was not appealing to me but it made such a delicious difference. I have made overnight oats for years. Bircher Muesli is not the same thing.
Brianna Simmons says
Germany is where I fell in love with Bircher too. I’m thrilled you liked it!
Linda Piso says
The best overnight oats I’ve ever had.