Bircher Muesli is a great make ahead breakfast that’s healthy and wholesome. Popular throughout the Alps this classic Swiss overnight oatmeal is hearty, creamy and delicious. Great for meal prep or feeding a busy family.
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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’s Bircher muesli has changed a little but is still a popular breakfast throughout Switzerland, Germany and Austria.
These swiss overnight oats are a great make-ahead breakfast dish and are naturally gluten-free. Soaking raw oats overnight softens their texture while the apple and honey(or maple syrup) bring just the right amount of sweetness. This muesli is delicious as is or you can garnish is with fresh fruit(strawberries, blueberries or blackberries are particular favorites), a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, nut butter or even homemade lemon curd; as well as sprinkle of nuts (almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are traditional). For other delicious overnight oat recipes take a look at my Cherry Almond Overnight Oats or Blueberry Lemon Overnight Oats.
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
Preparation Tips and Variations
- Make sure to use old fashioned rolled oats and not steel cut oats for this recipe.
- While I use dairy yogurt and milk you can certainly use your favorite non-dairy options like almond milk, coconut milk or oat milk
- Add in your favorite nutslike walnuts,almonds or pecans for a bit of crunch
- Switch out the raisings for your favorite dried fruit like dried apricots, plums or dried pineapple
- Instead of chia seeds feel free to use hemp seeds or flax seeds.
- In place of the apple use your favorite fresh fruit like bananas, blueberries or strawberries
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 Youtube, 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 (Healthy Swiss Overnight Oats)
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.