Made famous by Swiss doctor, Bircher-Benner who recommended it to patients to support a speedy recovery, bircher muesli has risen to iconic breakfast status. Originally made with oats and apple juice with an overnight soaking, a process that improved digestion and nutrient absorption. I’ve been making bircher for years and this creamy overnight bircher muesli one of my all-time favourites.
The recipe is simple and adaptable, so choose your flavour combination according to seasonal availability or dietary requirements. The milk and yoghurt can be replaced by coconut or almond milk. I love to include grated apple in the basic recipe as opposed to apple juice. Whole fruit contains more fibre which also helps to keep you fuller for longer. The consistency of the muesli will therefore be slightly more toothsome. When in season, I top my bircher muesli with handfuls of blueberries andtoasted almonds. This will up your vitamin – E intake and help keep skin glowing!
My version includes gluten-free whole rolled oats, grated apple, milk and yoghurt. To this I add cinnamon, fresh fruit, raisins, nuts, seeds and a drizzle of honey. For an omega boost, stir through 2 tablespoons chia seeds. Remember to increase the milk content by about 60ml as these sago-like power balls absorb up to 10 times their weight in liquid. For a chocolatey breakfast fix, these make ahead cinnamon chocolate chia puddings are protein rich and taste like dessert for breakfast. Nothing wrong there.
Bircher muesli is the ideal choice for late risers who don’t have the time to rustle up a wholesome breakfast. Make the night before in sealable jam jars and store in the refrigerator. Grab one on your way out in the morning. For sustained energy and a scrumptiously good start to the day, I’m sure my creamy overnight bircher muesli will become your go-to breakfast in a jar.
Creamy overnight bircher muesli
Serves2 – 3
- 1 cup whole rolled oats
- 1 cup Greek yoghurt
- 2/3 cup full cream milk
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 sweet, crisp apple, grated
- 2 tablespoons raisins
- 1 tablespoon dried blueberries (optional)
- 100g fresh blueberries
- handful toasted pumpkin seeds and almonds
- Place the oats, yoghurt, milk, cinnamon and honey in a bowl. Stir to combine. Add the grated apple and fold thorugh. Spoon the muesli into individual jars and close with sealable lids. Chill overnight.
- Before serving, mix through the raisins and dried blueberries. Top each portion with fresh blueberries, toasted seeds and a drizzle of honey.
For more healthy and delicious breakfast recipes, you may want to breeze past these:
Tahini breakfast cookies
Chocolate yoghurt breakfast toasts
Baked Blueberry Oatmeal
16 Comments. Leave new
Moyahabo Pitikoe
12 October 2015 7:58 am
It is definitely worth a try Di.
Dianne Bibby
12 October 2015 9:22 am
So convenient and super delicious Habi!
12 October 2015 9:06 pm
What a lovely muesli! The perfect breakfast! Your photos are stunning, as always!
Dianne Bibby
14 October 2015 8:17 pm
Thank you Zirkie. I could quite literally eat oats everyday, especially in this muesli.
ilze
15 October 2015 8:01 am
Had this for breakfast the last two mornings. Yum! Quick, easy and delicious. My two girls love it too!
Dianne Bibby
20 October 2015 5:52 am
Great! Always a win if the kids are keen on healthy alternatives.
Tippy Haird
2 November 2015 1:05 pm
I’ve been making versions of this for a while and am glad to get your ‘Di style’ one too! It is so easy and oats is said to decrease cholesterol. I have a complaint, Di. I’m meant to be doing other things but once I start on your blog, I get caught up browsing from one recipe to the next….
Dianne Bibby
2 November 2015 7:55 pm
I’m so glad it’s a ‘positive complaint’ though Tippy! I know what you mean. I get so easily distracted by all the food that still begs to be made….
Victoria
6 April 2016 1:18 pm
Delicious! Is it very calorific?
Dianne Bibby
6 April 2016 3:24 pm
Not at all Victoria. If however you do want to reduce the energy value, swap the Greek yoghurt for low fat plain yoghurt and the full cream milk for fat-free milk. It’s full of fibre-rich fresh fruit and cinnamon, which adds great flavour. I usually make a big batch, keep it in the fridge, each day adding a different combination of fruit and nuts.
Anonymous
13 December 2018 6:25 am
The Holland America Cruise Line serves this very Muesli daily for breakfast. I had it each morning on our 10 Mexico cruise! Amazing taste…so creamy good!
Dianne Bibby
13 December 2018 11:56 am
Don’t you just love the incredible variety of foods available on cruises. I also remember eating it on a Mediterranean cruise years ago. It had big juicy chunks of apple in it. I’m sure it was this fortifying breakfast that got us through the crazy days of sightseeing!
Michelle Edwards
7 January 2020 8:33 am
Oh boy – I’ve been looking for a Bircher Muesli recipe after having eaten it in Germany and this is the one. Another addition to our repertoire, thank you Di!
Dianne Bibby
8 January 2020 9:12 pm
I’ve also eaten the most deliciously creamy Bircher overseas, in Switzerland actually. It was like pudding, so creamy. This recipe is a staple in my house. There’s also a new version for a coconut cream Bircher in the book. It’s a winner. X
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