Bircher Muesli is everything you want in a make-ahead breakfast—creamy, hearty, and endlessly customisable. With just 5 minutes of prep, this Swiss classic combines fine-cut oats, grated apple, yogurt, and plant-based milk for a wholesome meal that tastes like comfort in a bowl. It’s perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends when you just want breakfast to be ready and waiting.
Homemade Bircher Muesli Ingredients
Let’s break down the key players in this easy, nutritious breakfast:
- Rolled Oats: Use fine-cut rolled oats—they soften perfectly for a creamy texture.
- Grated Apple: A sweet, tart apple (like Wellant) brings natural sweetness and freshness.
- Golden Raisins (Sultanas): They add chewy, caramel-like sweetness in every bite. Alternatively, used organic dried cranberries.
- Chia Seeds (or Flaxseeds): Fibre-rich and filling—chia seeds add a subtle thickness, but flaxseeds work too.
- Nuts: Almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts bring a nutty crunch. Pumpkin seeds are great if you want to skip nuts.
- Shredded Coconut (Optional): Adds a subtle tropical note.
- Plant-Based Milk: Coconut rice milk has a light, creamy flavour that pairs beautifully with the oats and apple, but any unsweetened plant-based milk—like almond, oat, or soy—works just as well. Prefer dairy? Regular milk is a great option too!
- Greek Yogurt or Skyr: For creaminess and a protein boost—for a vegan version, swap it with your favourite plant-based yogurt—coconut yogurt is an especially creamy and delicious choice!
- Cinnamon: A pinch of Ceylon cinnamon brings a cozy, warm flavour with a hint of natural sweetness—it’s the perfect finishing touch!
- Sweetener (Optional): A little maple syrup or honey, if you like things sweeter.
How to Make Swiss Overnight Oats – The Quick Version
- Mix: Stir together the oats, raisins, chia seeds, nuts, shredded coconut, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Add the plant-based milk, yogurt, and grated apple. Stir until well combined.
- Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to let the oats soak up the liquid and soften.
- Serve: Spoon the muesli into bowls and top with fresh fruit, extra nuts, or a drizzle of honey—whatever makes you happy!
Why You’ll Love This Bircher Muesli
- Make-ahead magic: Prep it in 5 minutes and wake up to breakfast perfection.
- Creamy, dreamy texture: Soaked oats + Greek yogurt = the creamiest bite every time.
- Naturally sweet: The apple and raisins do most of the heavy lifting when it comes to sweetness.
- Filling and nutritious: Packed with fibre, protein, and healthy fats to keep you satisfied all morning.
- Completely customisable: Add your favourite toppings—berries, nuts, seeds—or make it your own by switching up the milk and yogurt.
If you love the creamy, wholesome goodness of Bircher Muesli, you’ll want to try a few more of my favourite breakfast recipes.
Creamy Chia Pudding is just as satisfying, with chia seeds creating a rich, pudding-like texture. For crunch, Nutty Homemade Granola is a golden mix of nuts and seeds—great for topping yogurt or enjoying with milk. If you love make-ahead breakfasts, Overnight Oats are a protein-packed, grab-and-go option that’s both convenient and delicious.
Your Bircher Muesli Questions, Answered (FAQ)
Bircher Muesli is a nutrient-dense breakfast choice, offering a balance of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. The rolled oats and chia seeds are rich in fiber, promoting digestive health and providing long-lasting satiety. Greek yogurt or Skyr adds a significant protein boost, helping to sustain energy levels throughout the morning. Additionally, the inclusion of nuts and seeds contributes heart-healthy fats, while the natural sweetness from grated apple and raisins reduces the need for added sugars. With its combination of whole foods and minimal processing, Bircher Muesli is a wholesome way to start the day.
Absolutely! Simply swap the Greek yogurt or Skyr for your favourite plant-based yogurt. Coconut yogurt is a great choice for its creamy texture and subtle sweetness, but soy yogurt works just as well.
No problem! You can swap them out for chopped dates, dried cranberries, or skip dried fruit altogether.
Bircher Muesli (Swiss Overnight Oatmeal)
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats, fine-cut (100 g)
- 1/4 cup sultanas (golden raisins) (35 g)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (or ground flaxseeds)
- 2 tablespoons finely grated almonds (alternatively hazelnuts or walnuts)
- 2 tablespoons shredded coconut (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon (Ceylon)
Wet Ingredients:
- 300 ml unsweetened plant-based milk (e.g., coconut rice milk)
- 250 g Greek yogurt or Skyr (1 cup)
- 1 small apple (e.g., Wellant), peeled and grated
Method
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Mix dry ingredients: In a large glass or ceramic bowl, combine the rolled oats, sultanas, chia seeds, chopped almonds, shredded coconut (if using), and cinnamon. Stir well.
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Add wet ingredients: Pour in the plant-based milk, Greek yogurt (or Skyr), and grated apple. Add maple syrup or honey if you’d like it sweeter. Stir until fully combined.
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Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight, to let the oats absorb the liquid and soften.
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Serve: Divide into bowls and top with fresh fruit, nuts, or seeds. Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Bircher Muesli stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, keep in mind that the texture will become softer the longer it sits. For the best consistency, enjoy it within the first couple of days.
For a relaxing atmosphere in the kitchen I recommend my personal Elle Republic: Chilled Out Kitchen Tunes Playlist on Spotify.
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