The holidays are closing in on us fast, and my pants are already snug (mashed potatoes, I’m looking at you). I’ve been perfecting this Bircher muesli recipe since I finally figured out how to make overnight oats tasty. If you’re looking for ways to keep your cravings and energy level in check this holiday season (who isn’t?), I hope this Bircher muesli recipe will be a big help. It’s basically overnight oats with fresh apple and applesauce, oats, raisins, nuts and nut butter. Bircher muesli is a healthy make-ahead breakfast that tastes like a holiday treat. Bonus? It’s very easily made vegan and/or gluten free, if need be.
Bircher Muesli History
Bircher muesli was created in the early 1900s by a Swiss physician named Maximilian Bircher-Benner. He claimed to have cured his own jaundice by eating raw apples, and encouraged his patients to eat raw fruit and vegetables to cure their ailments. Bircher-Benner’s original recipe was inspired by a “strange dish” that he and his wife were served while hiking in the Swiss alps. His recipe called for lots of fresh apple with a small amount of oats, lemon juice, nuts, cream and honey. He served it to his patients as a healthy appetizer before most meals. His concept reminds me of my mom’s advice when I was little. When I complained that I was hungry before dinner, she always told me to go eat an apple!
The Best Bircher Muesli
My version is more similar to my overnight oats recipe than Bircher’s original. I use more oats, almond milk instead of cream, and add a spoonful of almond butter for a creamy texture. I also added a couple tablespoons of homemade applesauce for extra apple flavor. Store-bought applesauce will work, too, but homemade takes this recipe to the next level. It’s a nice snack to have around, too. My Bircher muesli is thick and satisfying. It’s a breakfast that I look forward to eating in the mornings, and it keeps me going until lunchtime.
Watch How to Make Bircher Muesli
Please let me know how you like it in the comments! And if you’re craving an equally wholesome but warm apple breakfast, don’t miss my apple steel-cut oatmeal.
Make it gluten free: Use certified gluten-free oats. Make it vegan: Choose one of the dairy-free milk options listed above. If adding additional sweetener, use maple syrup instead of honey. Make it nut free: Omit the nut butter or replace it with sunbutter. Omit the nuts on top, or use sunflower seeds or pepitas instead. Warm it up: Overnight oats are typically served chilled. However, if you prefer warm oats, you can heat them in the microwave before topping with fresh apple. Just use a microwave-safe jar and stir frequently while you’re warming them up. Since the oats are so thick, I’m not sure this would work well on the stovetop, but you could give it a try.
