If you’re looking for a breakfast that’s creamy, naturally sweet, gut-friendly, and takes less than 5 minutes to throw together—this Apple Bircher Muesli might just become your new favourite.
It’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients like grated apple, oats, milk, and yoghurt—and what makes it even better is that it does all the work while you sleep.
Bircher muesli is a Swiss classic that’s stood the test of time for good reason: it’s full of fibre, supports digestion, and gives you slow-release energy to start your day right.
Plus, it’s endlessly customisable with your favourite toppings—from nuts and seeds to dried fruit or a spoon of nut butter.
Whether you prep it the night before or let it soak while you get ready in the morning, it’s a no-fuss, nourishing breakfast that tastes like a treat.
What’s Is ‘Bircher Muesli’?
Bircher muesli is a creamy, wholesome Swiss breakfast made with soaked oats, grated apple, and yoghurt or milk. It was first created by Swiss doctor Maximilian Bircher-Brenner in the early 1900s as a nourishing and easy-to-digest meal for his patients. Unlike traditional dry muesli, Bircher is soaked—often overnight—giving it a soft, pudding-like texture. It’s usually topped with nuts, seeds, or fruit for added fibre and nutrition.
Bircher Muesli vs Overnight Oats – What’s the Difference?
While both Bircher muesli and overnight oats involve soaking oats for a creamy, no-cook breakfast, there are a few key differences. Bircher muesli is the original version, created in Switzerland over a century ago, and traditionally includes grated fresh apple, lemon juice, yoghurt, and sometimes nuts or seeds. It’s designed to be light and easy to digest. Overnight oats, on the other hand, are a more modern take—usually made with oats, milk or a milk alternative, and often sweetened with ingredients like maple syrup or mashed banana. Bircher is typically more fruit-forward and tangy, while overnight oats can be richer and more dessert-like.
Toppings Ideas
- Chopped nuts: walnuts, almonds, pecans or hazelnuts for crunch, healthy fats and extra fibre.
- Seeds: chia seeds, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds or hemp seeds to boost your omega-3s and plant diversity.
- Dried fruit: raisins, chopped dates, goji berries or apricots for natural sweetness and added fibre.
- Fresh fruit: berries, kiwi, pear, or banana to add colour, flavour and a wider range of vitamins.
- Nut butter: a drizzle of almond, peanut, or cashew butter for a creamy texture and more plant points.
- Yoghurt dollop: extra Greek or plant-based yoghurt for protein and creaminess.
- Cinnamon or cacao nibs: for a warming or chocolatey twist without any added sugar.
Tips
- Use a crisp apple: Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Pink Lady work well for flavour and texture.
- Grate finely: A fine grate gives a creamier texture, while a coarse grate adds more bite—your choice!
- Make it your own: Add a spoonful of chia seeds or flaxseed for extra fibre and omega-3s.
- No time to soak? It’s still delicious after 10–15 minutes of soaking if you’re short on time.
Swaps
Apple: Try pear or grated carrot for a different twist, but the apple gives the classic flavour.
Milk: Any milk works—dairy, almond, oat, or soya.
Yoghurt: Greek yoghurt, coconut yoghurt, or even skyr are great alternatives depending on your dietary preference.
Oats: Rolled oats are best. Avoid instant oats—they’ll go mushy.
Cinnamon: Swap with nutmeg or mixed spice for a seasonal flavour.
Storage
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not suitable for freezing—the texture will become watery when thawed.
More Breakfast Oat Ideas
- No Added Sugar Apple Granola
- Healthy Apple & Blueberry Breakfast Crumble
- Healthy Apple Fritters
- 5-Ingredients Apple Oat Bars
Apple Bircher Muesli
Ingredients
- 1 apple
- 120 ml milk of choice, I used soya milk
- 50 g yoghurt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 50 g oats
- a touch lemon, zest and juice
Instructions
- Grate an apple and add to a bowl with the remaining ingredients.
- Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Add extra toppings if you wish like nuts, seeds or fry fruit.