Enjoy this simple recipe for homemade muesli with oats, California Walnuts, and other classic muesli ingredients. Plus, learn how to eat muesli in other creative ways!
Disclosure: I received free samples of California Walnuts mentioned in this post. By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by California Walnuts and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.
If you’re looking for a flexible breakfast using ingredients you already have, look no further than this homemade muesli recipe. It’s not quite cereal, it’s not quite granola, but if you’re a fan of overnight oats you’ll definitely be intrigued if you haven’t tried muesli before.
What is muesli?
Muesli is an uncooked cereal that combines a grain with nuts and seeds, fruit, and spices. It was first developed in Switzerland, so if you see “Swiss” muesli or Bircher muesli, that’s why! It’s nourishing, filling, and simple to make ahead of time or in the moment. This is exactly why I love it, especially during warmer seasons when a hot breakfast doesn’t sound as appetizing to me.
At first glance, museli looks very similar to granola or oatmeal. And it is! The main difference is that unlike granola, muesli is uncooked. You don’t get the same chunks or clusters because there is no fat to bind the ingredients. And unlike oatmeal, muesli can be eaten hot or cold depending on your preference and may include other grains.
Muesli Ingredients
It’s easy to mix and match your favorite ingredients to make homemade museli. I start with this formula:
3 parts rolled oats + 1 part nuts + 1 part dried fruit + spices
It’s that easy! This lets me use up the odds and ends for various types of dried fruit, nuts, and spices to reduce food waste and keep it interesting. If you’re planning to add sweeteners, like honey or maple syrup, be sure to wait until you’re ready to serve. Otherwise, it will stick to the dry ingredients and make it more difficult to mix evenly.
The start of the show in this particular mix is California walnuts. They have a firm texture, delicious flavor, and they contain protein (4g/oz) and fiber (2g/oz). A handful of California walnuts is a versatile snack and can satisfy any taste preference, from savory to sweet. Regardless of your flavor preference, walnuts are the only nut to provide an excellent source of the plant-based omega-3, ALA (2.5g/oz).
Since this is a breakfast recipe, I erred on the side of sweet. Dried apricots and raisins, cinnamon, and cardamom all pair nicely with walnuts. However, if you don’t have these options available, you can also try these alternatives.
- Dried Fruit: figs, dates, mango (chopped), cranberries, apple
- Spices: nutmeg, all-spice, cloves, ginger
How do I eat muesli?
Once you have your muesli ingredients mixed together, simply transfer them to a storage container. If you have a large amount, storing in bulk is a good option because you can scoop however much you plan to eat. If you’re meal prepping, you can also transfer the mixture to individual storage containers in pre-measured amounts.
The rolled oats will quickly soak up the milk once it’s poured on top. It only needs to sit for a few minutes before you can dig in. Swap for a milk alternative if you prefer, or try these other preparations:
- Served on top of yogurt (as you would with granola)
- Baked into muffins or breakfast cookies
- Added as a topping for smoothies or toast
- Overnight oats-style, where you add the milk the night before and enjoy chilled in the morning
No matter how you prepare it, this easy, no-cook breakfast will keep you full and fueled all morning long!
Here’s the recipe for Homemade Muesli with California Walnuts
Homemade Muesli with California Walnuts
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Storage Containers
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup chopped California Walnuts
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 2 tbsp hemp hearts
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp cardamom
- 1/2 tsp coarse sea salt or Maldon flaked salt
To Serve
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup fresh fruit, such as mixed berries, sliced banana, or chopped apples
- 1 tbsp honey, optional
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients into a large mixing bowl and fold together to combine.
- Transfer to store until ready to prepare, either in a single large container or individual small containers (similar to overnight oats).
- When ready to serve, add the dry muesli ingredients to your serving bowl. Pour in the milk, then stir to combine. Top with fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey (if using). Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
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