Homemade Muesli Guide + 3 recipes (2024)

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Homemade muesli is quick and easy to prepare. Ready in minutes and fully customisable: make raw muesli or toasted muesli and make endless different flavours to keep breakfast healthy and exciting.

Homemade Muesli Guide + 3 recipes (1)

Contents List hide

1 Why You Should Try This Recipe

2 Ingredients

3 Step by Step Instructions

4 Expert Tips

5 Frequently Asked Questions

6 More Tasty Ideas for Breakfast:

7 Homemade Muesli

Holidays are a great time to pick up recipe inspiration for me. There’s nothing like coming across something to eat on holiday that you enjoy so much you know you have to recreate the recipe at home.

The food doesn’t even have to be exotic. Just finding a different spin on something you eat regularly can be a fabulous find.

During a weekend trip to Vienna, I found the inspiration for a delightful pineapple muesli at a tiny neighbourhood breakfast bar. This motivated me to create this guide for making healthy homemade muesli. You’ll find details for both raw muesli and toasted muesli included.

Homemade Muesli Guide + 3 recipes (2)

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Quite simply, homemade muesli is one of the easiest recipes around. It’s totally customisable to your dietary requirements and it’s virtually foolproof.

Homemade muesli offers many advantages over store-bought:

  • You get to pick your perfect base. Keep it simple using just oats or add flavour and texture by including other flakes and grains too
  • Similarly, to make healthy muesli stick with nuts and seeds to keep the sugar content low
  • Alternatively add in a little dried fruit or more indulgent treats if you feel like creating an extravagant version
  • You get to decide whether to make raw muesli or toasted muesli
  • It is easy to split the muesli base into 2 so you can create 2 completely seperate versions of homemade muesli from one batch of the base
  • Or if you are regularly feeding a small army at breakfast you can easily scale up this recipe

This recipe for muesli is extremely quick and simple to prepare and stores well for at least a month in sealed jars. It is a great make-ahead recipe to have to hand to keep busy morning schedules on track.

In what follows you will find instructions, plenty of tips and 3 different suggestions for how to flavour a muesli base. But if you fancy a much more indulgent breakfast try this chocolate granola.

Ingredients

Homemade Muesli Guide + 3 recipes (3)

One of the many virtues of homemade muesli is that it is so adaptable. But all good renditions starts with a quality base.

In it’s simplest form this base can be 100% oats. However, much more can be added.

What else can I add to the base?

To take your base from good to awesome, try using 50% oats with a combination of any of the following to make up the remainder:

  • bran flakes
  • spelt flakes
  • wheat flakes
  • puffed rice
  • barley flakes
  • rye flakes

Health food stores are a great place to pick up your selection. Holland and Barratt have a fantastic range of options to pick from.

Customising the Flavour

Once you have your base prepared you are free to throw into the mix any tasty extras your hungry heart desires and leave out anything you are less than 100% committed to enjoying.

Here are three of my favourite homemade muesli combinations:

  • The Exotic One: pineapple, hazelnut, poppyseed and rose petal (deliciously different)
  • The Nutty One: coconut, pecan, pistachio and hazelnut (a great low sugar option)
  • The Crowdpleaser: hazelnut, almond, raisin and date (even the kids will love it)
Homemade Muesli Guide + 3 recipes (4)

All of these options are detailed fully in the recipe card. They do all contain pumpkin and/ or sesame seeds too but these can be omitted depending on preferences and/ or dietary requirements.

And remember, nothing is set in stone when making homemade muesli. Think of the base oat recipe provided as an adventure playground for flavours. Vary the nuts. Vary the seeds. Make it your own. And, most importantly, make it suit your taste preferences.

More Goodies to Add-in

Here are a few other worthy additions to consider adding to the muesli base:

  • any dried fruits
  • freeze-dried fruits, such as strawberries or raspberries
  • cocoa nibs
  • crystalised ginger (a little goes a long way)
  • goji berries
  • dark chocolate chips (a little indulgent but lower in sugar compared to milk or white chocolate)
  • dried banana chips
  • ground spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg

Again, browse your health food store and see what catches your eye. Play around and have some fun coming up with your own favourite flavours.

Step by Step Instructions

How to Make Raw Muesli

It is possible to make homemade muesli using raw ingredients in a matter of minutes:

  1. Measure out all selected ingredients, chopping the fruit and nuts as necessary
  2. Mix together in a large bowl before decanting into storage jars

This easy 5-minute raw muesli recipe is perfectly acceptable. In fact, it’s how I first made my own homemade muesli. But over the years, I’ve discovered that toasting the base ingredients adds extra flavour and texture to the final product.

How to Make Toasted Muesli

The great news is that toasted muesli takes just 15 minutes and there is nothing complicated about it:

1. Start by scattering your oats, nuts and seeds (plus any other ingredients for your base) onto a clean, dry baking sheet and mix. Cook in a preheated oven for 7 minutes

2. Toss and turn the part toasted base using a large metal spoon, then return to the oven for a further 7 minutes

3. Remove from the oven, let cool on the baking sheet, then mix in the remaining ingredients, such as the dried fruit (and rose petals if using)

Homemade Muesli Guide + 3 recipes (5)

And that’s it! The muesli is ready to be decanted into a large sealable jar and stored for up to 1 month.

Expert Tips

  • The biggest tip I can give you when it comes to this recipe for muesli is to let your imagination run riot. You’ll be surprised at your own creativity when it comes to dreaming up flavour combinations
  • That said, do think out your base and the additions carefully. Aim to include some nuts and some seeds (dietary requirements permitting) to create a breakfast full of nutritional value
  • Try to avoid adding excessive amounts of dried fruits as this will bump up the sugar content of your breakfast
  • Aim for 50g-75g fruit and around 75g-100g nuts & seeds combined per 250g base for a good balance of flavour and texture
  • When it comes to toasting the base, do remember to stir it partway through the cooking time to achieve an even toasting of ingredients
  • Always let the toasted muesli cool completely before transferring to a storage jar. This ensures the toasted ingredients stay crisp and fresh
  • Likewise, always secure the lid straight after taking a serving out of the jar to retain maximum freshness. Rather like cookies, homemade muesli will lose it’s freshness when left out for too long

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade muesli for overnight oats?

If your base is 100% oat-based then you can certainly use your homemade muesli to make overnight oats. Simply follow your usual recipe regarding the quantities of oats and milk.

It can also be used to make Bircher muesli (the original overnight oats). Simply soak your muesli in water, milk or apple juice overnight, then stir through some grated apple just before serving.

Muesli made with a mix of oats and other cereals and grains may not be so suitable as some of the grains may turn too mushy to be enjoyable.

Can I eat it hot?

Again, if the base is 100% oat-based it will heat superbly well. Add equal parts muesli and liquid (milk, non-dairy milk or water) and cook, stirring frequently until thick and creamy. The result will be similar to porridge with plenty of additions cooked right in.

As above, success when made with a mixed base is more variable.

Is this toasted muesli recipe suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets?

All ingredients listed in my recipe card are vegan. Check any alternative add-ins are suitable for a vegan diet before adding to the base.

Those following a gluten-free diet need to ensure that all ingredients they plan on including are gluten-free. Although oatsdo not containgluten, during production they can become contaminated by other cereals that do containgluten. Similarly, not all of the additional base options I have listed are gluten-free, so do check the packaging before using in this recipe.

Homemade Muesli Guide + 3 recipes (6)

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Homemade Muesli

Jane Coupland

Homemade muesli is quick and easy to prepare. Ready in less than 30 minutes and fully customisable: make several different flavoured batches up to keep breakfast healthy and exciting.

5 from 6 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: Worldwide

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 298kcal

Ingredients

For the Muesli Base

  • 250 g/ 9oz Jumbo oats see notes for alternative suggestions

For the Pineapple, Hazelnut, Poppyseed and Rose Muesli

  • 60 g/ 2 oz Dried pineapple chopped
  • 60 g/ 2 oz Hazelnuts roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Poppyseeds
  • 2 teaspoon Crushed rose petals (optional) ensure they are edible
  • 3 tablespoon Pumpkin seeds
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame seeds
  • ½ teaspoon Salt (optional)

For the Nutty Muesli

  • 30 g/ 1 oz Pecan nuts roughly chopped
  • 30 g/ 1 oz Pistachio nuts
  • 30 g/ 1 oz Hazelnuts roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoon Desiccated coconut
  • 2 tablespoon Pumpkin seeds
  • ½ teaspoon Salt (optional)

For the Crowd Pleasing Muesli

  • 30 g/ 1 oz Blanched almonds halved
  • 30 g/ 1 oz Hazelnuts roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoon Pumpkin seeds
  • 45 g/ 1 ½ oz Raisins
  • 45 g/ 1 ½ oz Dates chopped
  • ½ teaspoon Salt (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 150C/ 300F/ GM 2

  • Scatter your chosen muesli base onto a large baking sheet and add the chopped nuts and seeds (plus the dessicated cconut if making the nutty muesli). Mix briefly then cook for 7 minutes

  • Use a large metal spoon to stir and tuern the muesli base then cook for a further 7 minutes

  • Set aside to cool completely, then stir through the remaining ingredients and store in an airtight container

Notes

Alternative Options for the Muesli Base

To take your base from good to awesome, try using 50% oats (125g) with a combination of any of the following to make up the remaining 50% (125g):

  • bran flakes
  • spelt flakes
  • buckwheat groats (for extra crunch and chew)
  • wheat flakes
  • puffed rice
  • barley flakes
  • rye flakes

Health food stores are a great place to pick up your selection.

Expert Tips

  • When it comes to toasting the base, do remember to stir it partway through the cooking time to ensure the ingredients are evenly toasted
  • Always let the muesli cool completely before transferring to a storage jar. This ensures the toasted ingredients stay crisp and fresh
  • Likewise, always secure the lid straight after taking a serving out of the jar to retain maximum freshness. Rather like cookies, homemade muesli will lose it’s freshness when left out for too long
  • All ingredients listed in my recipe card are vegan. If a vegan muesli is required, do check any alternative add-ins are suitable adding
  • Those following a gluten-free diet need to ensure that all ingredients they plan on including are gluten-free. Although oatsdo not containgluten, during production they can become contaminated by other cereals that do containgluten. Similarly, not all of the additional base options I have listed are gluten-free, so do check the packaging before using in this recipe.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional information quoted above is based on the ingredients for the exotic pineapple muesli. Here are the details for the other variations:

The Nutty One:

Calories:282kcal | Carbohydrates:32g | Protein:9g | Fat:14g | Saturated Fat:3g | Sodium:197mg | Potassium:293mg | Fiber:6g | Sugar:1g | Vitamin A:21IU | Vitamin C:1mg | Calcium:36mg | Iron:3mg

The Crowd-Pleaser:

Calories:281kcal | Carbohydrates:42g | Protein:9g | Fat:10g | Saturated Fat:1g | Sodium:200mg | Potassium:356mg | Fiber:6g | Sugar:6g | Vitamin C:1mg | Calcium:44mg | Iron:3mg

All nutritional calculations are based on a 100% oat base and are offered as approximations only.

Nutrition Per Serving (Approximate)

Calories:298kcal | Carbohydrates:40g | Protein:9g | Fat:13g | Saturated Fat:2g | Sodium:197mg | Potassium:276mg | Fiber:6g | Sugar:9g | Vitamin C:2mg | Calcium:74mg | Iron:3mg

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Homemade Muesli Guide + 3 recipes (2024)

FAQs

How is muesli made from scratch? ›

A 'rough recipe' for you to use and make your own combination for homemade muesli is 4 cups of grains + 1 1/2 cups nuts/seeds + 1/2 cup dried fruit. The beauty is there are so many different combinations, but also, you can make it just the way you like it! Enjoy!

What to add to muesli? ›

Some muesli eaters like to load their bowl or jar with extra toppings. We've seen anything from yogurt to nut butters, sweeteners like maple syrup and honey, fresh fruits, extra nuts and seeds, and even vegetables!

Should muesli be soaked overnight? ›

Once you add your desired liquid, stick it in the fridge and let the muesli + milk do their thing. Muesli can be soaked overnight, but no worries if you forget to start the process the night before. Even after a short 10-15 minute soak, the grains will start to soften up.

Is muesli just uncooked oats? ›

As mentioned, muesli is a mixture of oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. It was created by Maximillian Bircher-Benner, a Swiss doctor and nutritionist, and is popular throughout Europe as a healthy breakfast meal. Unlike granola, the ingredients in muesli are not baked, meaning they're raw and loose.

Is muesli better with milk or yogurt? ›

Typically, equal parts milk and muesli make the best bowl of cereal. Creating a yogurt parfait is another delicious and creative way to eat muesli. This makes a fabulous addition to breakfast, any weekend brunch, or a healthy and filling snack.

What are the ingredients in muesli? ›

Muesli is a breakfast cereal that contains oats, seeds, nuts, and dried fruits. Compared to sugary breakfast cereals, muesli is a healthier option. Muesli is full of ingredients that can aid your digestion, help you feel fuller, and protect your heart. Muesli may be a great food to add to a healthy diet.

How long does homemade muesli last? ›

Made with old-fashioned oats, a selection of raw nuts, seeds, a hint of cinnamon, and naturally sweetened with dates and raisins, this homemade muesli is healthy, filling, and ridiculously tasty. But what's even better is that it's incredibly easy to make and can be stored for up to two months!

Which is better, oats or muesli? ›

Both oats and muesli are incredibly healthy breakfast items but if you ask us to choose between them, we'll go with oats. Unlike muesli, oats do not have any additional ingredients which increase the calorie count of the cereals.

Can I eat muesli every day? ›

It's the most versatile breakfast that you can eat hot, cold, overnight, baked and more! Eating muesli every day helps improve your brain function, focus, and energy, and decreases your risk for heart disease!

Is it cheaper to make your own muesli? ›

Making homemade muesli and muesli bars are much cheaper than buying them. You can really make it a budget breakfast – oats are an economical ingredient, and you can add the add ins which suit your budget.

Is muesli the same as overnight oats? ›

Overnight oats is Swiss muesli, a healthy breakfast that is a nice change from dry cereal and other breakfast foods. Made with safe, gluten free oats, museli is perfect for a gluten free diet. For more on oat and the gluten free diet read my post, Gluten Free Whole Oats vs Quick Oats.

How do the Swiss eat muesli? ›

In Switzerland, it is also consumed for supper as Birchermüesli complet – muesli with Café complet (milk coffee, accompanied by Butterbrot (bread, butter and jam)). In addition to being prepared raw, muesli can be toasted.

How to make muesli taste better? ›

Soak muesli in the fridge overnight for delicious overnight oats.
  1. Stir some cinnamon, vanilla extract, sweetener, or protein powder into the mixture before refrigerating it to add some extra flavor throughout.
  2. You can also stir yogurt into the mixture before refrigerating for extra creaminess.

Is it OK to eat muesli raw? ›

You can eat it raw, although we recommend at least a tiny dash of cold milk or other liquid to help it go down better.

Is muesli better for you than oatmeal? ›

Oats is rich in key nutrients, protein and fibre, but muesli has comparatively higher protein and nutrient due to presence of additional ingredients in it. But unlike oats, muesli also has added sugar which somehow eliminates all the good properties.

What is muesli made of? ›

Packaged muesli is a loose mixture of mainly rolled oats or cornflakes together with various dried fruit pieces, nuts, and seeds – the main ingredients of any muesli. It commonly contains other rolled cereal grains such as wheat or rye flakes.

Is muesli good or bad for you? ›

Muesli can be a healthy choice, but it's important to check that it has no added sugar or salt, or it can be almost as sugary as a bowl of frosted flakes. You'll still get some health benefits from the nuts, grains and fruit but these will come with free sugars which are not good for our health.

What is the difference between muesli and granola? ›

What is the difference between muesli and granola? Muesli and granola contain a mix of oats, dried fruits, nuts and seeds. Muesli may have added dried flakes of other grains like wheat, ragi, brown rice or jowar. While granola usually contains added sweeteners like honey, dates, maple syrup or chocolate.

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