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I’ve always been drawn to simple breakfasts that can be prepared ahead, especially during the summer when I’d rather spend a few extra minutes enjoying a quiet morning than cooking. Homemade muesli has become one of my favorites because it’s wholesome, satisfying, and waiting in the refrigerator when I wake up.
Often described as the Swiss cousin to overnight oats, muesli combines rolled oats with nuts, dried fruit, and milk or yogurt. An overnight rest in the refrigerator softens everything into a creamy, nourishing breakfast that’s ready whenever you are.
One of the things I love most about muesli is how easy it is to make your own. Change the fruit, nuts, seeds, or spices to suit your taste, and you’ll never get exactly the same bowl twice.
What Is Muesli?
The original version, known as Bircher muesli, was developed by Swiss physician Dr. Maximilian Bircher-Benner in the early 1900s and included grated apple, oats, nuts, and dairy.
Muesli is a traditional Swiss breakfast made from rolled oats, grains, nuts, seeds, and fruit. Unlike granola, it’s not baked with oil or sweeteners. Instead, it’s typically enjoyed with milk or yogurt or soaked overnight for a creamy, porridge-like texture.
Why You’ll Love This Summer Muesli
- Easy make-ahead breakfast.
- Perfect for warm weather.
- Customizable with your favorite fruit, nuts, and seeds.
- Keeps you satisfied all morning.
- No cooking required.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Instead of a long list, organize them.
Base
- Rolled oats
- Yogurt, milk, or juice
Add-Ins
- Chopped nuts
- Seeds
- Dried fruit
- Fresh fruit
- Cinnamon or cardamom
Sweetener (optional)
Variations
I think this recipe really benefits from this section.
Classic Bircher
Add grated apple and walnuts.
Berry
Top with strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries.
Tropical
Add coconut, dried mango, and pineapple.
Peanut Butter
Stir in peanut butter before serving.
Autumn
Use diced apples, raisins, walnuts, and cinnamon.
Why I Love Muesli for Breakfast
I tend to crave lighter breakfasts in the summer. While I enjoy warm oatmeal in the winter, once the weather heats up I reach for breakfasts that are cool, refreshing, and easy to prepare ahead. Muesli checks every box. I love that I can stir it together the night before, then wake up to a breakfast that’s ready to enjoy with whatever fresh fruit is in season.
How Many Calories and Points?
According to my calculations each serving (1/2 the recipe) has 190 calories and 5 WW Points.
To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
5 PointsPlus (Old plan)
If you’ve made this Easy Homemade Summer Muesli, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.
Easy Homemade Summer Muesli
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup plain nonfat yogurt
- 1/2 cup cranberry juice, (Use diet juice to save points and calories)
- 6 tablespoons old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons slivered almonds (I used chopped walnuts)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted sunflower seeds
- 1 tablespoon wheat germ or ground flaxseed
- 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine everything in a medium bowl, stirring well.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours and up to 1 day.
Notes
(Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.) 5 PointsPlus (Old plan) Use this muesli recipe as a loose guide. Substitute whatever nuts, fruits, yogurt, milk or juice you prefer. (Remember to adjust your WW Points when making any ingredients substitutions.)
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
FAQs
Is muesli the same as overnight oats?
They’re similar, but muesli typically includes a mixture of grains, nuts, seeds, and fruit, while overnight oats usually focus on oats.
Can I eat muesli without soaking it?
Yes. Many people simply add milk and eat it immediately, much like cereal.
Can I make a large batch?
Absolutely. I like keeping a container of homemade dry muesli in the pantry so I can mix up individual servings throughout the week.
Is muesli healthy?
Muesli is a wholesome breakfast built around whole grains, fruit, nuts, and seeds. The nutritional profile depends on the ingredients you choose.
What’s the difference between muesli and granola?
Granola is baked with oil and sweetener, while muesli is generally uncooked and much less sweet.
I’ve been making mine recently with just oats and coconut and unsweetened vanilla cashew milk. And a teaspoon or less of brown sugar. Delicious!
Sounds delicious Sue! Thanks for taking the time to share. ~ Martha
Delicious and easy!
If I used nonfat yogurt, would it reduce the points?
Hi Linda, I used plain nonfat yogurt to calculate the points and have updated the recipe to reflect this. To lower the points you could choose a non calorie sweetener and/or leave out one of the other ingredients with points: sunflower seeds, nuts or dried cranberries. Hope this helps.
looks yummy! Thank for your guiding!
Thank for your blog. It’s great!
This is great morning , or night time snack food. I invented it (as far as I know), when we ran out of milk one day:
SAL’s LOW FAT APPLE PIE SNACK
1 /2 cup Low Fat Granola with Raisins (Sweet Home Farm or other brand)
1/2 cup Unsweetened Apple Sauce
1/2 Teaspoon of Cinnamon
1 Teaspoon of Brown Sugar (or to taste)