What exactly is bircher muesli?

Bircher muesli is a Swiss breakfast classic created by the physician Maximilian Bircher-Benner around 1900. Traditionally it is soaked oats with grated apple, milk and nuts. My autumnal version is completely vegan and adds pear, plums, figs and a generous pinch of cinnamon.

Can I make this bircher muesli overnight?

Yes, it is perfect for that. Mix everything in the evening, cover the bowl and let it soak in the fridge overnight – by morning the muesli is lovely and creamy. If it feels too cold, stir in a little warm, frothed plant milk.

How long does bircher muesli keep in the fridge?

Without toppings the base muesli keeps covered for 2–3 days in the fridge, which makes it great for weekly meal prep. The grated fruit can brown a little over time; a small squeeze of lemon juice in the mix keeps it brighter. I always add the toppings just before serving so the nuts and figs stay fresh.

How do I make this bircher muesli gluten-free?

Simply use certified gluten-free oats – every other ingredient is naturally gluten-free. The muesli stays just as creamy and filling and is a safe breakfast even with a gluten intolerance.

What can I use instead of coconut yogurt and maple syrup?

Any other plant yogurt works in place of coconut, such as soy- or almond-based. You can swap the maple syrup for agave, date or rice syrup – ripe pears bring plenty of natural sweetness anyway, so adjust the amount to taste.

Autumnal Bircher Muesli – easy vegan recipe

Hello lovelies, summer is really over now and I‘m looking forward to many autumnal recipes. It starts with this one: Autumnal Bircher Muesli. It makes sense to start with a breakfast recipe. We really like Bircher Muesli, especially in summer with lots of berries. But as we soon have to say good bye to the variety of fresh berries that summer has offered us, I now have a seasonally adapted version of the delicious muesli for you. Apples, pears, plums, fresh figs and a pinch of cinnamon warm us from the inside on cooler autumn mornings.

Bircher muesli – vegan

Culinary speaking autumn is definitely my favorite season, because that’s when the fruits (and vegetables) of summer are harvested, pumpkins and fresh apples are back and cooler evenings invite you to cuddle. The signs are therefore entirely on "comfort food". Delicious curries, soups, stews and pasta dishes are at the top of our list and you can look forward to such recipes in the near future.

Bowl of Bircher muesli on a wooden board with linen, plated

But now back to our delicious breakfast: our Autumnal Bircher Muesli is prepared very quickly. You can also prepare it in the evening and leave it in the fridge over night. If it's too cold for you in the morning, add some milk foam, which we like very much.

Recipe

Autumnal muesli with berries and physalis, close-up

Bircher muesli with a flower, figs and hazelnuts from above

Very important are the many toppings, at least that's how it is here. Warm plum compote, roasted hazelnuts, sweet figs and the slightly sour berries and physalis make the Bircher a well-balanced breakfast. And creamy nut butter can't be missing at any breakfast. It provides additional energy and healthy fats. Just make sure to use one without sugar, or make it yourself - recipes can already be found here.

Bircher muesli richly topped with berries and nuts, angled view

Do you like to eat Bircher muesli and if so, how do you like it? We like to switch between cold and warm oatmeal, so we also eat porridge often (the favorite breakfast of my children), you can find a delicious recipe here.

Have a good start into beautiful autumn!

If you want to feast your way through our breakfast kitchen, be sure to try my Apple-cinnamon Overnight Oats 2 ways – another make-ahead classic for the night before – or, for a crunchy note, the Chunky Granola with chestnut puree that tastes wonderfully of autumn. And if you love a spoonable morning, you'll adore my Chiapudding – basic recipe. I look forward to your feedback.

If you have Pinterest you can find me here and pin this pic if you like:

Autumnal Bircher Muesli

Autumnal Bircher Muesli

Verena's notes