Go Back

German Oatmeal (Bircher Muesli)

This recipe for German Oatmeal, or Bircher Muesli, offers a wholesome, no-cook breakfast. Old-fashioned oats are soaked overnight with water and yogurt, then combined with fresh grated apple and pear, sliced banana, and crunchy chopped hazelnuts. It's a customizable, fiber-rich, and satisfying meal, perfect for a healthy start to your day. Garnish with optional honey for extra sweetness.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Breakfast
Cuisine central europe
Servings 2 people
Calories 1033.1 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Box Grater
  • 1 Chef's knife
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 2 Airtight Containers or Serving Bowls For chilling and serving

Ingredients
  

Main

  • ⅔ cups Old Fashioned Oatmeal
  • ⅓ cups Water
  • 1 whole Apple
  • 1 whole Pear
  • 1 whole Banana
  • ⅔ cups Plain Yogurt - Fat Free
  • ½ cups Hazelnuts Chopped
  • 1 Tablespoon Honey For Topping Optional

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned oatmeal and water. Stir well to ensure all oats are submerged.
  • Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 8 hours, allowing the oats to soften completely.
  • The next morning, grate the whole apple and pear (unpeeled, or peeled if preferred) directly into the bowl with the soaked oats.
  • Slice the banana into small rounds or dice it, then add to the bowl.
  • Add the plain fat-free yogurt to the mixture.
  • Stir all ingredients thoroughly until well combined and the mixture is creamy and thick.
  • Chop the hazelnuts coarsely and stir most of them into the muesli, reserving some for garnish.
  • Taste the muesli and adjust sweetness if desired, adding more honey if preferred.
  • Divide the Bircher Muesli evenly into two serving bowls.
  • Garnish each serving with the reserved chopped hazelnuts and drizzle with honey, if using, before serving chilled.

Notes

For optimal texture, ensure oats soak overnight, allowing them to soften and become creamy without cooking. Grating the apple and pear integrates them seamlessly, releasing their natural sweetness and moisture into the muesli. Toasting the hazelnuts lightly before chopping enhances their nutty aroma and flavor significantly. Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract for added depth. While fat-free yogurt is specified, full-fat Greek yogurt will yield a richer, thicker consistency. This dish is highly adaptable; feel free to experiment with seasonal fruits, seeds (chia, flax), or different nuts. Adjust honey to taste or omit if fruit sweetness is sufficient. Serve chilled for a refreshing, nutritious breakfast.