Bircher Muesli: Coconut Berry

Bircher muesli was created by a Swiss physician and nutritionist called Maximilian Bircher-Benner for his health clinic around the end of the 19th century. It was originally called Apfeldiätspeise, or ‘apple diet dish’. The name muesli came about later, derived from an old German word for puree. This is because the hero of the original bircher muesli was apples rather than oats.

The original bircher muesli recipe was published in a book by Dr Bircher-Benner in 1926 (you can find the recipe here). It called for two or three apples (including pips, the skin and the core), one tablespoon of rolled oats (soaked in three tablespoons of water for 12 hours), a tablespoon of nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds), the juice of half a lemon, and a tablespoon of honey or condensed milk. This original dish was recommended as a wholesome breakfast or supper for children from the age of two, people with digestive disorders, and for ‘healthy people who wish to remain healthy’.

Gluten Free and Vegan Bircher Muesli Recipe Alternatives

Despite its focus on apples and not oats, bircher muesli is essentially the OG overnight oats. This original recipe has been adapted a number of times for those who follow particular diets or lifestyles. To make this bircher muesli recipe vegan and gluten free, I have replaced the oats with quinoa flakes, used a plant-based milk rather than cows milk, and used coconut yoghurt rather than honey or condensed milk. This recipe also has added chia seeds, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, sesame seeds, buckwheat and coconut for some added nutrition.

To make the base of this gluten free and vegan bircher muesli, add ½ cup of this grain free and gluten free muesli recipe, 1 cup of plant-based milk and 2 tbs of coconut yoghurt to a jar, and soak overnight. Soaking seeds overnight is particularly important as it makes the nutrients more bioavailable, increasing their nutritional value. Soaking seeds ‘activates’ them, helping to break down the phytic acid which the body can struggle to break down.

Once you have the base of this healthy bircher muesli ready, simply top with blueberries, strawberries and any other berries of choice to make a tasty and nutritious breakfast or snack.