Healthy Muesli Recipe (Vegan Protein Breakfast)

5 from 11 votes
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This homemade muesli recipe is a delicious vegan protein breakfast cereal. With a combination of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, this muesli cereal is incredibly versatile, as well as being gluten-free, sugar-free, and 100% vegan.

Homemade muesli in a bowl and a wooden spoon

Using raw, unprocessed ingredients, this homemade muesli recipe is a healthy, naturally vegan protein breakfast option (although it can be served with dairy if preferred). Homemade muesli is incredibly cost-effective and far cheaper than buying pre-made packs from grocery stores that often include extra sugars and unwanted ingredients. The chosen ingredients are a wonderful combination of crunchy, chewy, nutty, and fruity. 

Muesli is a protein-and-fiber-rich breakfast, brunch, or even afternoon snack option – perfect for starting the day right with a hearty, wholesome, and filling dish. It’s a wonderful option for those wanting a healthy, low-effort alternative to shop-bought cereals. On days when I don’t want to go to the effort of making dishes like high-protein tofu scrambled ‘egg’, then this quick homemade muesli is a wonderful low-effort, high-protein vegan breakfast. 

Homemade muesli in a jar

More than that, muesli is also heart-healthy. Oat bran contains a fiber called beta-glucan which can reduce cholesterol levels by up to 10% (source). Meanwhile, the nuts and seeds help to provide protein, omega-3 fatty acids,  as well as a slew of vitamins and minerals. Then, of course, the liquid you choose to serve the muesli with also provides extra nutrients. 

All in all, muesli really checks all the boxes for a healthy, nutrient-dense ‘complete food’ breakfast!

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What Is Muesli?

Muesli is a popular breakfast dish usually made up of grains (usually rolled oats), nuts, seeds, fruit, and optionally spices. It can be prepared raw, or lightly toasted – depending on how crunchy you’d like the muesli to be.

Unlike granola, which is baked and often contains oil and added sweeteners, muesli is the healthier version – packed with nuts and seeds and fruit, but without the added sugars and oil!

Ingredients for homemade muesli in a bowl

The resulting dish is then often served with either milk, yogurt, or fruit juice and allowed to soften for some time (due to the oats) or even left overnight for ‘Bircher muesli’. However, there are several ways that you can enjoy muesli – which I’ll get to further down in the post.

The Ingredients

Muesli is incredibly versatile. As long as you add some of each element, the ingredients are easily swappable and interchangeable. Below is my preferred base, variations, and optional extras.

Muesli ingredients in separate bowls

My Base Mix & Variations

  • Grains: Rolled oats are my preferred base choice. Make sure to use certified gluten-free oats for gluten-free muesli. You can swap that out with any rolled/flaked grain though: rye, barley, spelt, quinoa, rice, wheat bran/germ, soy oats, etc. Avoid overly processed ‘quick-cook’ options, if possible. You can also create a grain blend.
    TIP: For a grain-free version, you could use a base of flavored, toasted coconut flakes.
  • Nuts: I used almonds. Feel free to swap this out with your nuts of choice: walnuts, cashew, pecan, brazil nuts, hazelnuts, macadamia, etc.
  • Seeds: I use a blend of sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds. You could also use flaxseed, poppy seeds, hemp seeds, etc. You can check out this post for the health benefits of some of the seeds.
  • Dried fruit: I use cranberries, goji berries, apricots, coconut chips (or shredded coconut). You could also use raisins, prunes, dates, apple, mango, sultanas, cherries. You can also add freeze-dried fruits like dried blueberries, banana, strawberries, etc. 
  • Spices: I love to add cinnamon. You could also add spices like cardamom, nutmeg, or ginger. You could also add a little vanilla powder

Optional Extras

  • Superfood powders: maca powder, cacao powder, açai, lucuma, moringa, etc.
  • Sweetener: I omit sugars, relying on the sweetness of the dried fruits instead. However, if you do find that you need a little extra sweetness, I suggest adding a little fo your favorite natural sweetener when serving (agave, maple syrup). You could alternatively add a ‘dry’ granulated sweetener straight to the large batch of dry muesli – use erythritol or another sugar-free sweetener to keep this recipe sugar-free. 
  • Other: It’s also possible to add chocolate to your muesli mixes. For a sugar-free (or low sugar) version, use this Healthy Dark Chocolate. You could also add extras like finely chopped candied ginger.

How To Make Muesli

First, chop the almonds and apricots into smaller pieces.

Chopping almonds and apricots

For Raw Muesli

All you need to do is mix the almond, apricots, and all of the remaining elements in a large bowl. Then move it to a large, airtight container for storage.

Mixing muesli in a bowl

For Toasted Muesli

You can toast some or all of the elements within the blend. I prefer to only toast the nuts, seeds, and grains though. To do this, spread them in a single layer over a large baking tray and toast in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 325ºF/160ºC, until lightly golden and aromatic.

Nuts and seeds can take less time than the oats – 7-8 minutes, though I just chuck everything in together to save time and it always works well. Once toasted, allow to cool and then mix with the remaining ingredients and store in an airtight container.

How To Store

Homemade muesli cereal should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature, for 1 month.

Filling up a jar with homemade muesli

There’s no need to refrigerate the mixture unless you plan to blend/chop the seeds finely (this may also reduce the shelf life, though it depends on the seed in question). 

If you decide to make a meal-prep batch of overnight oats style muesli, then these will last in the fridge for 5-6 days.

How To Eat Muesli

The traditional way to eat muesli is with either milk (like any of these plant-based milk options; I love to use almond milk), juice (like apple juice or this homemade orange juice), or yogurt (like this almond yogurt, coconut yogurt, or dairy greek/natural yogurt) of your choice and allow it to soak for 10-15 minutes, to allow the oats to soften. 

You can also prepare this in the Swiss bircher muesli fashion by soaking it overnight in the liquid of your choice (similar to overnight oats). Add any additional fresh fruit or ‘sprinkles’ in the morning and enjoy it. For a traditional bircher muesli option, add finely grated apple and a little lemon juice. 

Alternatively, serve your homemade muesli warm as an oatmeal replacement. Add the plant-based milk of your choice and microwave it for 60-90 seconds or heat on the hob for 5-7 minutes for a delicious, vegan protein breakfast option. 

Other suggestions include

  • Soak the muesli cereal in homemade kombucha or a tea for an alternative to milk or juice. 
  • Adapt the muesli into breakfast bars, flapjacks, and other grab-n-go breakfast options.
  • Sprinkle over smoothie bowls as a healthy, protein, and flavor-packed nutritious topping. 
  • Use it within baked goods, including pancakes, cookies, muffins, and cakes

FAQs

How much muesli is in a serving?

Muesli is incredibly filling and around 1/4 cup is usually more than enough to keep you satiated until the next meal.

Is Muesli gluten-free?

Many store-bought options aren’t as they contain a mixture of grains – often containing gluten. However, you can buy certified gluten-free muesli. Alternatively, make it yourself at home with certified gluten-free oats.

Can I adjust the ratios of ingredients?

Yes – for sure. The ratio I’ve used of nuts/seeds vs fruit vs grains is my preferred combo. If you find you want less crunch, then reduce the nuts. For less sweetness, then reduce some of the fruit, etc.

Can I turn muesli into granola?

Yes – this muesli recipe is basically just one step from granola as it is. All you need is something to bind the ingredients together into clumps. Check out my Homemade Granola recipe for one method.

Other Healthy Breakfast Recipes

If you give this homemade muesli recipe a try, then let me know your thoughts in the comments. Also, feel free to tag me in your recreations @AlphaFoodie.

Healthy Muesli Recipe

5 from 11 votes
By: Samira
This homemade muesli recipe is a delicious vegan protein breakfast cereal. With a combination of nuts. seeds, and dried fruit, this muesli cereal is incredibly versatile, as well as being gluten-free, sugar-free, and 100% vegan.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 23 servings of 1/4 cup each

Ingredients 
 

  • 3 cups rolled oats use certified gluten-free if needed
  • 1/2 cup almonds
  • 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds
  • 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
  • 1/2 cup chia seeds
  • 1/3 cup goji berries
  • 1/3 cup coconut chips or shredded coconut
  • 1/4 cup cranberries or barberries
  • 1/4 cup dried apricots 8-9 of them
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon powder

Instructions 

  • Chop the almonds and apricots into smaller pieces.

For Raw Muesli:

  • All you need to do is mix the almond, apricots, and all of the remaining elements in a large bowl. Then move the mixture to a large, airtight container for storage.

For Toasted Muesli:

  • You can toast some or all of the elements within the blend. I prefer to only toast the nuts, seeds, and grains though. To do this, spread them in a single layer over a large baking tray and toast in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 325ºF/160ºC, until lightly golden and aromatic.
    Nuts can take less time – 7-8 minutes, though I just chuck everything in together to save time and it always works well. Once toasted, allow to cool and then mix with the remaining ingredients.

How To Store

  • Homemade muesli cereal should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature, for between 1-2 months. There’s no need to refrigerate the mixture unless you plan to blend/chop the nuts and seeds (this may also reduce the shelf life).
    If you decide to make a meal-prep batch of overnight oats style muesli, then these will last in the fridge for 5-6 days.

Video

Notes

Check the blog post for tons of ingredient variations/alternatives. I’ve also included various serving suggestions too. 
 
 
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
Cuisine: European
Shelf life: 1 Month

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25cup, Calories: 113kcal, Carbohydrates: 12g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 2mg, Potassium: 128mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 51IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 42mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

5 from 11 votes (10 ratings without comment)

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4 Comments

  1. Adeel says:

    5 stars
    Muesli is a wholesome and satisfying breakfast that keeps you fueled throughout the morning. Its nutrient density and balanced composition ensure a sustained and fulfilling start to your day.

    1. Samira @ Alphafoodie says:

      Hi Adeel, glad you also like museli!

  2. Debby says:

    love this recipe. I have shared with family and friends.

    1. Support @ Alphafoodie says:

      Thank you so much, Debby! 🙂