For many years, I have been on a quest to find the perfect breakfast: something quick to prepare but packed with nutrition. Something that I don’t mind eating frequently. Something that will keep me satisfied all morning long.
Muesli to the rescue! This unassuming food had never really been on my radar until a recent visit with my aunt. When we all stumbled downstairs in the morning, she busted out the dry oats and a bunch of nut and dried fruit fixings for a DIY muesli breakfast bar. I was instantly in love!
The best thing about this recipe is that it’s totally customizable, so you can tailor it to your preferences. Want to use different combos of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit? Go ahead! How about going the decadent route by adding shredded coconut and/or cacao nibs? Yes, please! Need it to be gluten-free? Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats (and make sure your other ingredients are all GF too) and you’re good to go!
Truth be told, I don’t even measure when I make this. I just dump things in a bowl until it looks about right. If I find it doesn’t have enough sweetness, I’ll add some more fruit; if I’ve gone too heavy on the additions, I’ll just add some more oats to even it out.
I’d recommend letting the muesli mix sit in milk/yogurt for at least ten minutes before eating, especially if you add chia seeds (an overnight soak also works well). So mix it up before you start getting ready in the morning, and it’ll be all set by the time you’re ready to eat.
And needless to say, it also is extremely delicious when topped with fruit or berries (such as the frozen cherries shown here, which made their own scrumptious sauce when thawed on the stove).
So, who’s ready for breakfast?
5-Minute Muesli
Ingredients
- 6 cups oatmeal, old-fashioned
- ¾ cup almonds, raw, chopped
- ¾ cup pumpkin seeds, raw
- ½ cup sunflower seeds, raw
- ½ cup chia seeds, raw
- ½ cup dates, chopped
- 1 tsp spices (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, etc.)
Instructions
- If you're using large nuts or pieces of dried fruit, chop them up into smaller pieces.
- Add all ingredients into a large bowl or storage container and mix together.
- That's it! Cover and set aside until ready to use.
- To serve, mix about ½ cup of muesli mixture with ½ cup non-dairy milk or yogurt. Let sit for at least 10 minutes to allow oats and chia seeds to soften. You can also mix this together the night before and let it soak overnight in the fridge for a grab-and-go brekkie the following morning. For extra deliciousness, top with sliced fresh fruit or berries.
Your Thoughts
Are you a muesli fan? What’s your favorite combo of nuts/fruit/spices? Have you determined what makes your own Perfect Breakfast? Let me know in the comments!
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