Two make-ahead breakfasts: carrot cake and kefir berry Bircher Muesli
Bircher Muesli is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast. When it comes to easy, nourishing breakfasts, few options are as versatile as Bircher muesli. Prepared the night before and ready to enjoy straight from the fridge, it's a simple way to take the stress out of busy mornings while ensuring you start the day feeling fuelled and satisfied.
Originally developed by Swiss physician Dr Maximilian Bircher-Brenner in the early 1900s, Bircher muesli was created as a wholesome, nutrient-dense meal centred around oats, fruit, nuts, and dairy. More than a century later, it remains a breakfast favourite thanks to its simplicity, convenience, and nutritional benefits.
At the heart of every Bircher muesli is oats. Not only are they affordable and versatile, but they also provide a wealth of nutrients that make them an excellent foundation for breakfast. Oats contain both soluble and insoluble fibre, with beta-glucan being the standout type of soluble fibre. Beta-glucan has been extensively researched for its ability to support heart health, help maintain healthy cholesterol levels, and promote feelings of fullness. It also slows digestion, which can help support more balanced blood sugar levels and provide a steadier release of energy throughout the morning. The insoluble fibre found in oats plays an equally important role, supporting digestive health and helping to promote regular bowel movements. Together, these fibres make oats a fantastic ingredient for supporting both gut health and satiety.
One of the things I love most about Bircher muesli is that it acts as a nutritional blank canvas. While oats provide the foundation, the ingredients you add can transform your breakfast to suit your tastes and nutritional needs. For a more balanced and satisfying breakfast, consider pairing oats with sources of protein and healthy fats such as kefir, Greek yoghurt, nuts, seeds, or nut butters. You can aldo add a scoop of your protein powder to increase your protein intake. These additions can help keep you fuller for longer while providing important nutrients for muscle health, hormone production, brain function, and overall wellbeing.
Fruit is another opportunity to boost the nutritional value of your bowl. Seasonal berries, grated apple, apricots, peaches, cherries, and other fruits contribute fibre, vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds that help support overall health. The beauty of Bircher Muesli is its adaptability. Whether you're drawn to warming flavours such as carrot cake and cinnamon, fresh summer berries, tropical fruits, or nutty combinations, there are endless ways to customise your bowl while keeping oats at the centre.
The recipes that follow celebrate just that, simple, delicious Bircher Muesli variations built around the nutritional power of oats. Prepared in minutes the night before, they're designed to help you start the day with a breakfast that's convenient, satisfying, and packed with goodness.
Carrot cake Bircher Muesli
A delicious make-ahead breakfast inspired by all the flavours of carrot cake. Creamy oats, crunchy carrots, warming spices, and tangy kefir come together to create a nourishing breakfast that's packed with fibre, protein, and gut-friendly goodness.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
220g rolled oats
200ml milk
150g plain Greek yogurt
1 medium carrot, peeled and grated
1 apple (including skin), grated
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp goji berries
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground ginger
1 tbsp chopped walnuts
1 tsp maple syrup or honey (optional)
***for added protein, you could always add collagen powder
Instructions
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, devide to transportable vessels as needed, leave to chill in the fridge overnight, top with extra toppings in the morning such as berries, nuts or a little extra Greek yogurt.
Kefir berry bircher museli recipe
1/2 cup frozen mixed berries (I used a black forest mix with blackcurrants, blackberries, blueberries and cherries)
150ml coconut milk
100ml kefir
225g steel cut oats
1tbsp chopped almonds
2 tbsp goji berries
*I also added my seed cycling seeds
Optional: Top with a spoonful of nut butter, chopped walnuts, an dollop of yoghurt, extra fruit and a drizzle of honey if you desire. Also a scoop of collagen powder for extra protein.
Instructions as above.