Homemade Muesli combines toasted oats, nuts, coconut, and dried fruits, perfect for breakfast or a snack. Enjoy it over yogurt, as a cereal with milk, or in overnight oats.

Bowl of muesli with milk and a topping of fresh berries, ready for a healthy breakfast.

What Is Muesli?

Muesli is a combo of rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and grains, with dried fruit and sometimes chocolate chips. I first tried it when my husband and I moved to Australia for his job. At first, I wasn’t a fan, expecting granola, but adding a bit of sweetener made me like it.

Now back in the US, I make it at home since it’s hard to find in stores. My version includes rolled oats, nuts, dried fruits, and a touch of pure maple syrup for added sweetness, setting it apart from plain Muesli.

Preparation of homemade muesli recipe, with ingredients mixed in a large bowl, spread on a baking sheet for baking, and served with added fruit.

Ingredients In Muesli

  • Old-fashioned oats: Use old-fashioned for the best texture. Quick oats can get mushy.
  • Sliced almonds & Pecans: You can swap any nuts for your favorites.
  • Pepitas: If you can’t find pepitas, sunflower seeds are a great alternative.
  • Coconut flakes: Make sure to use unsweetened coconut.
  • Salt: Use sea salt for a better texture and flavor.
  • Ground cinnamon: You can also try other spices like nutmeg for a different twist.
  • Maple syrup: Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor; avoid imitation syrup.
  • Melted coconut oil: You can substitute with olive oil or vegetable oil if you prefer.
  • Vanilla extract: Use real vanilla extract for the best flavor.
  • Dried tart cherries or cranberries: You can swap these for raisins or dried blueberries for a different flavor.
  • Dried mango or apricots: Chop the dried fruit into smaller pieces to mix better.

Quick Tip

Make your Muesli your own by picking your favorite fruits and nuts, and swapping dairy milk for plant-based milk. Keeping the basic amounts ensures delicious results.

How To Make Muesli

  1. Dry ingredients: Stir everything well so it’s all coated with maple syrup.
  2. Add melted coconut oil and vanilla: Warm coconut oil helps it mix in easily.
  3. Spread the mix on a baking sheet: A thin layer helps everything bake evenly.
  4. Bake and stir halfway: Watch it closely on it to avoid burning.
  5. Let it cool and add dried fruit: Wait until it’s cool to keep the fruit chewy.
  6. Serve: Let it sit for a few minutes if using milk to soften the oats.
Milk being poured over freshly prepared breakfast, completing the wholesome breakfast dish.

Variations

Switch Things Up

  • Swap out nuts for walnuts, pistachios, cashews, Brazil nuts, or macadamia nuts.
  • Switch pepitas for pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or pine nuts.
  • Mix in some wheat germ instead of some rolled oats.
  • Try different dried fruits like apricots, raisins, or blueberries.
  • Try different spices, using pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice for a seasonal flavor.

More Breakfast Recipes

5 from 2 votes

Muesli

Homemade Muesli is a tasty mix of toasted oats, nuts, coconut, and dried fruit. Enjoy it over yogurt, as a cereal replacement with milk, or in overnight oats for an easy, wholesome breakfast or snack!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 29 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans
  • 1/4 cup pepitas see note 1
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup coarsely chopped dried tart cherries or dried cranberries
  • 1/3 cup coarsely chopped dried mango or dried apricots
  • Milk or yogurt, optional, for serving
  • Fresh berries optional, for serving

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a large (15×21-inch) sheet pan (or 2 smaller pans) with parchment paper. Set aside.
  • In a very large bowl, combine all the ingredients except the dried fruit. Toss until well combined.
  • Spread the mixture into an even layer on the prepared pan(s). Bake for 12–14 minutes, stirring ingredients after 7 minutes. Everything should be lightly golden and fragrant.
  • Remove Muesli and let it cool completely. Coarsely chop the tart cherries and dried mango. Once the Muesli is cooled, stir in the dried fruit.
  • Serve Muesli over yogurt or with milk of choice (I love almond milk!). If adding milk, let it stand with the cereal for a few minutes to soften the oats. I also love adding fresh berries and a drizzle of honey.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Pepitas are shelled pumpkin seeds. They are available roasted or raw and can be found in a grocery store where you find nuts.
Note 2: Recipe adapted from the Kitchn.
Storage: Let Muesli cool completely, then transfer to an airtight bag or container. Store in a dry, cool area or freeze it. No need to defrost; you can use it straight from the freezer, which helps keep it from getting stale.

Nutrition

Serving: 8servings | Calories: 336kcal | Carbohydrates: 39.4g | Protein: 8.8g | Fat: 14.8g | Sodium: 2.9mg | Fiber: 6.4g | Sugar: 8.5g

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

Meet Chelsea


Hello, and welcome to Chelseaโ€™s Messy Apron! Iโ€™m Chelsea, the recipe developer, food photographer, and writer behind the site. Iโ€™m passionate about creating simple, reliable, and delicious recipes that anyone can make.

Thanks for stopping byโ€”I hope you find something delicious to make!

More Recipes You'll Love

5 from 2 votes

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




3 Comments

  1. Sara Welch says:

    I know how I will be starting my day tomorrow! This looks hands down delicious; too good to pass up, indeed!

  2. Anna says:

    5 stars
    My oldest daughter loves muesli! She just made a batch from your recipe and it’s fantastic!

  3. Lily says:

    5 stars
    Oh this was so good, I made a ton and I am keeping it in an air tight container. I served it over Greek yogurt, it was such a delicious addition of texture.
    I was curious could I replace the maple syrup with honey?