This is one of those things I am embarrassed that I have been buying for so long. This takes all of about two minutes to make. Yep, it is seriously that easy.
The really hard part about Muesli is deciding what ingredients to blend together. Now that part can take hours. Especially if your husband is a Muesli fanatic who consumes huge bowls as a snack, a pre-dinner appetizer, an after-dinner dessert and an any-time-I’m-starving-or-remotely-hungry-pick-me-up.
After much trial and tribulation and many, many, many, many different variations, this is hands down our favorite. When it comes to Oats, I usually buy them (along with most of the ingredients for this Muesli) in the bulk foods section but I have recently fallen in love with Bob’s Red Mill Extra Thick Organic Rolled Oats. They are so creamy and awesome and since oats are the base of this Muesli, that is what I chose.
Rye flakes are almost always present in Muesli. At least, in the 7,000 (slight exaggeration) brands my husband has bought and tried over the past nine years we have been together. They are similar to oats but a bit sweeter and add a nice variation.
Wheat Germ is so good for you. It is like a protein and fiber rich super-power-food.
Oat rolled date pieces and raisins? Those are pretty obvious – a sweet addition with the added bonus of even more fiber! Plus, some more texture to keep things interesting. This is Muesli, after all.
Now, we have been going back and forth for a while between coarsely ground Flax Seeds and Chia Seeds and it looks like chia seeds have prevailed. Although, my personal favorite is a mix of chia seed and flax seed but my husband really prefers the chia and since he is the main consumer of Muesli in the Everyday Maven house, he wins. Chia seeds are another nutritional powerhouse. They are definitely one of the reasons this Muesli keeps you full for so long!
You really get the most bang for your nutritional buck with the Sliced Raw Almonds. The texture is great, they come sliced so no extra work there and they distribute beautifully throughout the Muesli. Yes, we have tried raw pumpkin seeds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, pistachios, whole almonds and sunflower seeds. Sliced almonds are our favorite but play around (just be sure to adjust the Points Plus).
Coconut Palm Sugar is our sugar of choice because it is extremely low on glycemic index, unrefined and has a wonderful caramel-like taste. A little truly goes a long way!
Ground Cinnamon not only adds flavor but is great for you. If you love cinnamon like me, add a bit more. Mr. Everyday Maven is a cinnamon-liker not lover so this is his maximum. Me, I LOVE it and would add 3 to 4 teaspoons to the batch. But, this is coming from someone who adds 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to her coffee in the morning.
Finally, Sea Salt. Just a 1/2 teaspoon for the entire batch, to bring the flavors together and balance it out.
OK, now let’s talk about eating this Muesli. Around here, we keep it classic, just 1/2 cup (or if you are Mr. Everday Maven a heaping cup) of the Muesli with about 1/2 cup of boiling water. Or, if you are lazy like me, use the instant hot water from your bottled water cooler. Let it sit for a good five minutes or so until it thickens up. Sometimes when I am feeling sassy, I will add a splash of Soy-Milk Creamer or use plain, unsweetened Almond Milk (heated up) in place of water. I have also been known to add extra cinnamon (of course!) and the teeniest amount of pure almond extract. Writing this has made me hungry. I’m off to have a small mug of Muesli. And yes, I think I will sass it up.
NOTES:
- This makes a pretty big batch. It will store in the pantry in an air-tight container for 3 weeks to a month. Cut the recipe in half if you don’t eat Muesli that often or are making it for one. Alternatively, make the whole thing and store it in the freezer.
- Hit up the bulk section and just buy what you need for this recipe! If you don’t have a great bulk section, try Bob’s Red Mill. They have almost every one of these ingredients and many Wal-Marts carry their products!
- This makes a great homemade gift. Include a little note card with the ingredients and instructions and tie a ribbon around a mason jar. Everyone eats breakfast!
- If you are into Overnight Oats, have Overnight Muesli instead! What are overnight oats you ask? Just oats (or muesli in this case) that you combine with water or milk, cover and refrigerate overnight (usually 10 to 12 hours). It is a no-cook process that softens and “cooks” the cereal.
Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below!
Full Until Lunch Power Muesli
- 4 cups organic rolled oats
- 1 cup rye flakes
- 1 cup wheat germ
- 3/4 cup oat rolled date pieces coarsely chopped
- 3/4 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chia seeds
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons coconut palm sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
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If oat-rolled date pieces are large, coarsely chop. Otherwise, combine all ingredients in a large glass bowl and mix until well combined.
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Store in an airtight container for 3 weeks to a month. Alternately, store in freezer for up to 3 months.
Did you make this recipe? Tag @EverydayMaven on Instagram with the hashtag #EveryDayMaven and please give a star rating below.
Shanon says
I did not have rye flakes so used more oats. Also subbed flax for wheat germ. Used cranberries instead of raisins, used whole dates chopped, and tossed in oat flour (because I didn’t have “extruded dates” on hand), and added pumpkin seeds along with almonds and chia. Mmmmmm! Love that you can use what you have and still eat well. Thank you for the simple yet elegant base recipe.
EverydayMaven says
Sounds great Shannon!
Miki says
Where did you buy the rye flakes from? I couldn’t find them 🙁
EverydayMaven says
Hi Miki,
I got them in the bulk bins at my local Whole Foods Market. Try a health food store!
Lianne says
I didn’t get the chance to find out – decided to have the last biscotti in the house with my 10:00 cup of coffee. Looks like I’ll have to run the experiment again tomorrow 🙂
EverydayMaven says
Haha! Love it!!
Lianne says
Found the dates but, surprisingly, rye flakes are nowhere to be found in this town. I told the man at Whole Foods (who’d never heard of them) that Bob’s Red Mill carries them, so they’re now on order. Regardless, I went ahead and made a batch without rye flakes and it was delicious – can only imagine it will be even better with rye flakes. I added some grated apple at the last minute – the sweetness of the apple and extra cinnamon transported me directly to my happy place. Will be interested to see if I’m full until lunch! Thanks for this super easy and delicious recipe.
EverydayMaven says
So, did it keep you full? I am loving the grated apple and cinnamon – that sounds perfect!
Lianne MacGregor says
Where do I find “oat rolled date pieces”? Can’t wait to try this – thanks.
EverydayMaven says
Hi Lianne,
You can usually find them in the bulk foods section or in packages by Bobs Red Mill. What grocery stores do you shop at?
kitchenriffs says
Good stuff – you’re right this is so easy to make. I’m not a big muesli fan (I’m more into fruit and a hard-boiled egg for breakfast) but it does sound terrific as a snack. Sign me up for more cinnamon, please – I love the stuff too. Nice post – thanks. Oh, and I’m adding a smiley just to see where it ends up! 😉
EverydayMaven says
I love all the smileys! lol
It makes a great snack. I have also made cookies with it as a base and they are amazing. I should post them!
Amy says
I so wish you could cook for me! My usual breakfast is ezekiel raisin cinnamon english muffin, 2 tsp’s of almond butter and a sliced banana but I would LOVE this! The more cinnamon the better!! Chia seeds are the bomb! (Adding my smiley face to see where it goes…:) xo
EverydayMaven says
That sounds like a great breakfast Amy!