Overnight Cranberry Oat Muesli
Start your day on a refreshing note with this Overnight Cranberry Oat Muesli, a delightful recipe inspired by Swiss traditions. This wholesome dish blends creamy low-fat yogurt with tangy unsweetened cranberry juice, nourishing rolled oats, and a medley of crunchy seeds and dried fruit. Perfect for busy mornings, simply prepare it the night before. As it soaks, the flavors meld together, yielding a rich and creamy breakfast that's satisfying and energizing. Whether topped with fresh fruit or enjoyed on its own, this muesli is a delicious way to fuel your day!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Low-fat plain yogurt
1/2 cup (Plain, unflavored)
Unsweetened cranberry juice
1/2 cup (Fruit-juice-sweetened optional)
Old fashioned oats
6 tablespoons (Rolled, not quick-cooking or steel-cut)
Dried cranberries
2 tablespoons (Chopped if large)
Unsalted sunflower seeds
1 tablespoon (Raw or roasted)
Wheat germ
1 tablespoon (Or substitute with ground flax seed)
Raw honey
2 teaspoons (Natural, to taste)
Vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon (Pure, for flavor)
Salt
1/8 teaspoon (Regular table salt)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine the low-fat yogurt and unsweetened cranberry juice until smooth.
2
Stir in the old-fashioned oats, ensuring they're well coated with the yogurt mixture.
3
Add the dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, wheat germ (or ground flax seed), raw honey, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the mixture for at least 8 hours, or overnight for best results.
5
In the morning, give the muesli a good stir. If desired, add a splash of extra cranberry juice or a dollop of yogurt for added creaminess before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Overnight Cranberry Oat Muesli?
It is a refreshing, Swiss-inspired breakfast dish that blends low-fat yogurt, unsweetened cranberry juice, rolled oats, seeds, and dried fruit, prepared the night before for a creamy texture.
How long does the muesli need to soak?
For best results, the mixture should be refrigerated for at least 8 hours, or overnight, to allow the oats to soften and the flavors to meld.
What kind of oats are best for this recipe?
Old-fashioned rolled oats are recommended. You should avoid using quick-cooking or steel-cut oats for this specific preparation.
Can I use sweetened cranberry juice?
While the recipe calls for unsweetened cranberry juice to maintain a tangy flavor profile, you can use fruit-juice-sweetened cranberry juice if preferred.
What can I substitute for wheat germ?
If you do not have wheat germ, you can easily substitute it with an equal amount of ground flax seed.
What type of yogurt should be used?
The recipe specifies using low-fat plain, unflavored yogurt to provide a creamy and neutral base.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious and wholesome breakfast containing fiber-rich oats, healthy seeds, and low-fat yogurt.
How do I serve the muesli in the morning?
Give it a good stir and, if desired, add a splash of extra cranberry juice or a dollop of yogurt to increase the creaminess before serving.
Can I add fresh fruit to the muesli?
Absolutely! It is delicious when topped with fresh fruit for added flavor and texture.
What kind of seeds are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses one tablespoon of unsalted sunflower seeds, which can be either raw or roasted.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
Yes, a small amount (1/8 teaspoon) of regular table salt is added to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
While the recipe suggests raw honey to taste, you could likely substitute other natural sweeteners like maple syrup or agave.
Do I need to cook the oats first?
No, the oats are added raw and soften naturally as they soak in the yogurt and juice mixture overnight.
Is vanilla extract necessary?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to add a depth of flavor, but it can be omitted if you prefer.
What is the preparation for the dried cranberries?
If the dried cranberries are large, it is recommended to chop them before adding them to the mixture.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is perfect for busy mornings because all the preparation is done the night before.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, you could substitute the low-fat plain yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative like almond or coconut yogurt.
What is the primary flavor of this muesli?
It has a tangy and refreshing flavor profile thanks to the combination of unsweetened cranberry juice and plain yogurt.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients: yogurt, cranberry juice, oats, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, honey, vanilla, and salt.
Is this a traditional Swiss recipe?
The recipe is inspired by Swiss traditions, where muesli originated as a wholesome, raw oat-based dish.
Can I use steel-cut oats?
No, the instructions specify using old-fashioned rolled oats; steel-cut oats would remain too hard even after soaking overnight.
What is the texture of the finished muesli?
The texture is rich, creamy, and satisfying once the oats have fully absorbed the liquids.
How do I ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed?
Mix the yogurt and juice first until smooth, then stir in the oats, and finally mix in the remaining ingredients thoroughly.
Should the bowl be covered in the fridge?
Yes, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid before placing it in the refrigerator.
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of dried?
The recipe calls for dried cranberries for sweetness and texture; frozen cranberries would be much more tart and may release too much moisture.
Can I use flavored yogurt?
The recipe recommends plain yogurt, but you could use vanilla yogurt if you reduce the amount of added honey and vanilla extract.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats and ensure your wheat germ substitute is also gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the measurements to prepare breakfast for multiple people or several days.
What if the muesli is too thick in the morning?
If it's too thick, simply stir in a little more cranberry juice or yogurt until it reaches your desired consistency.
Is this muesli served hot or cold?
This muesli is intended to be served cold, straight from the refrigerator, for a refreshing start to the day.