Apple and Blackberry Bircher

This recipe for Apple and Blackberry Bircher takes moments to make and can be enjoyed for days. Get the recipe below.

Simple breakfasts

This Apple and Blackberry Bircher recipe is the perfect breakfast as we move from summer into autumn. It's a breakfast best served cold but uses my favourite end of summer/autumn fruit and a hit of cinnamon to warm you up.

Bircher is perhaps less well known than overnight oats but I encourage you to give it a go!

What is the difference between Bircher and overnight oats?

Some might say that Bircher muesli is the original overnight oats. It was originally invented by a doctor called Dr. Maximilian Bircher-Benner for his patients. It has grown in popularity and now overnight oats (it's creamy relative) have also become a popular breakfast dish.

Bircher can be made with muesli or oats (as I've done here). It is usually made with fruit juice or pulp whereas overnight oats are made with milk and/or yogurt.

The reason Bircher and overnight oats is so popular is because they are quick and easy to make and fab for people who like to meal prep. You can make a big batch on Sunday night and enjoy them over the next couple of days.

When soaked overnight, the starch in the oats is broken down allowing more nutrients to be absorbed. The oats also break down overnight which makes them easier to digest. 

How to make Bircher

Making Bircher is easy, simply combine your oats (or museli) with a fruit juice or pulp of your choice, stir it together and leave overnight. Top with your choice of fruit, nuts and seeds.

For this Apple and Blackberry Bircher I grate sweet apples to create the apple pulp which is then mixed with the oats. I add a pinch of cinnamon at the same time for some added warmth. Last but not least, I add some fresh (or frozen) blackberries to the top and leave it in the fridge overnight.

Which apples should I use?

I like to make my Bircher with Royal Gala apples as they are sweet and juicy. Honeycrisp apples and Red Delicious apples would also work well.

If you prefer sharp, tangy apples you can use these too but you may want to add some sweetener to balance it out.

You can't really go long so long as you are using an eating apple (not a cooking apple). Apple and blackberry is such a classic combination.

Which oats should I use?

I recommend using rolled oats as they will soak up the juice from the grated apple really well. They won't go too mushy (like quick oats or oatmeal would) but also won't have the same chewiness or bite that you'd get it you used steel cut oats or simillar.

You can of course use any oats you have in your cupboard just be mindful that it may change the texture of the final dish.

Can I use something other than blackberries?

When blackberries aren't in season you can pick another one of your favourite fruits. In winter, segments of clementine work well. In summer, why not try blueberries or raspberries. The choice is yours!

Another nice option would be poached rhubarb.

How long does Bircher keep?

Because it's made with fresh apples, Bircher keeps for a maximum of 3 days in the fridge.

The recipe

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But best of all they are vegan making them suitable for anyone following a dairy free or plant based diet!

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For more delicious breakfast and brunch recipes, browse my breakfast recipe archive.