AdventureiteMornings at camp can be chaotic, and breakfast often takes a backseat to the excitement of the day ahead. But skipping a good breakfast? That’s a recipe for low energy and a cranky start. On a recent camping trip, we found ourselves in this exact situation. With limited options and no time to cook, we gave cold-soaked muesli a try (we found it on Pinterest)—and it was awesome. Easy to prep, packed with nutrients, and endlessly customizable, it’s a European-inspired dish we knew we had to share with you.
What is Cold Soaked Muesli?
Cold-soaked muesli has roots in Switzerland, where it was originally developed as a healthful, raw meal by a physician named Maximilian Bircher-Brenner. Its original intent—a quick, nutritious meal—aligns perfectly with modern camping needs, making it an ideal choice for adventurers seeking both convenience and sustenance. Unlike granola, which is often baked and sweetened, muesli is a softer blend of rolled oats, dried fruits, nuts, and seeds soaked in liquid. The result? A refreshing, creamy breakfast that’s both satisfying and easy on the stomach.
Ingredients and Customization
The beauty of cold-soaked muesli lies in its simplicity and adaptability. When you’re camping, every ounce of space and every minute of time matters. Having a meal that you can easily tweak to match dietary needs, ingredient availability, or flavor preferences makes it the perfect companion for unpredictable outdoor adventures.
Plus, when you’re camping with picky eaters, having a customizable base like muesli can be a lifesaver. Each family member can make their own version by choosing their favorite ingredients, ensuring everyone starts the day happy and satisfied.
Here’s a basic breakdown of common ingredients:
Base Ingredients:
- Rolled oats (avoid instant oats for better texture).
- Dried fruits like raisins, apricots, or cranberries.
- Nuts and seeds such as almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, or chia seeds.
Liquid Options:
- Apple juice for natural sweetness.
- Almond milk, coconut milk, or regular milk.
- Coconut water for a lighter, tropical flavor.
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh fruits: berries, banana slices, or diced apples.
- Sweeteners: honey, maple syrup, or agave.
- Extras: yogurt, cinnamon, or shredded coconut.
Dietary Adaptations:
- Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats.
- Vegan: Stick to plant-based milks and sweeteners.
- Nut-free: Opt for seeds like sunflower or pumpkin instead of nuts.
How to Prepare Cold Soaked Muesli for Camping
At Home Preparation:
- Mix your dry ingredients (oats, dried fruits, nuts, and seeds) into individual containers or resealable bags. For camping, lightweight silicone pouches with leak-proof seals or sturdy reusable Ziploc-style bags work best. They’re easy to pack, durable, and take up minimal space in your backpack or cooler. This saves time and minimizes mess at camp.
- For an extra layer of convenience, pre-portion your liquids into small bottles or use shelf-stable milk cartons. We aren’t that organized but it sure would be nice lol.
At Camp Preparation:
- Add your liquid to the dry ingredients the night before or at least 4 hours before breakfast.
- Stir to combine and let it soak in a cooler or shaded area. By morning, your muesli will be creamy and ready to eat.
- Top with fresh fruits, yogurt, or a drizzle of honey, if desired.
Tips for Success
- Use Sturdy Containers: Mason jars with lids, silicone pouches, or lightweight camping containers work great for soaking and storing.
- Balance Flavors: Aim for a mix of sweet, tangy, and nutty ingredients to keep things interesting.
- Plan for Cleanup: Choose containers that are easy to clean or bring compostable bowls for minimal hassle.
- Storage: Keep your muesli in a cooler or insulated bag to ensure freshness, especially if using dairy-based liquids.
Why Cold Soaked Muesli is Perfect for Camping
Cold-soaked muesli is a game-changer for campers. Compared to granola bars or instant oatmeal, muesli offers more variety and customization. It’s more filling than a granola bar and less processed than many instant oatmeals, making it a healthier and more satisfying choice to start your day outdoors. Here’s why:
- Low Effort: Minimal prep and no cooking required means more time for adventuring.
- Nutritious: Packed with fiber, protein, and natural sugars to fuel your day.
- Refreshing: Especially delightful during summer camping trips.
A Simple Recipe to Try
Here’s the recipe we used during our last camping trip, and we couldn’t believe how easy and delicious it turned out! Next time, we plan to try some new varieties, like adding dried figs or experimenting with a chocolate-coconut combo.
Base Recipe:
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons chopped almonds
- 2 tablespoons of raisins
- 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds
- ¾ cup almond milk
Mix the rolled oats, dried fruits, nuts, and seeds with your chosen liquid in a container, then stir to combine and let it soak overnight. In the morning, add fresh fruits, yogurt, or a drizzle of honey to complete your muesli.
Tropical Delight Variation:
- Base recipe with coconut milk as the liquid.
- Add dried pineapple, shredded coconut, and a handful of fresh mango in the morning.
Berry Blast Variation:
- Base recipe with almond milk.
- Add freeze-dried or fresh blueberries and a drizzle of honey.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Cold-soaked muesli is a simple, delicious way to start your camping mornings off right. Try this recipe on your next trip and let us know how it turns out! Share your favorite muesli creations in the comments or tag us on social media – we’d love to see your culinary camping adventures.
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By Summer and Bill
Summer and Bill are the dynamic duo behind Adventureite.com, a blog dedicated to inspiring others to explore the great outdoors. With a combined lifetime of experience traveling and adventuring across America, they have a wealth of knowledge to share. From hiking to camping, kayaking to travel, Summer and Bill are passionate about helping others discover the beauty of the natural world.