Homemade Chocolate Muesli with Candied Orange: Your Guide to a Wholesome & Indulgent Breakfast
Are you searching for a breakfast that perfectly balances wholesome nutrition with a touch of indulgent flavor? Look no further than this exquisite Chocolate Muesli with Candied Orange. This delightful and hearty cereal combines the rustic goodness of old-fashioned oats with rich bittersweet chocolate, crunchy almonds, nutrient-dense chia seeds, tropical coconut, and the vibrant, sweet-tart burst of candied orange. It’s a simple yet sophisticated blend that can transform your morning routine. Enjoy it traditionally with cold milk, warm it up like comforting oatmeal, or sprinkle it over yogurt for an extra layer of texture and taste.
For this uniquely flavorful and healthy (ish) recipe, we’re proud to be partnering with Paradise Fruit Company, recognized as America’s leading brand for high-quality candied fruit. Their unparalleled selection of candied fruits is particularly popular around the holiday season, but truly shines year-round in various culinary creations. Their commitment to flavor and quality makes them an ideal choice for elevating simple recipes into something truly special.
Among their fantastic range of products, I have a particular fondness for candied orange. This ingredient has been a star in many of my recipes, including my signature panettone pizzelle. For this specific muesli recipe, I was inspired to highlight the classic and irresistible combination of chocolate and orange, all while maintaining a focus on a breakfast that feels nourishing without sacrificing taste. The result is a breakfast that’s both comforting and exciting, a perfect start to any day.
A Twist on Classic Muesli: Irresistible Chocolate Orange Flavor
This chocolate muesli with candied orange is a wonderfully simple yet significant twist on traditional muesli. Unlike its cousin, granola, muesli cereal is not typically sweetened or baked to form crunchy clusters. However, by introducing the natural sweetness of candied orange and the deep, complex notes of bittersweet chocolate to the hearty oats, this classic breakfast staple gains an unexpected and utterly delicious “sweet little pop.” This delicate balance ensures that you get all the health benefits of a muesli while indulging your taste buds with a gourmet flavor profile.
Making your own muesli offers numerous advantages over store-bought versions. You have complete control over the quality and quantity of each ingredient, ensuring no unwanted additives or excessive sugars. It’s also incredibly cost-effective and allows for endless customization to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs. Plus, the aroma of toasted oats, nuts, and chocolate filling your kitchen is an added bonus!
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Ingredient Notes: Crafting Your Perfect Muesli Base
Let’s dive into the core components of this delectable chocolate muesli. Understanding each ingredient’s role will not only help you appreciate the flavor profile but also guide you in making any desired customizations. Don’t forget to check the substitutions and variations section below for even more personalized options!
- Oats: For the best texture and heartiness, always opt for old-fashioned rolled oats. Quick-cooking or instant oats will become mushy when prepared, which isn’t ideal for muesli. Old-fashioned oats hold their shape well and provide essential fiber for digestive health.
- Nuts: Sliced almonds were chosen for their delicate, mild flavor and satisfying crunch that complements the other ingredients without overpowering them. They also contribute healthy fats and protein.
- Seeds: Chia seeds are a fantastic addition, offering not only a pleasant textural contrast but also a significant boost of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, making your muesli even more nutritious.
- Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is key here. It provides a deep, rich chocolate flavor without adding extra sugar, allowing the natural sweetness of the candied orange to shine. Cocoa is also packed with antioxidants.
- Chocolate: Go for bittersweet chocolate or a dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content. This provides a robust, slightly bitter counterpoint to the sweet orange, creating a balanced and sophisticated flavor profile. Chopping it finely helps it melt and coat the oats more effectively.
- Cinnamon: Just a touch of ground cinnamon adds a warm, inviting spice that beautifully enhances both the chocolate and orange flavors, creating a harmonious blend reminiscent of classic desserts.
- Coconut Flakes: Unsweetened coconut flakes are preferred to keep the overall sugar content in check. When lightly toasted, they release a wonderful natural sweetness and an irresistible aroma, adding a tropical hint to the muesli.
- Candied Orange: This is the star ingredient that makes this muesli truly special. Look for high-quality candied orange peel or finely chopped candied orange. Its chewy texture and bright citrus notes are essential for the signature chocolate-orange experience.
Refer to the full recipe card below for exact quantities.
Instructions: Crafting Your Perfect Chocolate Muesli
Below is a quick visual guide detailing each step to make your own delicious chocolate muesli with candied orange. While muesli is traditionally served raw, a light toasting of the ingredients truly enhances their flavor, aroma, and texture, making for a superior homemade muesli experience. This simple step brings out the nutty notes of the oats and almonds and deepens the cocoa flavor, all while maintaining a relatively quick preparation time.
Step 1: Prepare and Mix Dry Ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, chia seeds, unsweetened cocoa powder, and ground cinnamon. Toss thoroughly with a spoon or your hands until the oats are evenly coated with the cocoa and spices. This ensures a consistent chocolate flavor throughout the muesli.
Step 2: First Bake. Spread the oat mixture evenly in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 5-6 minutes. This initial toast will begin to bring out the nutty flavor of the oats and toast the cocoa powder, deepening its chocolatey notes. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn, as ovens can vary.
Step 3: Second Bake with Add-ins. Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Add the sliced almonds, unsweetened coconut flakes, and chopped bittersweet or dark chocolate to the semi-toasted oat mixture. Gently stir to combine everything. Return the baking sheet to the oven for another 5-7 minutes. During this stage, the almonds will toast, the coconut will become fragrant and lightly golden (watch it closely as coconut can burn quickly!), and the chocolate will begin to soften and melt, infusing the muesli with its rich flavor.
Step 4: Final Mix and Cool. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately pour the warm oat mixture back into your medium bowl. Stir well to ensure the melting chocolate coats the oats and nuts evenly. This creates a beautifully blended chocolate flavor. Let the muesli cool for 5-10 minutes. Once it has cooled slightly, add the candied orange and stir again to distribute it throughout the mixture. The muesli is now ready to be enjoyed or stored!
👩🍳Pro Tip for Candied Fruit
For the best texture and flavor, it’s crucial to add the candied orange at the very end, once the toasted muesli has cooled slightly. Adding the fruit while the mixture is still hot could cause the delicate candied pieces to dry out or become overly sticky, losing their distinct chewy texture and vibrant taste. Allowing the muesli to cool ensures the candied orange retains its perfect consistency and bright flavor.
Substitutions and Variations: Customize Your Muesli
One of the greatest joys of making homemade muesli is the freedom to customize it to your exact preferences. Feel free to experiment with these delicious substitutions and variations to create your signature blend:
- Grains: While old-fashioned oats form the backbone of this recipe, you can introduce other grains for added texture and nutritional complexity. Consider adding a small amount of millet, wheat bran, quinoa flakes, or even crushed whole-grain cereals like Grape Nuts or shredded wheat. Each addition brings a unique chewiness and fiber boost.
- Nuts: The world of nuts is your oyster! Instead of sliced almonds, try chopped pecans for a buttery richness, pistachios for a vibrant color and distinct flavor, hazelnuts for an earthy, aromatic note, or cashews for their creamy texture. Toasting any of these nuts will amplify their natural flavors.
- Seeds: Beyond chia seeds, many other seeds can add crunch and nutrition. Flax seeds offer omega-3s and a slightly nutty flavor, pumpkin seeds (pepitas) provide a satisfying crunch and a boost of zinc, and sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E and have a pleasant, mild taste.
- Dried Fruit: If candied orange isn’t available or you’d like to try something different, a variety of dried fruits pair incredibly well with chocolate. Consider sweet raisins, tangy dried cranberries, chewy apricots, or rich dried cherries. Remember to add these after the toasting process, similar to the candied orange, to prevent them from drying out.
- Sweeteners: While the candied orange provides sweetness, if you prefer a slightly sweeter muesli, you can lightly drizzle a touch of maple syrup or honey over the oat mixture before the first bake. This will create a subtle caramelization.
- Spice it Up: Experiment with other warming spices like a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even a very small amount of ginger for an extra layer of flavor complexity that complements both chocolate and orange.
How to Serve Chocolate Muesli: Versatile Breakfast Ideas
The beauty of homemade chocolate muesli lies in its incredible versatility. Here are several delicious ways to enjoy your freshly made batch, ensuring your breakfast never gets boring:
- Traditional Cold Cereal: The simplest way to enjoy muesli! Treat your chocolate muesli just like any cold cereal. Pour a serving into a bowl, add your favorite milk (dairy, almond, oat, or soy milk all work wonderfully), and top with fresh berries, sliced banana, a drizzle of honey, or extra nuts for added crunch.
- Overnight Oats: For a quick and easy grab-and-go breakfast, prepare a ½ cup of muesli with ½ cup (or more, depending on desired consistency) of your milk of choice in a sealed container. Let it stand overnight in the refrigerator. The next morning, the oats and chia seeds will have softened, creating a creamy texture. Give it a good stir, add any additional toppings like fresh fruit, nut butter, or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, and serve cold or slightly warmed.
- Warm Oatmeal Style: Craving a comforting hot breakfast? Simmer the muesli with milk or water on the stovetop until it reaches your desired creamy oatmeal consistency. This is especially delightful on chilly mornings. Stir in some extra chopped dark chocolate or a dollop of almond butter just before serving.
- Yogurt Topping or Parfait Layer: Elevate your yogurt game! Sprinkle a generous handful of this flavorful muesli over a bowl of Greek yogurt or skyr for a textural contrast and a boost of flavor. For a more elaborate and visually appealing breakfast or dessert, layer the muesli with yogurt and fresh fruit in your favorite parfait glass.
- Smoothie Booster: Add a tablespoon or two of muesli to your morning smoothie for extra fiber, protein, and a subtle chocolate-orange flavor kick.
Storage: Keeping Your Muesli Fresh
Proper storage is essential to maintain the freshness and crispness of your homemade chocolate muesli. Store it in an air-tight container, such as a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid or a sealed plastic container, at room temperature. Kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, your muesli will remain fresh and flavorful for up to 3 weeks. This makes it an ideal make-ahead breakfast option for busy mornings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Muesli
While both granola and muesli are oat-based breakfast cereals often containing nuts and dried fruit, their preparation and typical serving styles differ significantly. Granola is characterized by being sweetened (often with honey, maple syrup, or molasses) and baked in the oven with oil until it becomes crunchy and forms clusters. It’s typically eaten as a topping or with milk. Muesli, on the other hand, is traditionally a raw cereal blend of rolled oats, other grains, nuts, seeds, and sometimes dried fruit. It is not usually sweetened or baked into clusters. It can be served cold with milk like traditional cereal, or soaked overnight, or cooked like oatmeal, offering a softer texture. This particular recipe takes a slightly non-traditional approach by lightly toasting the muesli ingredients for enhanced flavor and texture, bridging the gap slightly while still retaining muesli’s inherent versatility.
Absolutely! Making muesli at home gives you complete control over the ingredients. You can avoid excessive added sugars, unhealthy oils, and artificial preservatives often found in commercial muesli blends. By choosing high-quality, whole ingredients like old-fashioned oats, real dark chocolate, and natural candied fruits, you ensure a nutrient-dense breakfast tailored to your dietary needs.
Yes, easily! To make this muesli gluten-free, simply ensure you use certified gluten-free old-fashioned oats. All other ingredients (almonds, chia seeds, cocoa powder, cinnamon, coconut flakes, bittersweet/dark chocolate, and candied orange) are naturally gluten-free. For a vegan version, all the ingredients in this recipe are typically vegan-friendly. Just make sure your dark chocolate does not contain dairy (many quality dark chocolates are vegan).
Perfect Pairings: Complement Your Muesli
Enhance your breakfast experience by serving your delicious chocolate muesli with one of these perfectly paired recipes. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing drink or another sweet treat, these options will complete your meal:
- Brown Sugar Shaken Chai Tea
- Refreshing Espresso Soda
- Blended Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowls
- Cranberry Orange Cream Scones
Did you make this delightful Chocolate Muesli with Candied Orange recipe? We would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and a comment right below the recipe card to share your feedback. If you snap a photo of your beautiful creation, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram @brunchandbatter. Your culinary adventures inspire us!
📖Recipe
Chocolate Muesli with Candied Orange
Prevent your screen from going dark
Pin Recipe
5 minutes
10 minutes
15 minutes
Breakfast, Brunch
American, Swiss
8
196
kcal
Equipment
-
large baking sheet
Ingredients
-
3
cups
old-fashioned oats
avoid instant or quick-cooking oats -
1½
tablespoon
chia seeds -
2
tablespoon
unsweetened cocoa powder -
¼
teaspoon
ground cinnamon -
¾
cup
sliced almonds -
⅓
cup
unsweetened coconut flakes -
¼
cup
bittersweet or dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa), chopped -
½
cup
Paradise candied orange peel (Holiday Fruit)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350℉ (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
-
In a medium bowl, combine the oats, chia seeds, cocoa powder, and cinnamon. Toss thoroughly to coat all the ingredients. Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 5-6 minutes until lightly fragrant.3 cups old-fashioned oats,
1½ tablespoon chia seeds,
2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder,
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon -
After 5-6 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Add the sliced almonds, chopped chocolate, and coconut flakes on top of the oat mixture. Gently stir. Return to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes. Watch carefully, especially the coconut, to ensure everything is lightly toasted and wonderfully fragrant, but not burnt.¾ cup sliced almonds,
⅓ cup unsweetened coconut flakes,
¼ cup bittersweet or dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa), chopped -
Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Transfer the cooked muesli mixture to a bowl and stir well. The residual heat will cause the chocolate to melt slightly and coat the oats, creating a rich, cohesive mixture. Allow the muesli to cool for 5-10 minutes. Once it has cooled to a comfortable temperature, add the candied orange and stir to distribute evenly throughout the muesli. See the notes section for serving suggestions.½ cup Paradise candied orange peel (Holiday Fruit)
Notes
-
- Cereal– Treat chocolate muesli like you would any cold cereal. Add your milk of choice, and any toppings or fresh fruit desired.
-
- Overnight oats- For a convenient make-ahead breakfast, combine ½ cup of the muesli with ½ cup or more of your preferred milk in a sealed container and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, stir well and add any extra toppings you like. Serve chilled or gently warmed.
-
- Oatmeal– For a warm, creamy breakfast, cook the muesli with milk or water on the stovetop until it reaches your desired consistency, just like traditional oatmeal.
-
- Yogurt– Sprinkle a generous amount of muesli over your favorite yogurt for added texture and flavor. It also makes an excellent layer in a beautiful parfait.
Store your homemade chocolate muesli in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks for optimal freshness.
Nutrition*
Serving:
0.5
cup
Calories:
196
kcal
Carbohydrates:
28
g
Protein:
3.9
g
Fat:
8.4
g
Saturated Fat:
4.5
g
Cholesterol:
1
mg
Sodium:
12
mg
Potassium:
107
mg
Fiber:
4
g
Sugar:
11.9
g
Calcium:
24
mg
Iron:
1
mg
*Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. Nutrition information can vary depending on many factors, such as products used, measurements and substitutions, therefore it is recommended that you obtain nutritional calculations based on your own finished recipe.
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