Name: Homemade Oat Milk
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-487746H50M50S
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 cup organic rolled oats; 3 cups freezing cold filtered water (adjust for thickness); 1 tablespoon maple syrup, date syrup, or sweetener of choice; Pinch of salt

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Making your own oat milk at home is quick, easy, and allows you to control the ingredients for a fresh, creamy alternative to dairy milk. With just a few simple ingredients, this homemade oat milk is naturally sweetened and perfect for adding to coffee, smoothies, cereal, or enjoying on its own. Plus, it’s dairy-free, vegan, and great for those looking to reduce their environmental footprint.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade oat milk is smooth, creamy, and perfectly sweetened to suit your taste. It’s a fantastic dairy-free alternative to store-bought options, and best of all, it’s free from preservatives or added chemicals. You can adjust the thickness and sweetness to your preference, making it a versatile ingredient in any recipe. Homemade oat milk is not only healthier but also incredibly affordable, as you only need a few pantry staples to make a big batch.

Ingredients

1 cup organic rolled oats
3 cups freezing cold filtered water (more or less depending on how thick/thin you prefer the oat milk)
1 tablespoon maple syrup, date syrup, or sweetener of choice
Pinch of salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Blend the ingredients: Add the rolled oats, cold water, sweetener of choice, and a pinch of salt to a blender.
Blend for 25-30 seconds: Blend the mixture for a maximum of 25 to 30 seconds. Be careful not to over-blend, as this can cause the milk to become gummy in texture.
Strain the oat milk: Pour the blended oat milk through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth into a clean bowl or jar to strain out the oat pulp. Gently squeeze the bag to extract as much liquid as possible.
Store: Pour the strained oat milk into a mason jar or airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Shake well before each use, as oat milk naturally separates over time.
Enjoy: Your homemade oat milk is ready to use! Enjoy it in smoothies, coffee, cereal, or simply as a drink.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes (not including straining)

Variations

Thicker oat milk: To make your oat milk thicker, use less water or blend the oats for a few extra seconds. This will create a creamier texture that’s perfect for coffee lattes or smoothies.
Sweetener options: You can use any sweetener of your choice, such as agave nectar, coconut sugar, or a few dates instead of maple syrup.
Flavored oat milk: For a flavored version, add a dash of vanilla extract or cinnamon to the blender for a twist of extra flavor. You could also add cocoa powder for chocolate oat milk.
Unsweetened version: Omit the sweetener for an unsweetened version of oat milk, which works great for savory recipes or for those who prefer no added sugar.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the oat milk in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Be sure to shake it before each use, as oat milk tends to separate.
Reheating: If you want to heat up the oat milk, gently warm it in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent it from curdling.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, you can use quick oats if that’s what you have on hand. However, rolled oats tend to produce a creamier and smoother oat milk.

Can I use this oat milk for baking?

Absolutely! Homemade oat milk works great in baked goods as a substitute for dairy milk in recipes like cakes, muffins, and pancakes.

Why does my oat milk sometimes become slimy or gummy?

This can happen if you over-blend the oats. Be sure to blend for only 25 to 30 seconds, and don’t blend longer than necessary to avoid a gummy texture.

Can I use oat milk in coffee?

Yes, homemade oat milk works wonderfully in coffee, especially for making lattes or adding to your morning brew.

Do I need to soak the oats before making oat milk?

No, soaking the oats is not necessary. Just rinse them well before blending to remove any excess starch, which can make the milk slimy.

Can I make this recipe without a nut milk bag or cheesecloth?

Yes, you can use a fine mesh strainer if you don’t have a nut milk bag or cheesecloth. Just be sure to press the mixture with a spoon to extract the maximum amount of liquid.

How do I prevent the oat milk from separating?

Oat milk will naturally separate over time, so always shake it before each use. If you find the milk separating too much, try blending it for a few seconds before use to bring it back together.

Conclusion

This Homemade Oat Milk recipe is simple, customizable, and a great alternative to store-bought options. With just a few ingredients and a blender, you can make fresh, creamy oat milk whenever you need it. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a dairy-free, plant-based milk that’s easy to make at home and free from added preservatives. Whether you’re using it in your morning coffee or enjoying it with your favorite cereal, this oat milk is sure to become a kitchen staple.