How to Make Oat Milk

Did you know oat milk can be made by using just two ingredients? Learn how to make oat milk using just blended water and oats! This isn’t your average plant-based milk; it’s a silky smooth concoction, slightly thicker than store-bought versions. The natural sweetness of the oats is enhanced by the maple syrup, while the vanilla adds a touch of cozy complexity. Whether enjoyed on its own, swirled into coffee, or used in your favorite recipe, this oat milk offers a delightful and wholesome dairy-free experience.

Once I learned how to make almond milk, I was on a mission to see what other dairy-free milk recipes I could make in my own kitchen. Today, you’ll learn how to make oat milk with a super simple and creamy recipe that uses steel cut oats, water, pure maple syrup and a lil’ coconut oil.

What is Oat Milk?

Oat milk is quite literally ‘milked oats,’ or oats soaked in water, then blended and squeezed through cheesecloth. Commercially sold, oat milk often contains fillers and gums, which I try to avoid. Making your own oat milk is easy, affordable and guaranteed clean ingredients.

Many people like this non-dairy milk because it is gluten, nut and dairy-free. This provides an option for those suffering from many common allergies. Not all oat brands are certified gluten-free, so make sure to look for this label when purchasing.

Why this Oat Milk Recipe Rawks

Grocery stores are becoming inundated with plant-based milk options, yet this doesn’t equal clean. It can be frustrating to read label after label in search of a whole food option, so I decided to create my own homemade oat milk recipe. This recipe is super simple, and is definitely less expensive than anything I’ve found at the store. Plus, the health benefits of oats is pretty awesome, too.

• A study conducted by the US National Library of Medicine showed oat milk lower cholesterol levels through the regular consumption of oat milk for 5 weeks.
• This homemade oat milk recipe is a fiber boost. One cup contains 3.3 grams of fiber, 13.2% of the recommended daily intake. Specifically, oat milk is loaded with B vitamins, which help the body stay energized, and also promote heart health.
• Not only does oat milk provide a non-dairy option for those with dairy aversions, it also supports environmental health. It takes hundreds fewer square miles to produce oat milk than dairy milk, and uses 1/8th of the water consumption used in the production of almond milk.

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love this homemade oat milk recipe because it’s creamy and delicious. Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to make it in your own kitchen:

• Steel-cut oats: Steel-cut oats are less processed than rolled oats, so they retain more of their natural, nutty flavor, which makes a richer, more flavorful oat milk.  Yet feel free to swap for your favorite variety like rolled, quick cook, gluten-free, etc. You can use any oat type you have on hand.
• Water: Use filtered, cold water to blend and soak oats, ensuring smooth and luscious oat milk.
• Maple Syrup: This is a natural sweetener. It adds a subtle sweetness and a slightly caramel-like flavor that complements the natural sweetness of oats. It’s often preferred over refined sugar for its perceived “healthier” profile, though it’s still a sugar and should be used in moderation.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile of oat milk. It adds a warm, comforting note and rounds out the other flavors. It’s a classic pairing with oats and other grains. It can make the oat milk taste richer and more complex, even in small amounts.  
• Sea Salt: A pinch of sea salt balances the sweetness, brings out the other flavors, and prevents the oat milk from tasting flat. It can also subtly enhance the creamy texture.
• Coconut Oil: Coconut oil can add a subtle richness and creaminess to the oat milk, especially if you’re using a lower ratio of oats to water.

How to Make Oat Milk

1. Place steel-cut oats in a bowl and cover them with water enough to submerge completely. Soak for 20 minutes, then drain the excess water.
2. Add the soaked oats and 3 cups of fresh water to a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour the blended mixture through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth into a wide glass bowl, gently squeezing to extract the liquid.
4. Remove and discard the leftover oat pulp from the nut milk bag or cheesecloth.
5. Rinse the blender, then pour the strained oat milk back into it. Add coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla (if using), and a pinch of salt. Blend for an additional 10 seconds until well combined.

Ways to Use Homemade Oat Milk

Another reason I love blending my own homemade oat milk recipe this is for the creaminess. I’ve noticed many coffee shops starting to use this beverage in specialty coffee drinks. This is due to its ability to foam and nicely thicken beverages. I’ve even created my own cinnamon dolce latte recipe, which capitalizes on the cream factor.

Now that I know how to make my own oat milk, I like using the leftover pulp in the cheesecloth from this homemade oat milk recipe, as extra fiber in some homemade granola bars, a smoothie boost, or dried and added to vegan yogurt with berries. Zero waste and a whole host of extra health benefits!

I use it all the time when blending, cooking or baking recipes from my two cookbooks – Simple Green Smoothies and Simple Green Meals.

More Plant-Based Milk Recipes

Now that you know how to make oat milk, why not expand your horizons with these homemade plant-based milk recipes:

How to Make Hemp Milk

How to Make Almond Milk

How to Make Coconut Milk

How to Make Cashew Milk

If you make this oat milk recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. Your feedback helps me and all the readers in this community. And if you’re interested in more plant-based recipes (and exclusive content), sign up for my weekly recipe newsletter.