How To Make Oat Milk Easy Recipe

Here’s a simple way to make oat milk at home! Oat milk is a creamy, dairy-free alternative made by blending oats with water and then straining the mixture.

It’s naturally mild in flavor, easy to make with just a few ingredients, and works well in coffee, smoothies, and baking. Unlike store-bought versions, homemade oat milk doesn’t have added oils or preservatives, making it a fresh and natural choice.

I had some extra oats in my pantry and have always wanted to try making my own. I love how simple the process is, just blend, strain.

The best part? I can adjust the sweetness and thickness to my liking, making it perfect for my morning coffee or a bowl of cereal.

This is a basic DIY oat milk recipe that’s smooth, creamy, and easy to make. But the fun doesn’t stop there!

I’ll also share some delicious variations to try, like adding vanilla, cinnamon, or even a touch of maple syrup for extra flavor. Whether you like it plain or with a little twist, there’s a version for everyone.

How To Make Oat Milk

This is a super easy way on how to make this right at home. You can easily double or triple the recipe with the handy recipe app below. Keep in mind that you use 1 cup of oats to 3 cups of water when making oatmeal milk from scratch and then you are good to go.

Ingredients For DIY Oat Milk

This recipe will make about 2.5 cups of milk. Generally, you’ll lose a small amount of liquid during the straining process.

1 cup of old fashioned rolled oats

3 cups of water

Directions For Making Oat Milk

Generally, you’ll lose a small amount of liquid during the straining process, but you should still get close to 2.5 cups of milk with this recipe.

Blend the Ingredients: Add the rolled oats to a blender with 3 cups of cold water. Blend on high for 30 seconds, but don’t over-blend, as this can create a slimy texture.

Strain Gently: Place a nut milk bag, fine mesh strainer, or clean cheesecloth over a large bowl or pitcher. Slowly pour the blended mixture through and let it strain naturally. Do not press or squeeze the liquid through, as this can make the milk slimy. For an extra smooth consistency, strain a second time using a clean strainer or cloth.

Store and Enjoy: Pour the strained milk into a sealed jar or bottle and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Oat milk naturally separates, so shake well before using. It’s great in coffee, smoothies, cereal, or baking!

Oat Milk FAQ’s

How do you strain oat milk?

The best way to strain it is to use a fine mesh strainer, nut milk bag, or cheesecloth, allowing the liquid to pass through naturally without pressing or squeezing. Pushing the liquid through can release excess starch, making the milk slimy.

For an ultra-smooth texture, strain the milk twice using a clean strainer or fresh cheesecloth. If you notice too much sediment, try using a finer mesh or letting the mixture settle before pouring, so the heavier particles stay behind.

Can I make oat milk with quick oats?

When you are making oat milk from scratch, the best oats to use are old fashioned rolled oats. Using quick oats is going to make your milk slimy, so they are not the best to use for this recipe.

What is the most common oat to water ratio for making oat milk?

The best oat to water ratio for oat milk is 1 cup of oats to 3 cups of water.

Ways To Use Oat Milk

• Coffee & Lattes: Use it for a dairy-free option for coffee and lattes.
• Smoothies: Adds a creamy texture without overpowering the flavors of fruits and other ingredients.
• Cereal & Granola: A simple swap for regular milk in your morning bowl of cereal or granola.
• Baking: Works as a dairy-free substitute in cakes, muffins, and pancakes.
• Oatmeal: Enhances the creaminess of cooked oats while keeping the flavors balanced.
• Soups: Can be used to create creamy soups without dairy, such as tomato or butternut squash soup.
• Sauces & Gravies: Helps thicken sauces and gravies while keeping them smooth and dairy-free.
• Ice Cream & Pudding: A good base for homemade dairy-free ice cream or pudding recipes.
• Mashed Potatoes: Adds creaminess to mashed potatoes without altering the classic taste.
• Protein Shakes: Pairs well with protein powder for a smooth and easy-to-digest shake.

Recipes Using Oat Milk

Overnight oats with apples

Easy cranberry overnight oatmeal

Earl grey tea overnight oats

Troubleshooting Oat Milk

My oat milk is too slimy. What went wrong?

Blending for too long can release too much starch, making it slimy. Try blending for 30 seconds and letting it strain without pushing down on the oats.

How do I make it creamier?

Use less water for a thicker consistency, or add a small amount of coconut cream or soaked cashews before blending.

Why does my oat milk separate in coffee?

This type of milk can separate due to acidity and heat. Try warming it slightly before adding it to coffee and give it a good shake to make sure it’s well incorporated before using.

Can I store homemade oat milk for later?

Yes. It will last about 3 – 5 days in the fridge. Shake well before use, as separation is natural.

How do I make flavored oat milk?

Add ingredients like vanilla extract, cinnamon, cocoa powder, or dates before blending to create different flavors. Check the list below for some fun variations.

Oat Milk Recipe Variations To Try

Now that you have down the basic recipe. Here are some fun variations to try with different flavor combinations.

• Vanilla: Blend in ½ tsp of real vanilla extract for a subtle sweetness.
• Chocolate: Add 1 tbsp of cocoa powder and a touch of maple syrup for a rich, chocolatey flavor.
• Cinnamon: Mix in ½ tsp of ground cinnamon for a warm, spiced taste.
• Berry: Blend with a handful of fresh or frozen berries for a fruity twist.
• Maple: Try adding 1 tbsp of pure maple syrup for a rich, caramel-like taste.
• Coconut: Add a few tbsp of coconut milk for a creamy, tropical flavor.
• Almond: Blend in 1 tbsp of almond butter for a nutty, protein-packed option.
• Matcha: Add 1 tsp of matcha powder for an energizing, antioxidant-rich drink.
• Pumpkin Spice: Blend with 1 tbsp of pumpkin purée and a dash of pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired version.
• Turmeric: Stir in ½ tsp of turmeric and a pinch of black pepper for a golden milk variation.

Thanks for reading. I hope you try this homemade oatmeal milk recipe. It’s such a great way to always have milk on hand when you run out of dairy or nut milks.