Oat milk has become a popular plant-based alternative to dairy, loved for its creamy texture, mild flavor, and versatility in cooking and baking. The good news? It’s easy and inexpensive to make right at home! By following a few simple steps, you can create fresh, delicious oat milk without any preservatives, additives, or extra sugars that you may find in store-bought versions.
In this post, we’ll walk you through a basic oat milk recipe, plus tips to make it smooth and flavorful, just the way you like it.
Ingredients for Homemade Oat Milk
To make oat milk, you only need three basic ingredients:
- Rolled oats – 1 cup
- Filtered water – 4 cups
- Pinch of salt (optional, for a little extra flavor)
For additional sweetness or flavor, you can also add:
- 1-2 Medjool dates or a tablespoon of maple syrup for sweetness
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for a hint of flavor
Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Oat Milk
1. Soak the Oats (Optional, But Recommended)
Soaking is optional but can help make the oats easier to blend and reduce some of the natural sliminess that oat milk can sometimes have. To do this:
- Place the oats in a bowl and cover them with water.
- Let them soak for about 15-30 minutes, then drain and rinse the oats well to remove any starchy residue.
2. Blend the Oats and Water
- Add the rinsed oats and 4 cups of filtered water to a blender.
- If you’re using dates, vanilla, or salt, add them to the blender as well.
- Blend on high speed for 30-45 seconds until the oats are fully broken down. Avoid over-blending, as this can make the milk slightly slimy.
3. Strain the Oat Milk
- Place a nut milk bag, cheesecloth, or a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl or jug.
- Pour the blended oat mixture through the strainer, letting the liquid drain into the bowl. If using a nut milk bag or cheesecloth, gently squeeze to extract as much milk as possible.
Pro Tip: For the smoothest oat milk, double strain it by pouring the milk through the strainer a second time. This helps remove any small oat particles that may have passed through.
4. Chill and Store
- Transfer the strained oat milk to a clean glass jar or bottle, and refrigerate. It will keep fresh for up to 4-5 days in the fridge.
- Before each use, give the oat milk a good shake, as it can naturally separate over time.
Tips for Making the Perfect Oat Milk
- Avoid Over-Blending: Blending oats for too long can result in a slimy texture. Blend just until the oats break down, around 30-45 seconds.
- Use Cold Water: Using cold or room temperature water can help reduce sliminess and improve the texture of your oat milk.
- Add a Pinch of Salt: Adding a small pinch of salt can enhance the flavor and balance the natural sweetness of the oats.
- Sweeten Naturally: If you want sweeter oat milk, add a couple of Medjool dates or a small amount of maple syrup to the blender. Vanilla extract is also a great addition if you like a hint of vanilla flavor.
- Don’t Waste the Leftover Oat Pulp: The leftover oat pulp can be added to smoothies, baked goods, or oatmeal for extra fiber and nutrients. It’s a great way to make sure nothing goes to waste!
Flavor Variations
Get creative with your oat milk by adding different flavors. Here are a few ideas to try:
- Chocolate Oat Milk: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder and a little maple syrup.
- Cinnamon Oat Milk: Blend in 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Matcha Oat Milk: Add 1/2 teaspoon of matcha powder for a matcha-flavored oat milk that’s great in lattes.
Why Make Oat Milk at Home?
Making oat milk at home allows you to control exactly what goes into it. Unlike store-bought versions that can have added sugars, gums, and preservatives, homemade oat milk is pure and customizable. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and easy to make with ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Conclusion
Oat milk is delicious, nutritious, and versatile, and making it at home couldn’t be easier. With just oats, water, and a blender, you can whip up a batch of fresh, creamy oat milk in minutes. Experiment with different flavor options to find your perfect blend, and enjoy your homemade oat milk in everything from coffee to smoothies.
ALSO READ: Got Oats? Surprising Truth About Oat’s Milk Health Benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats? A: Rolled oats work best for making oat milk because they blend easily and have the right texture. Steel-cut oats are tougher and may not blend as smoothly, so they’re not recommended for oat milk.
Q: Why does my oat milk taste slimy? A: Over-blending, using warm water, or not rinsing the oats well after soaking can lead to a slimy texture. Try blending for a shorter time and using cold water for a smoother result.
Q: How can I use oat milk? A: Oat milk can be used in place of dairy milk in most recipes, including coffee, tea, smoothies, baking, and cooking. It’s especially great in lattes because of its creamy texture.
