How to Make Oat Milk: A Simple & Delicious DIY Recipe
This homemade oat milk recipe is a creamy, dairy-free alternative that’s quick to make, budget-friendly, and endlessly versatile. Whether you avoid dairy or simply enjoy a fresh plant-based option, oat milk is a simple staple you can keep on hand for coffee, baking, and everyday use.
Looking for more easy to make beverages? Try my Fruit Kvass, or Blueberry Lemonade.
Introduction
These days, I reach for plant-based milk more often than not — especially oat milk. It’s incredibly versatile and works so well in everything from coffee to baking.
Homemade oat milk has a clean, fresh taste and comes together in under 5 minutes. Unlike store-bought versions, it doesn’t rely on gums or preservatives to stay shelf-stable. It’s smooth, creamy, and easy to adjust depending on what you’re using it for. Once I started making it myself, I realized how convenient it is to have a fresh batch ready whenever I need it — and I love knowing I can make more anytime I want by just keeping a few simple ingredients in the pantry.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple, affordable ingredients make this recipe easy to whip up anytime.
- Naturally dairy-free and nut-free, so it fits a lot of different kitchens.
- Customizable flavor means you can sweeten or flavor it exactly how you like.
- Smooth and creamy texture pairs well with coffee, baking, and more.
- Zero preservatives or additives keeps it clean and nourishing.
Ingredients For Homemade Oat Milk
You only need a few pantry staples to create your own batch of oat milk, and the quality of ingredients really makes a difference.
- Whole rolled oats: Use rolled oats you like the taste of (regular or gluten-free, as needed).
- Cold water: Helps prevent the milk from turning slimy.
- Maple syrup (optional): Use fresh pure maple syrup to add natural sweetness without refined sugar.
- Vanilla extract (optional): Gives the milk a warm, pleasant flavor.
- Sea salt: A small pinch enhances the overall taste.
See recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations and Substitutions
- Use medjool dates instead of maple syrup for a whole-food sweetener.
- Add cinnamon or nutmeg for a warming spiced variation.
- Omit sweeteners and vanilla for a neutral, savory-friendly version.
- Try steel cut oats for a thicker, more rustic oat milk.
- Blend in cocoa powder for a chocolate-flavored twist.
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How To Make Homemade Oat Milk
This process takes less than 5 minutes from start to finish, making it one of the easiest plant milks to make at home.
- Blend the ingredients:
Add oats, cold water, sweetener (if using), vanilla, and salt to a high-speed blender.
- Blend briefly:
Blend on low speed for 30–60 seconds until well combined.
- Strain the milk:
Pour the mixture through a nut milk bag or fine mesh sieve to separate the liquid from the oat pulp.
- Transfer to a container:
Pour the milk into a clean glass jar or bottle.
- Store and shake:
Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days. Shake well before each use, as separation is natural.
Recipe FAQs
It lasts about 5–7 days in the fridge. Just give it a good shake before each use.
Separation is normal — there are no emulsifiers or stabilizers in homemade oat milk.
Yes! It works great in baking, soups, sauces, smoothies, and coffee.
Technically yes, but the texture may change. It’s best used fresh.
Serve
This homemade oat milk is delicious served cold, added to your morning coffee, or poured over cereal. It’s perfect for blending into smoothies (like my spiced pumpkin smoothie), stirring into overnight oats, or using in baked goods. I also love adding it to soups and sauces where a little creaminess goes a long way.
Expert Tips
- Use cold water: This helps prevent the oat milk from becoming slimy.
- Don’t overblend: A quick blend is all you need — too long and it may get thick.
- Strain twice if needed: For an extra smooth finish, strain it a second time.
- Avoid quick oats: They tend to break down too much and make the milk gummy.
- Use fresh oats: Older oats can cause the milk to taste bitter.
Homemade Oat Milk
Equipment
- High-speed blender
- Fine mesh sieve
- Flour sack towel or cheesecloth
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Glass jar with lid
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup whole rolled oats
- 3 cups filtered water
- 1 tablespoons pure maple syrup optional
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Blend the Ingredients: Place all ingredients into a high-speed blender.
- Blend: Blend on low speed for 30-60 seconds until oats are fully broken down and the mixture is smooth.
- Strain: Strain the oat milk through a flour sack towel lined with a fine mesh sieve.
- Squeeze: Gather the flour sack towel and squeeze out all the liquid from the oat pulp.
- Store: Pour the strained oat milk into a clean jar with a lid.
- Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Shake well before using, as it will separate.
Notes
- Sweetener Options: Adjust the sweetness of your oat milk by adding more maple syrup or another sweetener of your choice, like agave syrup or coconut sugar. You can also skip the sweetener for an unsweetened version.
- Flavor Variations: For added flavor, experiment with adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of almond extract during blending. This gives your oat milk a unique twist, perfect for lattes or smoothies.
- Avoid Slimy Oat Milk: To prevent your oat milk from becoming too slimy, avoid over-blending. 30-60 seconds is typically enough for the oats to break down and create a smooth texture.
- Use the Pulp: Don’t throw away the leftover oat pulp! You can use it in baking (like cookies or muffins), add it to smoothies, or even mix it into oatmeal for extra fiber.
- Storage: Oat milk will last 5-7 days in the fridge. For best results, store it in an airtight container and shake well before each use, as it will naturally separate.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I hope you enjoy making your own oat milk — it’s so creamy, customizable, and perfect for everything from coffee to smoothies! If you try the recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you — please leave a review and let me know what you think! If you have any questions or need any tips along the way, don’t hesitate to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help and excited to hear how your homemade oat milk turns out!