Oat milk is all the rage these days. And oat milk could not be more simple to make. In fact, this popular dairy-free alternative is really just rolled oats and water blended together then well strained to remove the pulp. The result is easy, creamy, DIY oat milk!
Lately, this dairy-free milk alternative seems to be popping up all over the place and it’s not just for coffee. You can buy it pre-made Oatly, Elmhurst, and Pacific are popular brands and ones I like. Recently I had one of the most amazing ice cream flavor I’ve ever had and I was honestly stunned to learn it was made with oat milk. I had to see what all the fuss was about, so I tried making my own homemade version and now I’m hooked.
Easier and less costly to make than almond milk, there is no presoaking required to make airy-free alternative and all you really must have is a good blender. For those that have never had this popular milk alternative, it does have an oat-y taste. There is no hiding that, but it’s what I love about it, but if you don’t like oats generally, you probably want to skip this.
Many people like their oat milk plain, with nothing else added, and there is something to be said for that. In my recipe I add a touch of sweetness through the addition of dates and a touch of agave. I also add a touch of cinnamon and vanilla which complements the oat flavor well. To me this this is the perfect, very lightly sweetened oat milk that is fantastic in coffee, warm or cold.
Common Oat Milk Questions:
- Can you use steel cut or quick oats? Ideally, rolled oats are what you want to use. Steel cut oats makes a less creamy milk. And quick cooking oats are too finely processed and create a slimier milk.
- Is oat milk considered gluten-free? The truth is, not necessarily. Even if you use gluten-free oats, it can be problematic for those with gluten sensitivity and celiac disease. That said, technically, if you use oats that are certified gluten-free the oat milk is considered gluten-free
- What is the shelf life of oat milk? If well sealed and kept in the refrigerator, oat milk should last about 5 days. You will know when oat milk has gone bad when it has a slightly funny smell.
- Why does oat milk separate? Separation is normal with homemade oat milk and many other dairy-free milks so don’t panic. Always shake well before use.
- Why do you need to strain oat milk twice? Straining twice allows you to remove any of that excess starch which can also lend to a slimy texture.
Homemade Oat Milk
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 4 cups water
- 3 dates, pitted
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon agave
- pinch of salt
- Pinch of cinnamon
Directions
- Step 1 Using a kitchen blender, add the oats, water, dates, vanilla extract, agave, salt and cinnamon. Blend on high for 45 seconds until well blended, do not over blend.
- Step 2 Strain the oat milk through a nut milk bag (I use Ellie’s Best) into a large mixing bowl, squeezing out as much milk as possible. Next, double strain through a fine mesh strainer.
- Step 3 Transfer the oat milk to a sealable glass container for storage and refrigerate. Fresh oat milk well before serving. Do not heat fresh oat milk or it will thicken and become gelatinous in texture.
