How to Make Oat Milk Recipe
If you’ve ever wondered how to make oat milk at home, you’re in for a creamy, plant-based treat! This easy recipe produces a delightfully smooth, subtly sweet non-dairy milk that tastes just right in coffee, granola, or a tall glass over ice. No special equipment or elusive ingredients are necessary—just oats, water, and a few kitchen essentials. In minutes, you’ll have fresh, clean-tasting oat milk that’s free of additives and costs just a fraction of what you’d pay at the store.

Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s a certain magic in how a few everyday basics come together to create homemade oat milk. Each ingredient is essential, from the hearty oats that give structure to the touch of vanilla and syrup that round out the flavor.
- Whole rolled oats: These lend a creamy texture and subtle nutty flavor—quick oats tend to turn gummy, so stick to rolled.
- Water: The base of the milk, keeping things light and refreshing. Use cold, filtered water if possible for the cleanest taste.
- Maple syrup: Just a couple spoonfuls balances the natural oaty flavor with gentle sweetness; you can adjust to taste.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a cozy aroma and delicate depth, making your oat milk taste extra special.
- Sea salt: A pinch brings out the flavors, cuts any bitterness, and makes the other ingredients shine.
How to Make How to Make Oat Milk
Step 1: Blend Everything Together
This is where the magic happens! Combine your rolled oats, water, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt in the blender. Blend for just about 30 seconds; blending too long can make your oat milk overly thick or slimy. The goal is a smooth, creamy liquid with all the flavors well incorporated.
Step 2: Strain for Silky Smoothness
Set a fine mesh strainer over a bowl or large measuring cup. Pour your blended oat mixture through, letting the liquid drain naturally. Don’t press or force the pulp through—it’s tempting, but this can make your oat milk gritty. Instead, let gravity do its thing to ensure a velvety, not gummy, consistency.
Step 3: Sweeten and Chill
Give your freshly strained oat milk a taste. If you prefer a bit more sweetness, stir in extra maple syrup. While it’s technically ready to drink, chilling it overnight deepens the flavors and improves the texture. If you’re in a hurry, a handful of ice works wonders—chilled oat milk always tastes best!
How to Serve How to Make Oat Milk

Garnishes
Bring even more joy to your oat milk with creative garnishes. A dusting of ground cinnamon or a swirl of maple syrup on top makes every glass a treat. For a hint of decadence, top with microfoam if you’re adding to coffee, or pair with a cinnamon stick for a café-worthy presentation.
Side Dishes
Oat milk is made for morning pairings! Pour it over your favorite cereal, dunk cookies, or stir into oatmeal. It also makes a beautiful complement to fruit salads, baked goods, or a platter of toasted bread with nut butter for a wholesome snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress family and guests by serving homemade oat milk in small pitchers alongside coffee at brunch, or try layering it in glass jars for overnight oats parfaits. For kids, pour over ice and serve with colorful straws—they’ll love the creamy taste and fun presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Homemade oat milk is best enjoyed fresh, but it will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Give it a good shake or stir before serving, as natural separation will occur—no additives means it’s completely normal!
Freezing
Need to extend its life? Pour oat milk into ice cube trays and freeze. This method is perfect for adding to smoothies or cooling down hot drinks. Full thawed oat milk may separate a bit more, but a vigorous shake usually brings it back together.
Reheating
When using oat milk in hot drinks or cooking, heat gently over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Avoid boiling, which can change the texture. If separated, simply whisk or blend briefly to regain smoothness.
FAQs
Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?
Instant oats tend to break down too quickly, making the milk gummy. For the creamiest, freshest result, always use whole rolled oats for this recipe.
Why shouldn’t I push the pulp through the strainer?
Pressing the pulp forces tiny particles into the milk, creating a gritty, chalky texture. Letting it drain naturally ensures your oat milk is smooth and pleasant to drink.
How to Make Oat Milk gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just be sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats. Oats are naturally gluten-free but can be processed in facilities with wheat, so check your packaging.
Can I flavor the oat milk with chocolate or spices?
Yes! A spoonful of cocoa powder or a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg blends in beautifully. Mix these during the initial blending step and adjust the sweetness as you like.
What can I do with the leftover oat pulp?
Don’t toss it! Use the oat pulp in muffins, pancakes, smoothies, or stirred into oatmeal for extra fiber and zero waste. It’s a great way to sneak extra nutrition into your snacks and baked goods.
Final Thoughts
Now you know exactly how to make oat milk at home: quick, easy, and delicious every time. Dive into this recipe with gusto—you’ll never look at store-bought cartons the same way again!
PrintHow to Make Oat Milk Recipe
Learn how to easily prepare homemade oat milk that’s creamy, delicious, and perfect for anyone looking for a dairy-free alternative. This recipe creates a smooth oat milk that can be customized to your preferred level of sweetness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 3 cups 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: N/A
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup whole rolled oats
- 3 cups water
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Blend Ingredients: Combine the oats, water, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt in a blender. Blend for about 30 seconds.
- Strain the Milk: Place a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl. Strain the blended mixture to separate the liquid from any pulp, ensuring a smooth texture.
- Adjust Sweetness: Add more maple syrup to adjust sweetness according to your preference. For best flavor, chill the oat milk overnight before serving. If you can’t wait, serve over ice for a refreshing drink.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: Approximately 120 kcal
- Sugar: Approximately 6g
- Sodium: Approximately 50mg
- Fat: Approximately 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 22g
- Fiber: Approximately 2g
- Protein: Approximately 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Oat Milk, Dairy-Free, Homemade Milk, Vegan Milk, Beverage