Homemade Oat Milk Recipe and Benefits

If you want to make your own dairy-free drink at home, this oat milk recipe is simple and healthy. You only need a few ingredients and some basic kitchen tools.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup rolled oats

- 4 cups cold water

- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional)

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

- A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Soak the Oats: Place the oats in a bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak for about 15 minutes. This helps soften the oats and makes the blending process smoother.

2. Rinse the Oats: After soaking, drain and rinse the oats with cold water. This step helps remove the slimy texture that sometimes comes from blended oats.

3. Blend the Oats: Add the oats, 4 cups of fresh cold water, and a pinch of salt to a blender. If you like a bit of sweetness or flavor, add the maple syrup and vanilla extract. Blend on high speed for 30–45 seconds until everything looks well mixed.

4. Strain the Mixture: Pour the blended mixture through a clean nut milk bag, cheesecloth, or fine strainer into a large bowl. Gently squeeze or press to separate the liquid from the oat pulp.

5. Store the Oat Milk: Transfer the oat milk into a glass bottle or jar and keep it in the refrigerator. Shake well before each use, as natural separation can happen. It will stay fresh for up to 4–5 days.

Now, you have a smooth and creamy homemade oat milk ready to drink or use in your favorite recipes.

Making oat milk is easy, but a few small tricks can make it taste even better. Follow these simple tips to improve your oat milk recipe every time you make it.

1. Use Cold Water: Always blend oats with cold water to prevent the milk from turning too thick or slimy. Cold water keeps the starch from activating and helps the milk stay light and smooth.

2. Do Not Overblend: Blend the mixture for only 30–45 seconds. Overblending can release too much starch from the oats, making the oat milk thick, gummy, and less pleasant to drink.

3. Rinse Oats Before Blending: After soaking, rinse the oats with clean water to remove extra starch. This step helps your oat milk have a cleaner taste and a smoother, creamier texture.

4. Strain Twice for Better Texture: If you want an extra silky oat milk, strain the blended mixture twice. This removes fine oat particles and leaves you with a smoother, more professional finish.

5. Add Flavor Naturally: Try using natural ingredients like vanilla extract, cinnamon, or a touch of cocoa powder to improve the flavor. These ingredients make your oat milk more delicious and aromatic.

6. Do Not Heat Directly: Oat milk thickens easily when exposed to heat. If you want to warm it for coffee or cooking, do it slowly over low heat while stirring to prevent lumps.

7. Reuse the Oat Pulp: Don’t throw away the leftover oat pulp. You can mix it into pancakes, muffins, or smoothies to add fiber and reduce kitchen waste at the same time.

Oat milk is not only tasty but also offers several health benefits. Here are some of the main reasons why many people love drinking it.

1. It's Dairy-Free: If you have lactose intolerance or are a vegetarian, oat milk is the best alternative for you. Since it's made with oat and water, it's completely dairy-free.

2. High in B Vitamins: Another benefit of oat milk is that it's rich in B vitamins, such as B2 and B12, according to Healthline. These vitamins will help you to combat stress and good for skin and hair.

3. Safe for People With Kidney Stones: If you have kidney stones, oat milk is safe for you. According to the Health website, this type of milk is low in oxalates, even compare to other plant-based milk. Oxalates are substance that can bind with calcium in urine and cause calcium oxalate kidney stones, the source said.

Once you have try this oat milk recipe, you can enjoy it in many delicious ways. Oat milk is very flexible and can replace dairy milk in almost any recipe.

1. In Coffee or Tea: Use oat milk in your morning coffee or tea for a creamy and smooth taste. It makes lattes and cappuccinos extra delicious.

2. In Smoothies: Blend oat milk with fruits like bananas, berries, or mangoes for a refreshing and healthy smoothie.

3. For Baking: Replace regular milk with oat milk in your pancakes, muffins, or cakes. It gives a nice texture and a mild flavor.

4. In Breakfast Bowls: Pour oat milk over cereals, granola, or oatmeal for a healthy breakfast. It adds a soft and creamy flavor.

5. In Soups and Sauces: Use oat milk as a dairy-free option in creamy soups, mashed potatoes, or white sauces. It adds thickness without using cream.

6. In Ice Cream or Desserts: You can even make oat milk ice cream or puddings for a plant-based dessert.

Homemade oat milk is one of the easiest and healthiest drinks you can make at home. With this simple oat milk recipe, a few helpful tips, and fun ideas for using it, you can enjoy a delicious dairy-free drink anytime. Whether you add it to your morning coffee, bake with it, or drink it plain, oat milk can be a tasty and healthy part of your daily routine.