How to Make Oat Flour at Home

Equipment and Ingredients Needed

To make oat flour at home, you’ll need just two things: old-fashioned rolled oats and a blender or food processor. It’s important to use rolled oats specifically, rather than instant oats or steel-cut oats, as they will yield the best results.

For equipment, any type of blender or food processor will do the job, but a high-speed blender like a Vitamix or a food processor with a powerful motor will make the process quicker and smoother. You’ll also need a measuring cup and a spoon to measure out the oats.

That’s all you need! Making oat flour at home is a simple and cost-effective way to incorporate more whole grains into your diet and to add a nutritious ingredient to your cooking and baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Oat Flour

1. Measure out the desired amount of rolled oats. You can start with as little or as much as you like, but it’s best to make small batches at a time to ensure freshness.

2. Add the oats to a blender or food processor. It’s important not to overcrowd the blender or food processor, so if you’re making a large batch, you may need to work in batches.

3. Blend or process the oats until they are finely ground and have a flour-like consistency. This should take about 30 seconds to 1 minute in a high-speed blender, or a few minutes in a regular blender or food processor.

4. Check the consistency of the oat flour. If it’s not as fine as you’d like, continue blending or processing until it reaches the desired consistency.

5. Pour the oat flour into an airtight container for storage. Oat flour can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 months, or in the refrigerator or freezer for longer shelf life.

Making oat flour at home is that easy! You can use it in a variety of recipes, including baked goods, pancakes, and even as a thickener for sauces and gravies. Plus, you’ll have the added benefit of knowing exactly what’s in your flour and avoiding any additives or preservatives that may be present in store-bought varieties.

Storage and Shelf Life of Oat Flour

Proper storage is key to ensuring your homemade oat flour stays fresh and doesn’t go bad. Oat flour can go rancid if not stored properly, so it’s important to keep it in an airtight container and away from heat, light, and moisture.

If stored at room temperature, oat flour can last up to 3 months. However, storing it in the refrigerator or freezer will extend its shelf life. In the refrigerator, oat flour can last up to 6 months, and in the freezer, it can last up to a year.

When storing oat flour in the freezer, make sure to use an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent any moisture or freezer burn from affecting the quality of the flour. When you’re ready to use the flour, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bring it to room temperature before using.

It’s always a good idea to label your oat flour with the date you made it and the expiration date so you know when it needs to be used by. By properly storing your oat flour, you’ll be able to enjoy its benefits in your cooking and baking for months to come.

Creative Uses for Oat Flour in Cooking and Baking

Oat flour is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. Here are some creative ways to incorporate oat flour into your cooking and baking:

1. Baked goods: Use oat flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour in muffins, cakes, cookies, and bread. It adds a nutty flavor and a tender texture to baked goods.

2. Pancakes and waffles: Use oat flour as a substitute for all or part of the flour in pancake and waffle recipes. It adds fiber and protein to the batter and gives the pancakes and waffles a slightly heartier texture.

3. Coatings and crusts: Use oat flour as a coating for chicken or fish, or use it as the base for a pie crust or tart shell. It adds a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor.

4. Thickener: Use oat flour as a thickener for sauces, soups, and gravies. It adds a nutty flavor and thickens the sauce without adding any lumps or clumps.

5. Smoothies: Add a tablespoon or two of oat flour to your favorite smoothie recipe for added fiber and protein. It blends in easily and gives the smoothie a creamy texture.

With these creative uses for oat flour, you’ll be able to incorporate this nutritious ingredient into your meals in a variety of ways.

Why Make Your Own Oat Flour?

There are several reasons why you might want to make your own oat flour at home. Here are some of the top reasons:

1. Cost-effective: Making oat flour at home is much cheaper than buying it pre-made at the store. You can buy rolled oats in bulk and grind them as needed, which can save you money in the long run.

2. Freshness: When you make your own oat flour, you can ensure that it’s fresh and hasn’t been sitting on a store shelf for an extended period of time. This can improve the flavor and quality of your baked goods.

3. Nutritious: Oat flour is a nutritious ingredient that’s high in fiber and protein. When you make it at home, you can be sure that there are no added preservatives or chemicals, making it a healthier option than store-bought varieties.

4. Versatile: Oat flour can be used in a variety of recipes, from baked goods to coatings and crusts. When you make your own, you can experiment with different recipes and find new ways to use this versatile ingredient.

5. Allergies and dietary restrictions: Making your own oat flour allows you to control the ingredients and avoid any potential allergens or ingredients that you may be avoiding due to dietary restrictions.

By making your own oat flour at home, you’ll have a cost-effective, fresh, and nutritious ingredient to use in a variety of recipes. Plus, you’ll have the added benefit of knowing exactly what’s in your flour and avoiding any additives or preservatives that may be present in store-bought varieties.