How to Make Oat Flour at Home

Oats make a delicious and healthy gluten-free flour that you can use in so many recipes. Learn how to make oat flour yourself in just a few simple steps!

Since my husband eats gluten-free and I tend to feel better when I limit my processed gluten intake, I love finding easy ways to make gluten-free baked goods. Oat flour has quickly become my favorite wheat flour alternative! While it’s not quite a perfect 1:1 ratio substitute for wheat flour, I have made so many tasty recipes with it.

What Does Oat Flour Taste Like?

Food made with oat flour tends to taste very similar to recipes that call for wheat flour. However, it does add a slightly sweet, nutty flavor which makes food taste richer. Since it has a neutral flavor, it’s extremely versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes.

Is it Actually Healthy?

Oats are full of a variety of amazing nutrients which make them one of my favorite grains to bake with!

High in protein – An essential nutrient for overall health, protein also helps keep you full and satisfied for longer periods of time.

Contain anti-inflammatory antioxidants – Inflammation contributes to a wide variety of serious health issues including cancer, arthritis, blindness, heart disease, and even some mental illnesses. Reducing inflammation in your body is a wonderful way to protect and improve your overall health!

Good source of fiber – Many Americans aren’t getting enough fiber in their diets, and using oat flour is an easy way to increase your intake. It has a wide variety of benefits including promoting gut health, balancing blood sugar, and preventing different diseases.

Contains important minerals – To function at its best, your body needs a wide variety of minerals, and oats contain a number of them including manganese, copper, phosphorus, zinc, and magnesium.

For the most health benefits possible, try to buy organic sprouted oats to make oat flour. Sprouted oats are easier to digest and lower in anti nutrients. Because of this, your body is better able to absorb all of the nutrition in the oats and entire recipe.

Is Oat Flour Gluten-Free?

Oats are naturally gluten-free! However, like all foods, unless they are certified gluten-free, there is a risk that they were contaminated with gluten from being processed in the same facility as gluten or even grown near wheat fields.

If you are extremely sensitive to gluten, you should always make sure to purchase certified gluten-free oats. Others, like my husband, try to avoid gluten in general but won’t suffer any major effects if they eat a small amount. Because of this, I don’t personally worry about buying certified gluten-free oats.

How to Use Oat Flour

Oat flour can often be used like wheat flour, and there are many recipes that call for it. While you can experiment with substituting it for wheat flour with a 1:1 ratio, since it is naturally gluten-free and more absorbent than wheat flour, most recipes will need some modifications.

For best results, I recommend finding recipes that specifically use oat flour. There are so many delicious options from sourdough bread to pancakes to cookies and other desserts!

How to Store

Oat flour made from fresh oats will keep for a few months in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place. If you would like to store it even longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a year or freeze it for 18 months.

The Only Tool You Need!

Oat flour is extremely quick and easy to make, and the only tool you need is a food processor or high speed blender.

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How to Make Oat Flour

Start by adding the oats to your food processor or blender and fill it about 1/4 to 1/2 full.

Begin grinding the oats and continue until they turn into a fine powder. While oat flour won’t ever be quite as fine as wheat flour, the longer you let your food processor or blender run, the finer it will become. If necessary, scrape down the sides of your food processor or blender every so often.

You can use your oat flour right away or store in an airtight container for later.

Keep in mind that the amount of oat flour you have at the end of the process will always be less than the amount of oats you started with. Always measure oat flour when you’re baking or cooking with it.

If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments! Tag me on Instagram @violet_rightathome

Recipes with Oat Flour

Best Gluten Free Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins with Chocolate Chips

The Best Gluten Free Pumpkin Cranberry Bread with Chocolate Chips