Dec 22, 2022
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Did you know that you can turn plain oats into oat flour at home in less than 2 minutes?
You can use a food processor or blender with this recipe method at a fraction of the cost of store-bought oat flour.
What is Oat Flour
If your question is, “is oat flour just ground oats?” the answer is yes!
The recipe methods we’re using today and the package you get from the grocery store are the same: oats blended or ground into a fine powder.
The oat flour you make at home is the same quality as the one you purchase at the store, and it’s freshly milled, which means fresher and delicious oat flour recipes on repeat!
Once you make this pantry staple, you’ll also stop buying it. For pennies on the dollar, you’ll have a perfect naturally gluten-free flour to use in all your favorite recipes.
I’m a fan of oat flour to make wholesome and delicious treats like the ones in my fifth cookbook:
Clean Treats Cookbook
Healthy and wholesome dessert recipes you’ll want to eat made with clean ingredients you already have on hand.
Grab your copy today!
What You Need to Make Oat Flour
To make oat flour, you will need a food processor or high-speed blender with sharp blades.
Here are a few tools of the trade that will get the job done:
Food Processor:
The bowl of a food processor is a convenient way to blend a large amount at once, up to 4 cups. Start by pulsing and then process until you achieve a powdery fine consistency.
This is the food processor I have.
Blender:
Gone are the days you need a $500 blender to achieve an even, powdery oat flour texture. Depending on the size of your blender, you’ll be able to make anywhere between 2 to 4 cups.
I own this blender and this blender.
Nutribullet:
Your favorite smoothie maker can also be used to make oat flour in smaller amounts. If you need a lot, simply repeat the process a few times.
This is the one I recommend.
Coffee Grinder:
In a pinch and for smaller amounts, you can also use a coffee grinder. This works well for forgiving recipes where even texture isn’t a big deal, like oat bread. I don’t recommend this for cookies or oat flour pancakes.
This is my coffee grinder.
Best Oats for Oat Flour
To make oat flour, you can use steel-cut oats, old-fashioned rolled oats, or even quick oats. When it comes to making flour, oats are oats!
How to Make Oat Flour at Home
Grab your oats, and let’s make this healthy pantry staple real fast!
- Add 1 to 2 cups of oats to a blender or food processor.
- Place the lid to seal the jar and give it a go on high speed until the oats break down into a powder.
- Stop and assess the texture. Depending on which tool you’re using, you might need to stop to make sure the oats on the sides are also blended into a fine powder.
Need a visual guide for this oat flour recipe? I’ve got that too:
How easy is that?! Once the flour is made, use it in your favorite recipes or transfer it to an airtight container and store it for up to 3 months.
How Much Flour will 1 Cup of Oats Make
Each cup of oats will yield approximately ¾ cup of flour, whether it’s old-fashioned or quick oats.
1 cup rolled oats = approx. ¾ cup oat flour
For optimal results, work in smaller batches of 1 to 2 cups so you can control the texture, and the oat flour will turn out super fine and powdery.
How to store oat flour, and how long does it last?
Making oat flour ahead of time is the most convenient way to have it on hand when you need it.
Store your oat flour in a zip bag or airtight container in the pantry or freezer. In the pantry, oat flour keeps for up to 3 months. In the freezer for up to 6 months.
Storing oat flour in the refrigerator is not recommended because it tends to absorb moisture.
Oat Flour Benefits
Oat flour is an excellent gluten-free option that offers many benefits! Each ¼ cup serving provides 3 grams of fiber, 4 grams of protein, 7% of the RDI of iron, and only 110 calories. Check the table below for the full nutritional information.
Is Oat Flour Gluten-Free
Oats are naturally gluten-free, making this homemade flour an excellent gluten-free option.
That being said, if you or someone in your family has a severe gluten allergy, it is important to check the label for a certified gluten-free stamp. Oats are often processed in the same facilities as other grains, which can cause cross-contamination.
Oat Flour vs. All-Purpose Flour
Nutritional benefits aside, let’s compare the texture of oat flour with all-purpose. Baked goods made with oat flour have a denser texture and milder flavor than those made with white flour. It’s superb for muffins, pancakes, and even quick bread.
Oat flour can be substituted in recipes that call for whole-wheat flour (except for yeast-based recipes). While you can substitute oat flour for traditional all-purpose flour in most recipes, note that the texture will come out slightly denser, chewier, and crumblier. This all depends on the recipe you’re using.
Oat flour is not recommended for no-cook flour recipes, such as making a classic roux. You can use my gluten-free roux recipe if that’s what you need.
Is Oat Flour Healthier than White Flour?
Compared to all-purpose flour, oat flour is a better option from a nutrition perspective. It’s higher in protein, fiber, and key minerals and serves as a lower-calorie option for baked goods. While it’s higher in fat, this healthy fat option helps your body absorb many of the fat-soluble vitamins and minerals.
Meanwhile, all-purpose flour is lower in many of the key mineral nutrients because when the wheat is stripped of the germ and bran (the other layer), which eliminates most of the fiber and mineral content.
Here is a comparison chart showing you the key differences:
| Nutrition (100g) | Oat Flour | All-Purpose Flour |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 389 | 364 |
| Fat | 6.3g | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 1g |
| Sodium | 4mg | 2mg |
| Potassium | 373mg | 107mg |
| Carbohydrates | 69g | 76g |
| Fiber | 10.5g | 2.7g |
| Protein | 13.2g | 10g |
| Calcium | 43mg | – |
| Iron | 4mg | 5mg |
| Vitamin B6 | – | 1% |
| Magnesium | 125mg | 5% |
| Phosphorus | 372mg | – |
| Zinc | 3.2mg | – |
| Selenium | 38.2mg | – |
100g of Oat flour is approximately ½ cup + 2 tablespoons. 100g of all-purpose flour is approximately ¾ cup.
Recipes Using Oat Flour
Once you’ve made this oat flour recipe, it’s time to put it to use with one of these yummy ideas!
Easiest Oat Flour Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup oats any variety
Instructions
- Add the oats to the bowl of a food processor or blender.
- Pulse the oats and then process them on high speed until they are ground into a fine powder.
- Stop and stir to ensure all the oats are evenly processed into a fine powdery texture.
- Use as needed or store in an airtight container or zip bag for up to 3 months in the pantry and up to 6 months in the freezer.
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