How to Make Oat Flour (In 2 Minutes or Less!)

Oats are a Registered Dietitian’s dream. Not only are they packed full of nutrients like fiber, magnesium and antioxidants, they’re also a gluten free whole grain that can be used in many different ways. And oat flour is no different. It has the same nutritional profile as oats and is a great flour replacement for those who need gluten free options or are looking to add a boost of nutrition into their cooking. The best thing about oat flour? You can whip it up in 2 minutes or less. All you need is a high powered blender and rolled oats in your pantry!

How To Make Oat Flour

Making oat flour is pretty simple. Place your rolled oats into a high-powered blender or food processor and blend on high for 15-30 seconds until the oats are a fine, floury texture. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. 

Some food processors may not be able to grind the oats to the same consistency as store bought oat flour which can impact the texture of your baked goods. If you find your oats are ‘chunkier’, I recommend using those in muffin or cookie recipes and stick to the blended or store-bought oat flour for pancakes and waffles.

The Best Type of Oats to Use

You will want to use rolled oats (also called old fashioned oats) or quick oats. Both of these are further along in the steaming process than steel cut oats and will blend into a fine powder the best. You can use steel cut oats if you’re in a pinch. Just remember to blend them longer and use a high-powered blender. Most food processors will not be able to get the desired flour texture.

How to Make Gluten Free Oat Flour

Oats are naturally gluten free. That being said, oats can be processed or packaged at a facility that also works with products that have gluten. I recommend checking the label. If it says “may contain flour” the product was most likely in a facility with other gluten products. If you are looking to make your flour gluten free, make sure your oats have the GF certified badge. I recommend using one of these products listed on the Canadian Celiac Associations Product Finder like Anita’s Organic Milled Gluten Free Rolled Oats or 1Degree Sprouted Rolled Oats.

How to Use in Your Baking

You can use your homemade flour in any recipe that calls for oat flour. No need for complicated math conversions!  

Here are a few of my favorite recipes on the blog that use oat flour:

• Nourishing Oat Flour Pumpkin Muffins
• Soft & Crispy Oatmeal Almond Butter Cookies with Fresh Cherries
• 5 Ingredient Banana Oat Pancakes
• Meal Prep Chocolate Chip Banana Zucchini Muffins

If you’re experimenting with replacing a portion or all of the flour called in a recipe with your homemade flour, you will need to do a little math (and some experimentation may be required). Remember oat flour does not contain any gluten and will create a denser baked good. It might take a couple of tries before you get the desired texture when first baking with this type of flour. 

I typically use 1 cup of all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour with approximately 1 ⅓ cup of oat flour.

You can use also use this recipe in your everyday cooking! Try it to thicken up gravy or as a coating for anything breaded (like these cauliflower bites). The options really are endless!  

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