Learn how to make oat flour from scratch. Homemade oat flour takes less than five minutes to make, is simple to prepare, and works well in a wide range of recipes.
Oat Flour
What is oat flour? Oat flour is simply whole oats ground into a fine powder. It produces a light, tender crumb in baked goods and adds a mild, slightly sweet, nutty flavor.
Because oat flour is made from oats — a whole grain — it provides fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It can be used as a healthier alternative to refined wheat flour and is suitable for gluten-free diets when made from certified gluten-free oats.
I keep oat flour in my pantry and use it for pancakes, banana breads, cookies, and more. Making it at home is quick, economical, and lets you control the quality and whether it’s gluten-free or organic.
Below you’ll find what to use, how to make oat flour, tips for using it in recipes, storage guidance, and recipe ideas.
Ingredients
Rolled oats (old-fashioned oats) — Use rolled oats to make oat flour. They grind easily and give the best texture. I do not recommend quick oats or steel-cut oats for this purpose; steel-cut oats are dense and will require much longer processing.
Choose certified gluten-free oats if you need a gluten-free product. Organic oats are a good option if you prefer to minimize pesticide residues.
Clean food tip: Because oats can be exposed to herbicide or cross-contamination during growing and processing, many people prefer organic oats. If you require gluten-free, look for certified gluten-free labeled oats.
Is Oat Flour Gluten Free?
Oats themselves are a gluten-free grain, but cross-contamination with wheat, barley, or rye can occur during processing. If you have celiac disease or a strict gluten-free diet, use certified gluten-free oats. A small number of people with celiac may react to avenin, a protein in oats, so introduce oats cautiously if you have celiac disease.
How to Make
Making oat flour is fast and straightforward.
Step 1: Add rolled oats to a high-powered blender or a food processor.
Step 2: Cover and blend on medium-high until the oats form a fine, flour-like texture. This typically takes about 20–45 seconds depending on the appliance and the amount. If bits remain, stop and stir, then continue blending until smooth.
That’s it — fresh oat flour in under five minutes.
Expert Tips and Notes for Using Oat Flour
Yield: 1 cup of rolled oats yields roughly 3/4 cup of oat flour.
Sift or stir before using: Oat flour can settle and form small clumps. Whisk or stir with a fork to break them up.
Measuring: Lightly spoon oat flour into measuring cups and level; don’t pack it down.
Substitution note: Oat flour does not have gluten and is lighter than wheat flour, so it won’t replace wheat flour 1:1 in most recipes. Follow recipes that specifically call for oat flour or adjust binding agents and liquid as needed.
How to Store
Store oat flour in an airtight container at room temperature for up to six months. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator or freezer to extend freshness and prevent rancidity.
Oat Flour FAQs
Not usually. Oat flour behaves differently than wheat flour because it lacks gluten and is lighter. Use recipes that specify oat flour or adjust liquids and binders when adapting recipes.
Yes. Oat flour is a whole-grain option that provides more fiber and nutrients than refined white flour, making it a nutritious choice for many baked goods.
Steel-cut oats can be ground, but they are denser and will take longer to process. Rolled oats are recommended for the best results and fastest processing.
Oat Flour Recipes
Now that you know how to make oat flour, try it in recipes. Here are a few favorites that work well with oat flour:
Oat Flour Brownies
Oat Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies
Oat Flour Pancakes
Gluten-free Banana Oat Muffins
Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins
Chocolate Protein Bread
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
Gluten-free Apple Crisp
Gluten-free Waffles
More Homemade Ingredients to Try!
- Clean Eating Taco Seasoning
- Easy Soy-free Teriyaki Sauce (w/ coconut aminos)
- How to Make Powdered Coconut Sugar
- Berry Chia Jam
If you try this method, please leave a rating or comment. I’d love to see photos of your oat flour creations — tag @CleanPlateMama on social media!
Eat Clean. Be Well!
-Sara
How to Make Oat Flour
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Equipment
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1 high-speed blender or food processor
Ingredients
- 4 cups rolled oats/old-fashioned oats (use certified gluten free if needed)
Instructions
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Place oats in a high-speed blender or food processor.
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Blend on medium-high for about 30 seconds, or until the oats are ground into a fine flour. Stop and stir if necessary.
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Notes
- Check for small pieces of oats and re-blend if needed to achieve a uniform flour.
- 1 cup of rolled oats yields about 3/4 cup oat flour.
- Make larger batches and store in a jar so oat flour is ready when you need it.
- Nutrition information is approximate and based on about 1 cup of oat flour (this recipe yields around 3 cups).