Can You Use Oat Milk In Baking? Answered By Experts

Last Updated on August 20, 2024 by Lori Walker

Curious about whether plant-based milk is good for baking? With the buzz around **plant-based milks** rising, it’s only natural to wonder if they work in your favorite baked goodies.”

One such popular option is oat milk, which has a creamy texture and nutty flavor that can add depth to baked goods.

So can you use oat milk in baking? Let’s find out.

Table of Contents

Is It Okay To Use Oat milk In Baking?

Yes, it is okay to use oat milk in baking. Oat milk is a popular plant-based milk alternative with a creamy texture and nutty flavor that can enhance the taste of baked goods.

“I like milk. I’m a dairy queen.”
– Melanie Martinez, American Singer-Songwriter

Oat milk is also a good source of fiber and vitamins, making it a popular choice for those with dietary restrictions or preferences. Although, it’s essential to consider the differences between oat and dairy milk and adjust as needed.

But is it okay to use lactose-free milk in baking?

What Are The Characteristics Of Oat Milk?

Creamy texture: Oat milk [1] has a creamy texture similar to dairy milk, making it a popular choice for coffee, tea, and smoothies.
Nutty flavor: Oat milk has a slightly nutty flavor that can add depth to baked goods and other recipes.
Low in fat: Oat milk has a lower fat content than whole milk, which can affect the richness and texture of baked goods.
Slightly sweet: Oat milk has a slightly sweet flavor that can add a subtle sweetness to baked goods and other recipes.
High in fiber: Oat milk is a good source of fiber, which can help promote digestive health and keep you full longer.

Find out if you can replace milk chocolate chips with semi-sweet here.

How Does Oat Milk Differ From Dairy Milk?

Lower fat content: Oat milk has a lower fat content than dairy milk, which can affect the richness and texture of baked goods. Recipes that require the creaminess of dairy milk may need additional fat added to achieve the same texture.
Slightly sweeter flavor: Oat milk has a slightly sweet flavor that can affect the overall taste of baked goods. This can be desirable in some recipes but must be considered in others.
Different protein content: Oat milk has a lower protein content than dairy milk, which can affect the structure and texture of baked goods. This is especially important in recipes that require a lot of structure, such as bread.
May brown more quickly: Oat milk may brown more quickly than dairy milk, so monitoring baked goods closely is essential to prevent over-browning.

Tips & Tricks For Using Oat Milk In Baking

Choose the correct type of oat milk: Unsweetened and unflavored oat milk is the best option for baking, as it won’t affect the overall flavor of the final product.
Adjust the amount of oat milk used: Oat milk has a slightly different texture than dairy milk, so you may need to adjust the amount used in a recipe to achieve the desired texture. For example, a recipe may need less oat milk than dairy milk to achieve the same texture.
Add fat as needed: Oat milk has a lower fat content than dairy milk, so you may need to add additional fat to recipes to achieve the desired texture. For example, you may need to add extra butter or oil to a recipe for whole milk.
Monitor the baking process carefully: Oat milk may brown more quickly than dairy milk, so monitoring baked goods closely is essential to prevent over-browning. You may need to adjust the baking time or temperature as needed.
Consider the flavor profile: Oat milk has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor that can enhance the flavor of baked goods. Consider this when choosing recipes to use oat milk in, and adjust the other flavors in the recipe as needed to complement the oat milk.

What Types Of Baked Goods Work Well With Oat Milk?

Cakes: Oat milk can add a creamy texture and nutty flavor to cakes, making them moist and flavorful. Oat milk can also add sweetness to the cake, allowing you to reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe.
Muffins: Oat milk can be used instead of dairy in muffin recipes, adding a slightly sweet flavor and creamy texture. Oat milk can also make muffins [2] more tender and moist.
Bread: Oat milk can be used in bread recipes to add a nutty flavor and moist texture. The protein in oat milk can also help bread dough rise and create a light and fluffy texture.
Cookies: Oat milk can be used in cookie recipes, adding a slightly sweet flavor and creamy texture. Oat milk can make cookies more tender and moist, resulting in a soft and chewy texture.
Pancakes and waffles: Oat milk can be used in pancake and waffle recipes, adding a creamy texture and nutty flavor. Oat milk can also make pancakes and waffles fluffier and more tender.

Read: Steps To Make Pancakes Using Muffin Mix

FAQs

Is oat milk better than almond milk in baking?

It depends on the recipe and personal preference. Both oat and almond milk can be used in baking, but they have slightly different flavors and textures that can affect the final product.

It’s best to experiment with both and see which works better for the specific recipe and taste preferences.

Does oat milk thicken when heated?

Oat milk can thicken slightly when heated but generally thickens less than dairy or other alternatives like coconut milk.

In Conclusion

Oat milk can be a great alternative to dairy milk in baking, providing a nutty flavor, creamy texture, and added nutritional benefits.

While oat milk has some differences from dairy milk that can affect the texture and flavor of baked goods, these differences can be adjusted with some experimentation and adjustments to the recipe.

References:

https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/food-network-essentials/how-to-make-oat-milk
https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/muffin-recipes-worth-waking-up-for/

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Lori Walker

Lori is a self-taught baker and former owner of a successful bakery. She shares her love for baking through her blog, featuring delicious recipes, baking tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at running a bakery. You can speak with her directly at [email protected].