• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Life Around The Table
  • Home
  • Fall Favorites
  • Recipe Index
  • About Me
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Fall Favorites
  • Recipe Index
  • About Me
  • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Fall Favorites
    • Recipe Index
    • About Me
    • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ร—
    Home ยป Recipes ยป Breakfast

    Atole De Avena (Oatmeal Drink)

    Published: Apr 26, 2022 ยท Modified: May 8, 2023 by Christy Faber ยท 11 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Atole De Avena, or oatmeal drink, is a warm, comforting drink so versatile that it can be enjoyed as a snack, dessert or as a calming bedtime drink. It is surprisingly filling and only lightly sweetened with coconut sugar or your choice of sweetener. 

    Atole De Avena in a clear, glass mug and a cinnamon stick inside.

    Atole De Avena, is a variation of a traditional Mexican drink. Atole is typically made with Masa Harina (corn flour) but this version is made with oat flour.

    The texture and consistency of Atole can be adjusted to your personal preference. I prefer mine to be very creamy so I blend the oats thoroughly into a fine flour. If you prefer more texture in your Atole, just pulse the oats slightly. I also prefer my Atole to be a thicker consistency that I can eat with a spoon, almost like oatmeal. I love it that way as it reminds me of the Cream of Wheat cereal I ate as a child. However, as many people prefer their Atole to be a drinkable consistency, I have created this particular recipe to be more like a beverage. 

    For more delicious oatmeal recipes check out Matcha Crinkle Cookies, Date Oatmeal Cookies, Coconut Haystacks, Coconut Flour Oatmeal Cookies.

    Jump to:
    • Health Benefits Of Oats
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Substitutions & Variations
    • How To Make The Best Atole de Avena
    • Expert Tips
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Storage
    • More Oat Flour Recipes You'll Love
    • Recipe
    • Atole De Avena
    • More Drinks To Enjoy

    Health Benefits Of Oats

    Oats are very nutritious and naturally gluten free. (In the case of a gluten allergy, ensure that the oats you purchase are certified gluten free.) Oats are typically associated with breakfast but I love blending oats into oat flour to use in various baked goods.

    Oats are an excellent source of manganese and a good source of copper, magnesium and vitamin B5 and B1. Oats provide a soluble fibre called beta-glucan which is excellent for promoting healthy digestion and balancing blood sugar levels. (Nutrition information sourced from Healthline)

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • It's a comforting drink that can be enjoyed hot, making it perfect for cold weather or when you want something cozy.
    • It's customizable - you can use whole milk or non-dairy milk, and sweeten it with your choice of coconut sugar, maple syrup, or brown sugar.
    • It's easy to make - all you need is a blender (or purchase ready made oat flour) and a pot. It only takes 5 minutes to cook.
    • It's a healthy option for breakfast as the oats and milk combination is high in fibre and protein.
    • It's versatile! You can enjoy it for breakfast, as a midday snack, or as a cozy bedtime snack.
    • It's a great option for those who are gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free oat flour.

    Ingredients

    Ingredients to make Atole De Avena in small bowls and measuring cups.
    • Oat flour - did you know you can easily make your own oat flour at home if you have a blender or food processor?
    • Whole milk - or swap for any dairy-free milk of your choice like oat milk, almond milk or soy milk.
    • Coconut sugar- one of my favorite natural sweeteners.
    • Vanilla extract - splurge for the pure stuff!
    • Ground cinnamon - I recommend Ceylon cinnamon otherwise known as "true cinnamon." Plus a cinnamon stick for adding to the drink if you'd like!
    • Sea salt - just a pinch to enhance flavor!

    See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

    Substitutions & Variations

    • Oat Flour โ€“ you could swap for Masa Harina (corn flour), rice flour or amaranth. There are many thickeners used in Atole recipes. 
    • Coconut sugar โ€“  You can swap the coconut sugar in this recipe for your preferred sweetener. Try sweetening with maple syrup, brown sugar, traditional piloncillo or blended dates.
    • Cinnamon โ€“ You can exchange cinnamon for other flavours. Try cardamom, pumpkin pie spice, chai spice or an earl grey tea bag.
    • Whole milkโ€“ You can use your favourite non-dairy milk. You can even make your own oat milk or pumpkin seed milk at home for the occasion.
    • Add chocolate -If you add chocolate to this recipe the Atole becomes a drink called Champurrado.
    • Vanilla extract - You can omit the vanilla extract if you don't have it, or use a few drops of almond extract.
    • Nut butter: For a nutty flavor, you can add a tablespoon of almond butter, peanut butter, or hazelnut butter to the mixture.
    • If enjoying Atole for breakfast you could consider half a scoop of unflavored protein powder for an extra boost of nutrition.

    I have not experimented with any other substitutions or alterations for this recipe. If you decide to make any changes by adding or substituting ingredients, I would love it if you could share your results with us by leaving a comment below.

    How To Make The Best Atole de Avena

    Here are the step-by-step instructions to make this recipe.

    Step 1: Make the oat flour

    Begin by grinding the oats into oat flour in a high powered blender. (If you prefer a more textured consistency, just pulse the oats once or twice.)

    Ground oats on a blue plate.

    Step 2: Combine ingredients and heat

    Add all ingredients to a medium sized pot or dutch oven and stir thoroughly. Bring to a gentle boil. Stir frequently so the milk wonโ€™t burn or boil over.

    All ingredients for Atole De Avena added into a Dutch oven with a whisk laying on top.

    Step 3: Thicken Atole

    Reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 5 minutes while stirring frequently until the Atole has thickened slightly and reaches your desired consistency.

    Ingredients for Atole De Avena whisked together in a Dutch oven.

    Step 4: Taste and adjust for flavor and serve

    Add more milk if the Atole is too thick at this stage and taste to adjust for sweetening or flavour. Pour into mugs, serve hot and enjoy!

    Atole De Avena pouring from measuring cup into a glass mug.

    Expert Tips

    • It can be hard to know what consistency you're aiming for when you make Atole for the first time. One way to describe the texture you're looking for is like a runny pudding. But don't get too caught up in nailing the "correct" consistency. My recommendation is simply to make the consistency you prefer!
    • If the consistency of your Atole is too thick, simply add more liquid until you reach the desired consistency. (After adding additional liquid always taste again to adjust for seasoning or sweetness.) When adding liquid, keep in mind Atole will thicken more as it sits.
    • Top with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon if desired or serve with a cinnamon stick.
    • Pure vanilla extract is a must for this recipe in my opinion. I know it can be really expensive but the taste of real vanilla in Atole is such a treat.

    Recipe FAQs

    What is Atole de Avena?

    Atole de Avena is a delicious hot drink made with oatmeal, milk and sugar that originates in Mexico.

    Can I make this drink dairy free?

    Definitely! You can swap whole milk for almond milk or oat milk or your favourite non-dairy beverage.

    Is Atole de Avena gluten free?

    Yes, Atole De Avena is gluten free. Oats are naturally gluten free. However, they can sometimes be processed in a facility that also processes products containing gluten. If you require the Atole to be completely free of gluten contamination, ensure that the oats you purchase are certified gluten free.

    Overhead shot of Atole De Avena in a glass mug with a cinnamon stick and cinnamon sprinkled on top.

    Storage

    Refrigerator

    You can store Atole in the fridge for 2-3 days.

    How To Reheat:

    Atole continues to thicken as it sits in the fridge so when you wish to eat it simply warm it up in a saucepan (or microwave if you prefer) with a little more milk and enjoy!

    More Oat Flour Recipes You'll Love

    • Healthy Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies
    • Healthy Oat Flour Banana Pancakes
    • Buckwheat Flour Chocolate Banana Muffins
    • stack of fudgy oat flour brownies on a white board.
      Oat Flour Brownies

    Did you make this recipe? Let me know!
    Leave a review or comment below!

    Recipe

    Atole De Avena

    Christy Faber
    Atole De Avena, or oatmeal drink, is a variation of a traditional Mexican drink. This is a warm, comforting drink so versatile it can be enjoyed as a snack, dessert or as a calming bedtime drink. Atole De Avena is surprisingly filling and only lightly sweetened with coconut sugar or your choice of sweetener.
    5 from 10 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 15 minutes mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 2 people
    Calories 189 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • ยผ cup oat flour
    • 1 ยฝ cup whole milk or non-dairy milk of choice
    • 2 tbsp coconut sugar or maple syrup or brown sugar
    • โ…› tsp pure vanilla extract
    • ยผ tsp ground cinnamon
    • pinch of salt

    Instructions
     

    • Begin by grinding the oats into oat flour in a high powered blender. (If you prefer a more textured consistency, just pulse the oats once or twice.)
    • Add all ingredients to a medium sized pot or dutch oven and stir thoroughly. Bring to a gentle boil. Stir frequently so the milk wonโ€™t burn or boil over.
    • Reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 5 minutes while stirring frequently until the Atole has thickened slightly and reaches your desired consistency.
    • Add more milk if the Atole is too thick at this stage and taste to adjust for sweetening or flavor.
    • Pour into mugs. Serve hot and enjoy!

    Notes

      • It can be hard to know what consistency you're aiming for when you make Atole for the first time. One way to describe the texture you're looking for is like a runny pudding. But don't get too caught up in nailing the "correct" consistency. My recommendation isย  just to make the consistency you prefer!
      • If the consistency of your Atole is too thick, simply add more liquid until you reach the desired consistency. (After adding additional liquid always taste again to adjust for seasoning or sweetness.) When adding liquid, keep in mind Atole will thicken more as it sits.
      • Top with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon if desired or serve with a cinnamon stick.
      • Use pure real vanilla extract if you can!ย 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 189kcalCarbohydrates: 29.6gProtein: 7.4gFat: 6.8gSaturated Fat: 3.6gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 75mgPotassium: 342mgFiber: 1.1gSugar: 21.5gCalcium: 228mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    If you make this recipe please leave a comment and give this recipe a rating! I aim to respond to every single comment. I am so grateful when you trust me and try one of my recipe creations in your own kitchen. I love to hear how it went!  Letโ€™s connect on Instagram and tag me in your food pics!

    โ€˜Til next time,

    Christy

    More Drinks To Enjoy

    • Super Nourishing Custard Drink
    • Homemade Tahini Hot Chocolate
    • 23 Nourishing Hot Drinks
    • Strawberry Cottage Cheese Smoothie

    More Breakfast Recipes You'll Love to Eat

    • Date and Walnut Scones
    • 22+ Healthy Breakfast Cookie Recipes
    • Cottage Cheese Lemon Mousse
    • High Protein Cottage Cheese Quiche

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. ramona says

      August 08, 2022 at 9:31 am

      5 stars
      This is such a healthy drink and i will definitely be making this for my kids in the mornings! It looks super delicious and i cant wait to try it out tomorrow!

      Reply
    2. Tammy says

      August 06, 2022 at 2:26 pm

      5 stars
      Ooh ooh this has been on repeat for me now for a while! It's comforting and satisfying...I'm not much of a tea person so this is a nice break from coffee ๐Ÿ˜€

      Reply
    3. Ksenia says

      August 06, 2022 at 6:58 am

      5 stars
      I absolutely loved this drink - and my kids did, too!!! I am making it again for them this morning. Also, I'm a fellow Canadian and I enjoyed learning about you ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
    4. Adriana says

      August 05, 2022 at 8:34 pm

      5 stars
      Atole de avena is one of my childhood favorites. Thanks for reminding me about it. Atole is perfect breakfast and so comforting!

      Reply
    5. Leslie says

      August 05, 2022 at 11:37 am

      5 stars
      Recipes like this have me yearning for fall. This oat flour drink recipe looks divine..definitely my kind of recipe!

      Reply
    6. Veronika says

      August 05, 2022 at 9:10 am

      5 stars
      This recipe looks so interesting! I've never tried it before but definitely need to make it ASAP ๐Ÿ˜‰

      Reply
    7. Claire says

      August 05, 2022 at 6:10 am

      5 stars
      This was quite delicious!
      My mum always made me a warm milk drink when I was little and this reminded me of that!
      I loved the cinnamon and vanilla in it.
      It was warming and delicious and the perfect comforting nightime drink.
      I have pinned it as I will be making it again for sure

      Reply
    8. Bernice says

      August 01, 2022 at 4:35 pm

      A warm glass of this would be so comforting before hopping into bed on a cold winter's night. It's made very similarly to horchata but maybe has a bit more texture and is more filling.

      Reply
    9. Gloria Duggan says

      August 01, 2022 at 12:38 pm

      5 stars
      I love oat milk. This sounds wonderful, and I love trying recipes from around the world. I am going to give this a try this week.

      Reply
    10. PETE says

      August 01, 2022 at 11:47 am

      5 stars
      I HAVE TROUBLE SLEEPING AND THIS WAS THE PERFECT DRINK TO ENJOY BEFORE BEDTIME, HELPED ME RELAX. THANK YOU!

      Reply
    11. Meg says

      April 27, 2022 at 10:54 pm

      5 stars
      Definitely comforting and simple to make! Used almond milk. Perfect size for kids or paired with a breakfast meal, when enjoying on it's own for a treat I would recommend doubling the recipe!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome,

    Iโ€™m Christy

    a happy wife and mother to three boys, a nutritionist, a food lover and a Canadian. Creating and experimenting in the kitchen is my idea of an afternoon well spent. To me, a clean kitchen is an empty canvas of possibility and that means my kitchen never stays clean for long. My dream is that one or more of the recipes I share here will inspire you, perhaps even becoming a cherished family favourite.

    READ MORE >

    Fall Favorites

    • Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup
    • Olive Oil Carrot Cake
    • Apple Cheddar Scones
    • Apple Cider Butternut Squash Soup
    • Super Nourishing Custard Drink
    • Creamy Carrot and Parsnip Soup

    Most Popular

    • Gluten-Free Buckwheat Flour Brownies
    • Healthy Coconut Flour Oatmeal Cookies
    • Strawberry Cottage Cheese Smoothie
    • Date Sweetened Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • Tahini Stuffed Chocolate Covered Dates
    • Spelt Chocolate Chunk Cookies

    Naturally Sweetened

    • Healthy Chocolate Pudding
    • stack of fudgy oat flour brownies on a white board.
      Oat Flour Brownies
    • Peanut Butter Swirl Black Bean Brownies
    • Homemade Strawberry Mint Ice Cream
    • a bowl of date paste topped with flaky salt on a countertop with a few medjool dates beside the bowl.
      Date Paste
    • Super Nourishing Custard Drink

    Follow For More Recipes

    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Home
    • Fall Favorites
    • Recipe Index
    • About Me
    • Subscribe

    Copyright © 2023 Life Around The Table | Accessibility | Privacy policy