Atole De Avena, or oatmeal drink, 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. Atole De Avena is a warm, comforting drink that is 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 brown sugar or your choice of sweetener. This recipe serves two.

The texture and consistency of Atole is personal preference. I prefer it 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. It reminds me of the Cream of Wheat cereal I ate as a child and I love it that way. Many prefer it to be a drinkable consistency so this particular recipe is much more like a beverage. 

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 and using it 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)

More Oat Flour Recipes:

• Matcha Crinkle Cookies
• Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
• Oat Flour Pancakes
• Oat Flour Buckwheat Muffins 
• Oat Flour Brownies

Frequently Asked Questions

Ingredient Substitutions

• Oat Flour – you could swap for Masa Harina, or rice flour, cornstarch, corn, amaranth. There are many thickeners used in Atole recipes. 
• Brown Sugar –  You can swap the brown sugar in this recipe for your preferred sweetener. Try sweetening with maple syrup, coconut sugar or blended dates.
• Cinnamon – You can exchange cinnamon for other flavours. Try cardamom, pumpkin pie spice, chai spice or an earl grey tea bag.
• Whole milk– 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.

Recipe Steps

Begin by grinding 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 won’t burn or boil over.

Reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 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. Taste to adjust for sweetness or flavour.) Pour into mugs, serve hot and enjoy! 

Tips for Making The Best Atole

• Pure real 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.
• Top with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon if desired or serve with a cinnamon stick.
• 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.
• You can store leftover Atole in the fridge. Enjoy it later for breakfast or a snack or warm it up for a hot drink.

Recipes To Enjoy with Atole

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Atole De Avena

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!  Let’s connect on Instagram and tag me in your food pics!

‘Til next time,

Christy