Atole de avena is a traditional Mexican warm drink with oats and flavored with cinnamon, vanilla, and sometimes other ingredients like brown sugar, piloncillo, or orange leaves. It is the perfect drink for the upcoming cooler days, a drink that everybody will love.

Mexican atole de Avena served in a clay mug, next to a piece of pan dulce.

Oatmeal Atole

This hot oatmeal drink is considered comfort in a cup and is consumed during the cold months in many areas of the country. Although oats are not native to Mexico, they were introduced during the colonial period and rapidly included in everyday meals. Due to its fiber, vitamins, minerals, and areas in Mexico for ideal growth, oats became a popular item all over the country. Today, they have become a symbol of warmth and nutrition and are consumed in atoles and old-fashioned oatmeal breakfasts around the winter months.

Like many variations of atoles, oatmeal atole is a typical drink at family gatherings and celebrations during fall and winter. It’s often enjoyed alongside tamales and also shared in community gatherings, especially during the holidays. So, if you are looking for a warm drink full of creaminess for the upcoming colder days, prepare a pot of oatmeal atole and share it with your family and friends. It will become your favorite drink.

For more information regarding Oatmeal in Mexico, please visit Gobierno de Mexico.

How to Make Atole de Avena

Ingredients:

Rolled oats
Milk
Water
Mexican cinnamon stick (or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
Vanilla extract
Sugar

Instructions:

This Mexican oatmeal drink recipe is straightforward, quick, and easy. Here are the few simple steps to prepare it.

Place 2 ½ cups of water, cinnamon stick, plus sugar in a medium-sized saucepan, and turn the heat to medium-high heat. Reduce the heat once the water reaches a rolling boil.

Boiling water with the Mexican cinnamon stick.

Meanwhile, add the oats and 2 cups of milk to a blender, and blend until smooth. The oats need to have a fine texture after this step.

Once the water with cinnamon stick have boiled and the water is infused with the cinnamon flavor, add the blended oat mixture to the saucepan, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until it comes to a boil. You can use a colander if you want an even smoother texture in your atole.

Adding the oats mixture with the cinnamon water.

Lower the heat and allow the mixture to simmer for 6-8 minutes until the atole thickens.
Stir frequently to keep it from sticking to the bottom.
Remove the cinnamon stick. Serve the atole hot, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon, adjusting the sweetness to your preference.

-Buen Provecho

Notes, Tips, and Substitutions:

Oat flour is an alternative to oats; just reduce the amount to 6 teaspoons.
The atole de Avena should be thick and creamy, but you can adjust the thickness by adding more or less liquid, depending on your preference.
The sweetness can vary depending on personal preference. You can use piloncillo (Mexican raw sugar) for a more authentic flavor, but regular sugar or honey works well.
Blending the oats before cooking helps create a smooth, uniform texture, but if you prefer a rustic or chunkier texture, you can skip the blending and cook the oats whole. If you want a coarse texture, you can use your blender or small food processor.
Simmer the atole over low heat and stir frequently to avoid burning the bottom. The mixture can thicken quickly, especially with oats, so be mindful of the heat level.
For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk like almond, oat, coconut, or soy milk instead of cow’s milk. Coconut and almond milk will add a subtle sweetness, so adjust the sugar in the recipe.

What To Serve With Atole de Avena

Oatmeal atole (atole de Avena) is a rich, warm drink that pairs well with various traditional Mexican foods, especially for breakfast or snacks. My favorite ways to enjoy the atole are with a warm Mexican concha or a bread pudding. For a more traditional and filling pairing, try the sweet tamales or pumpkin empanadas for a tasty meal on a cold day.

More Authentic Mexican Recipes To Enjoy

If you enjoyed this homemade atole, take a look at some of these other quick desserts and atole recipes:

If this recipe was helpful to you, please come back and let me know your experience. Please leave us a comment below and tell us all about it!

Frequently Asked Questions About Oatmeal Atole

I would like to share some of the few questions I've been asked and my answers.

What is atole made of?

Atole is a traditional Mexican warm beverage with a creamy and slightly thick texture. In Mexico, the most common ingredients to make atoles and give them that thick texture are corn starch, fresh corn masa, or masa harina. However, other ingredients like oats, rice flour, and sometimes amaranth are also used. The flavoring of the atole depends on personal taste, from spices to fruits to flowers.

Is atole de Avena the same as oatmeal?

Even though both recipes include oats, atole de Avena is a creamy liquid drink, while oatmeal is a thicker porridge. Atole is traditionally made with a thinner consistency, flavored with sweeteners and spices, and enjoyed as a drink.

Is atole de avena healthy?

Yes, atole de avena can be a healthy drink, especially when made with oats rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. You can make it even more nutritious by reducing the sugar or using natural sweeteners.

Can I make atole de avena without milk?

You can substitute the milk with water for a lighter version or use plant-based alternatives like almond, coconut, or oat milk if you prefer a dairy-free version.

How thick should atole de avena be?

The thickness of atole de avena is up to personal preference. Some people prefer it to be more condensed, like a porridge, while others enjoy it more as a liquid, like a slightly thick drink. You can control the consistency by adjusting the amount of liquid (milk or water) you use. Sort of like smoothies, some are very thick while others are more thin and liquid.

Can I prepare atole de avena in advance?

Yes, you can prepare atole de avena in advance and reheat it later. Just be aware that it will thicken as it cools. You can add more milk or water while reheating to reach your desired consistency.

How long does atole de avena last?

If you have leftover Atole de Avena, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, stir it well and add more liquid if it has thickened too much.

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