Atole de avena is a comforting Mexican hot beverage made from oats. It really hits the spot during the chilly fall and winter weather. Try it for breakfast or have it any time of the day!
If you like oatmeal then you are definitely going to love this atole de avena. It’s basically a drinkable version of oatmeal but with a Mexican twist.
It’s so yummy and it’s something that the whole family will enjoy.
Atole de avena is different from other atoles because it’s made with oats instead of masa harina. If you’d like to try some beverages made with masa harina check out my atole de fresa, atole de vainilla and champurrado recipes. They are so good in the fall and winter.
I’ve recently been making this about three times a week because my kids are constantly asking for it. It’s so delicious and easy to make so I don’t mind.
My recipe makes a lot so I save what’s leftover for breakfast the next day.
Atole de Avena Recipe
The first thing we’re going to do is bring the cinnamon stick and 3 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Once the water is boiling then we can add the oats.
Then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 25 minutes.
While its simmering stir a couple of times to prevent sticking.
After the 25 minutes the oats will have absorbed most of the water. It should look like the photo below.
Now we are going to add one cup of brown sugar. Stir well. Then add one teaspoon of Mexican vanilla such as Molina and five cups of milk.
Stir again. Now continue to simmer the atole on low heat until it is nice and hot. It should take about 15 minutes.
The atole is now ready to be served. I serve it in mugs and I like to use a spoon too so that I can eat the leftover oats at the bottom of my mug.
This drink really is the perfect beverage for the colder months. It’s delicious, filling and so easy to make so go ahead and give it a try. You won’t regret it. I truly hope you enjoy it! If you liked this recipe please give it a rating below. Thank you so much for visiting!

Atole de Avena
Atole de avena is a comforting hot Mexican beverage perfect for the chilly Fall and Winter months.
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats old fashioned
- 3 cups water
- 1 stick cinnamon Mexican
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 5 cups milk
- 1 tsp vanilla Mexican
Instructions
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In a pot bring the water and cinnamon stick to a boil.
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Once boiling add oats and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Add the sugar and stir well. Then add the milk and vanilla. Stir again.
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Continue to simmer for about 15 minutes or until the atole is nice and hot.
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Serve and enjoy! Refrigerate any leftover atole once it has cooled.
Anita Acosta says
It tastes good but I made mine a little different . I used almond milk and almond extract. Because I don’t drink regular milk and I thought we were out of vanilla extract. Next time I will make it with vanilla extract.
Carissa says
Your version sounds just as yummy!
Christie says
This is delicious and taste just the way my mom makes it! Thank you!
Carissa says
Thank you, i’m so happy you enjoyed it!
sidney says
This thing was really good thank you for the recipe ill make sure i use this recipe again
Carissa says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Dena says
I can’t cook at all! I made this and it was perfect! No longer a need to buy it from the bakery before work.
Thank you!
Is there a trick to avoid the layer of milk scum as it cools?
Carissa says
I just stir it back up and it disappears. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Monica Moreno says
Thank you for the recipe. IT WAS SIMPLE AND DELICIOUS. MY KIDS LOVED IT!
Stacy Ruiz says
It turned out excellent! I used condensed milk instead of sugar and almond milk instead of regular milk. I eyed the vanilla and I think I used more than the recipe called for but I think it’s coming out amazing. I got really excited and loosely followed the recipe but I can’t wait to try it again the right way.
Carissa says
Your way sounds just as delicious!
Georgia says
I make this exact recipe for my kids but I blend my oats in the blender so my atole becomes drinkable. My kids favorite thing to sip on a chilly day. Muy delicioso.
Lilly says
Can you use Almond milk instead of milk?
Carissa says
I’ve never tried it with almond milk before so I don’t know how it would turn out. If you try it please let me know how it turns out.