The Best Substitutes for Evaporated Milk (2024)

FAQs

The Best Substitutes for Evaporated Milk? ›

Condensed milk is evaporated milk that typically has sweetener added, so much so that the terms 'condensed milk' and 'sweetened condensed milk' are used interchangeably.

Condensed milk is evaporated milk that typically has sweetener added, so much so that the terms 'condensed milk' and 'sweetened condensed milk' are used interchangeably.

Oat milk is a delicious substitute for evaporated milk that is rich in beta-glucans, which have been linked to many health benefits including improved digestion, reduced blood sugar levels, and lower cholesterol levels.

To use evaporated milk as a subsitute for fresh milk, add one and a half cans of water to each can of evaporated milk. Diluted evaporated milk is a good substitute for milk in coffee, hot chocolate and cooked cereal like cream of wheat or oatmeal.

Evaporated milk can be used as a substitute in recipes in which heavy cream is used as a liquid ingredient, such as in baked goods, but it doesn't whip well. Substitute the heavy cream in your recipes with an equal amount of evaporated milk.

These items are essentially the same with one big difference: no sugar is added to evaporated milk. Sweetened condensed milk also has 60% of the water removed, but contains 40% sugar. Due to the big flavor difference, they cannot be substituted for each other.

Evaporated milk is nutritious

Just like fresh milk or powdered milk, evaporated milk is a healthy choice. It provides nutrients needed for healthy bones: protein, calcium, vitamins A and D. Evaporated milk is sold in cans. It comes in skim, 1%, 2% or hom*ogenized (3.25%) versions.

While many recipes call for it, you can absolutely make an outstanding pumpkin pie without evaporated milk. If your recipe calls for one can of evaporated milk (as most do), you can substitute 1 ½ cups of cream or half and half, or a combination of the two. You can also use milk (any kind from whole to skim).

While yogurt is typically not recommended as a substitute for evaporated milk in most recipes, some have success with Greek yogurt as it also has a thick consistency, similar to evaporated milk. Like with any substitution, most probably will have to slightly reformulate the recipe.

What is the shelf life of evaporated milk? ›

The shelf life of an unopened evaporated milk is usually between 6 to 12 months, but check the label for a “Best By” date. It will not be harmful after that, but its flavor will have deteriorated. Once opened, it should last similarly to fresh milk held in the refrigerator, about five days to a week.

Bakers often use it as a substitute for cream to help reduce fat content. To substitute for a cup of regular milk, add in one part evaporated milk and one part water. For a more fresh-milk taste, add half the called for milk with evaporated milk, and the rest with water.

You can use regular milk to make these homemade mashed potatoes, but the evaporated milk makes a difference and gives the dish a richer flavor. Most old recipes which call for evaporated milk will have it simply listed as “pet milk,” which was (and is) a very popular brand of evaporated milk.

It makes an excellent direct swap for half-and-half in many instances, but keep in mind that evaporated milk has less fat and more protein than half-and-half.

In fact, each fluid ounce of evaporated milk contains less than half the amount of calories and about one-fourth the amount of fat as heavy cream. “It works best in a 1:1 substitution in recipes like casseroles, soups and sauces, offering a similar texture but lighter consistency,” explains Brigham.

Pour evaporated milk into freezing tray. Place in freezing compartment of refrigerator. When tiny crystals begin to form around edges, turn into chilled bowl and whip with rotary egg beater until stiff enough to hold its shape. Sugar and vanilla may be added and whipped in at this stage, if desired.

Powdered Milk vs Evaporated Milk

Powdered milk can be mixed with an equal amount of water to create a substitute for evaporated milk, but evaporated milk cannot be used in place of milk powder.

Sour cream will give your baked dishes a creamier texture due to its acidity. You will need to mix it with baking powder, and then add equal amounts according to your recipe. This is a great replacement for evaporated milk. It can also be used to make buttermilk or whole milk.

While many recipes call for it, you can absolutely make an outstanding pumpkin pie without evaporated milk. If your recipe calls for one can of evaporated milk (as most do), you can substitute 1 ½ cups of cream or half and half, or a combination of the two. You can also use milk (any kind from whole to skim).

If dairy isn't an issue, heavy cream can substitute for condensed milk. But if you're avoiding dairy, the only thing that can sometimes substitute for condensed milk “as is” is full-fat coconut milk. However, full-fat coconut milk may not have the condensed milk consistency you're going for.