The Best Substitutes for Evaporated Milk (2024)

Don't fret, Betty Crocker. Finding the perfectevaporated milk substitute is easier than you think.

Updated on April 04, 2023

Medically reviewed by

Jessica Levinson, MS, RDN, CDN

The Best Substitutes for Evaporated Milk (1)

Medically reviewed byJessica Levinson, MS, RDN, CDN

Jessica Levinson, MS, RDN, CDNis a nationally recognized nutrition expert with over 16 years of experience in culinary nutrition and communications.

Fact checked by

Isaac Winter

Fact checked byIsaac Winter

Isaac Winter is a fact-checker and writer for Real Simple, ensuring the accuracy of content published by rigorously researching content before publication and periodically when content needs to be updated. Highlights: Helped establish a food pantry in West Garfield Park as an AmeriCorps employee at Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center. Interviewed Heartland Alliance employees for oral history project conducted by the Lake Forest College History Department. Editorial Head of Lake Forest College's literary magazine, Tusitala, for two years.

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The Best Substitutes for Evaporated Milk (2)

We've all been there. You're one step away from making decadent mac and cheese for dinner when you find that the recipe calls for evaporated milk. Your stomach sinks as you head to the pantry and see the inevitable: You're completely out. Rather than giving up on your recipe altogether or making a run for the grocery store, use a baking substitution by swapping in one of these evaporated milk substitutes.

DIY Evaporated Milk

Evaporated milk is different than condensed milk, and the condensed version doesn't make a great substitute. However, you can make you're own evaporated milk at home. Make evaporated milk by heating 2 ¼ cups of regular milk and gently boiling it down until it reduces to 1 cup.

This exact method is used to make evaporated milk for commercial retail. Evaporated milk is most commonly made with 2 percent milk, but whole milk, 1 percent, or skim will also work. You can also follow this process using dairy-free milk like soy, almond, or oat milk.

Half-and-Half

If you're under a super tight deadline, you may substitute the same amount of half-and-half for evaporated milk (i.e., 1 cup of half-and-half for 1 cup of evaporated milk). While you won't get the same slightly caramelized flavor that evaporated milk has, the creamy consistency of half-and-half is a close mimic.

Heavy Cream

With its very similar consistency, 1 cup of heavy cream can replace 1 cup of evaporated milk in sweet and savory dishes. While the flavor will be blander than evaporated milk's unique caramelized tones, the texture will be noticeably richer. It's not the lowest fat option, but there are times when we'll do whatever it takes to avoid last-minute baking stress.

Powdered Milk

Powdered Milk is a preserved milk product that is made by evaporating and spray drying regular milk. The result is a long-lasting, nutritious milk substitute. You can create evaporated milk by mixing 1 cup of powdered milk with 1 ½ cups of warm water; stir until the powdered milk has dissolved completely. The water will thicken enough to resemble the same product as what's inside that classic 12-ounce can.

Dairy-Free Evaporated Milk

Dairy-free cooks don't have to be deprived of the luscious, rich flavor and consistency that comes from evaporated milk. Nature's Charm is a producer of plant-based ingredients that include evaporated coconut milk and oat milk that make good substitutes for evaporated milk.

Lactose-Free Evaporated Milk

Nestle Carnation designed lactose-free evaporated milk from milk, lactase, and a small handful of other additives.

Warning

None of these options is a picture-perfect substitute for evaporated milk, so expect some variation in your finished recipes.

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The Best Substitutes for Evaporated Milk (2024)

FAQs

The Best Substitutes for Evaporated Milk? ›

Dairy alternatives to evaporated milk include whole milk, cream, and half-and-half, while nondairy options include soy milk, nut milk, and quinoa milk.

What is a good substitute for evaporated milk? ›

Dairy alternatives to evaporated milk include whole milk, cream, and half-and-half, while nondairy options include soy milk, nut milk, and quinoa milk.

What is healthier than evaporated milk? ›

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.

How to make your own evaporated milk? ›

Make evaporated milk by heating 2 ¼ cups of regular milk and gently boiling it down until it reduces to 1 cup. This exact method is used to make evaporated milk for commercial retail. Evaporated milk is most commonly made with 2 percent milk, but whole milk, 1 percent, or skim will also work.

Can I use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk? ›

Another alternative for evaporated milk is to substitute coconut milk 1:1 in the recipe. This will impart a coconut flavor to the recipe, so it works in some recipes but not all.

What can I use in place of evaporated milk in pumpkin pie? ›

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).

What can I substitute evaporated milk for heavy cream? ›

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.

What does evaporated milk do to your body? ›

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.

Can evaporated milk go bad? ›

And while milk might only last a week in the refrigerator, unopened evaporated milk that is properly stored can last up to two years. But how can you tell when it's gone bad? In short, by looking at it. If your milk has turned dark yellow or brown, don't use it.

Which is better condensed milk or evaporated milk? ›

As Leal explains: "Evaporated milk offers creaminess without sweetness and is suitable for savory dishes and some desserts. On the other hand, sweetened condensed milk is intensely sweet and used in desserts and sweet treats, thanks to its thick, syrupy texture."

Is evaporated milk just canned milk? ›

Evaporated milk is simply fresh milk that's been heated until about 60 percent of its water content has evaporated. From here, the evaporated milk is hom*ogenized, canned and heat sterilized.

Can I use sour cream instead of evaporated milk? ›

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.

Is it cheaper to make your own evaporated milk? ›

To make this recipe you only need milk. There are no extra additives and no can! The cost of the same amount of homemade compared to canned is pennies. LET'S LEARN HOW TO MAKE EVAPORATED MILK!

What is the best substitution for evaporated milk? ›

We have 6 different suggestions for evaporated milk substitutions.
  • Regular Milk (whole, 2% or skim) ...
  • Heavy Cream. ...
  • Half-and-Half. ...
  • Powdered Milk. ...
  • Regular Non-Dairy Milk (almond, oat, etc) ...
  • Coconut Milk.
Feb 28, 2023

What is the best milk alternative? ›

What is the best alternative to milk?
  • Soy Milk. Soy milk has been the most popular non-dairy substitute for decades because its nutrition profile closely resembles that of cow's milk. ...
  • Almond Milk. Almond milk is a great dairy alternative when you are looking to cut calories. ...
  • Rice Milk. ...
  • Coconut Milk. ...
  • Hemp Milk. ...
  • Cashew Milk.
Jul 19, 2021

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of evaporated milk? ›

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.

Is sweetened condensed milk the same as evaporated milk? ›

Both are concentrated, shelf-stable milk products that have been heated until at least 60 percent of their water content has evaporated. The main difference between evaporated milk and condensed milk is that evaporated milk is unsweetened while condensed milk is sweetened.

What does evaporated milk do? ›

But when left in its thickened, low-moisture canned state, it can also stand in for milk or heavy cream as an enriching agent. Evaporated milk gives body to smoothies, thickens up and sweetens coffee, and adds nuance and richness to creamy soups and chowders, not to mention savory sauces and even oatmeal.

What's the difference between whole milk and evaporated milk? ›

Evaporated milk is slightly thicker than fresh milk and has a more opaque, slightly yellow color. And as for the taste? It tastes just like milk, just a little creamier. Other than the commonly added Vitamin D, there are no other ingredients besides milk.

Can you substitute butter milk for evaporated milk? ›

Both milks here are great for adding a creaminess to different recipes, so you can use them interchangeably in that regard. However, their different flavors can really affect a dish, with buttermilk's tangy flavor being a staple in many different recipes and bakes.

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