The Best Substitutes for Evaporated Milk (2024)

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The Best Substitutes for 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.

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.

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 offers a lighter alternative with subtle sweetness, while heavy cream provides unparalleled richness and creaminess. Each ingredient lends its unique texture and flavor profile to recipes, whether it's a savory coconut curry, a decadent coconut cream pie, or a refreshing coconut ice cream.

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.

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.

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.

In many recipes, evaporated milk may also be replaced with a combination of whole milk and half-and-half. For 1 cup of evaporated milk, use 3/4 cup whole milk and 1/4 cup half-and-half.

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).

Evaporated milk starts out as fresh milk and is heated to drive off more than half of the water. Add water and use it as milk or pour it straight out of the can and use it as half-and-half. Creamy, rich and perfect for baking, custards, soups and even ice cream.

How much heavy cream to substitute for evaporated milk? ›

Substitute Heavy Cream for Evaporated Milk

This thicker, much fattier dairy product will make the recipe turn out richer than if you had used evaporated milk or half-and-half, but it is still a good substitute. Use the same amount of cream as you would evaporated milk.

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.

Because condensed milk is more concentrated than the same volume of regular milk, it contains more lactose. Sweetened condensed milk includes a lot of calories, but it also has a lot of saturated fat, which is dangerous for people with diabetes and heart issues.

One 14-ounce can is roughly the same as adding 1 cup of evaporated milk and 1 cup of granulated sugar (more accurate is 7 oz. evaporated milk and 7 oz- which is 1 cup- sugar).

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.

Evaporated milk can have both benefits and downsides. It can contribute high amounts of protein, calcium, and other vitamins and minerals to the diet. However, it also provides high calories, fat, and sugar. Nevertheless, evaporated milk can fit into a healthy dietary pattern when consumed in moderation.

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.

Evaporated milk is very high in calories and fat, and has much more carbs than coconut milk. However, coconut milk has way less sugar, but is also very poor in protein as compared to evaporated milk. You'll find that both milks are great in calcium and vitamin D, with coconut milk boasting a bit more calcium.

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."