Remember the time we all believed swapping regular milk for evaporated milk in our morning coffee would somehow transform the experience? Turns out, a lot of us are still on that hunt for the perfect cup.
Evaporated milk adds a rich, slightly caramelized flavor to dishes that’s really hard to match. But, not everyone has a can lying around in their pantry, or even wants to, for different reasons.
In this article, we’ll explore substitutes for sweetened condensed milk you can make with ingredients in your kitchen right now.
6 Easy Substitutes for Evaporated Milk
For those who don’t like the taste or can’t have dairy; for those with money, time, and cream to spare—whipping up an evaporated milk substitute on your own is possible. We’ve collected a list of substitutions that’ll work best for different diets:
1 – Sweetened Condensed Milk
It’s sweeter than evaporated milk, no surprise. We mix it with a bit of water. This thins it out to mimic evaporated milk’s consistency.
We found a half cup does the trick. Just mix with an equal part water. It’s perfect for desserts.
Not too heavy on recipes where a light touch of sweetness is needed. We use it in our coffee sometimes. It gives a rich, creamy feel.
Overall, it’s a solid stand-in. Makes our mornings a bit more special.
2 – Powdered Milk + Water
Mixing powdered milk with water is just like using evaporated milk. We tried it when we were in a tight spot, and wow, it’s really similar in thickness! Just stir it up with water in a 1:1 ratio.
It works wonders in cooking and baking. Doesn’t really change the taste, so your dishes come out just as you want them. For more cool swap ideas, check out alternative options for milk powder that we found super useful.
Our pancakes? Fluffy as clouds. It wasn’t just us – our guest wanted the recipe. This little trick is a game changer. Saves your day and your money.
3 – Coconut Milk
Coconut milk stands out for its creamy texture. It’s less sweet than evaporated milk, offering a tropical hint. We find mixing it in a 1:1 ratio works best for most recipes.
It adds a unique flair to dishes. Great in both coffee and baking, making every sip and bite a little more interesting.
For those curious about other dairy-free options, our findings on alternative choices for coconut milk were eye-opening.
4 – Half and Half
Half and half combines milk and cream. It’s not as thick as evaporated milk, yet it works magic in recipes needing subtle creaminess. We prefer using it in a 1:1 ratio.
We’ve tried it in soups and sauces. The outcome? Smooth and rich, without overpowering. For those looking for varied milk cream options, browsing creative alternatives for half and half shed light on numerous choices.
5 – Heavy Cream
Heavy cream really ups the richness compared to evaporated milk with a dense, creamy vibe. We mix it 1:1 for most recipes. Our soups got silkier, our deserts, dreamier.
In baking, it’s not as sweet, which honestly, we prefer. Our mornings got a bit more lush with heavy cream in the coffee. Looking for more creamy alternatives? Check our guide on finding the perfect heavy cream substitute.
6 – Cashew Cream
Last but not least, cashew cream. It’s as great a dairy-free alternative for evaporated milk as it is for heavy cream or whipping cream. We’ve tried recipes that call for either and used cashew cream instead—it’s excellent in every case.
We mix it 1:1 with water, blending until smooth. As always, adjust the ratio depending on the dish. For coffee, we recommend using less water to get a thicker consistency.
Cashew cream is fun for those avoiding nuts. It’s tasty and nutritious with that creamy texture we love in desserts, soups, and sauces.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.