7 Evaporated Milk Substitutes (+ Dairy-Free Vegan Alternatives)

Have you ever run out of evaporated milk and need to make a recipe that calls for it? Don’t worry because there are plenty of evaporated milk substitutes that you can use to get the job done, and most of them are probably already in your kitchen pantry.

Here are 7 great substitutes for evaporated milk.

1. Full Fat Cow’s Milk

Full fat cow’s milk is a type of dairy product that comes from the milk of a cow. It’s thick and creamy, and high in fat and protein, making it a popular choice for many food and drink recipes that require a rich and creamy texture.

Can I Use Full Fat Cow’s Milk Instead of Evaporated Milk?

Definitely! Many people are unaware that they can use full fat cow’s milk as a replacement for evaporated milk in their cooking. It’s actually one of the best substitutes there is and is probably one of the easiest ones you can use, too. Evaporated milk is often used in recipes to add thickness and creaminess, but it can be replaced with full fat cow’s milk with similar results.

Aside from doing a direct substitution, you can actually make your own evaporated milk from full fat cow’s milk.

Simply heat 2 cups of full fat cow’s milk in a saucepan over high heat until it reduces to a little over half its original volume. This gets rid of the excess moisture and leaves you with something closer to evaporated milk in terms of thickness.

Cow’s milk is a good source of calcium, which is one of the most important minerals in our bodies. Calcium helps maintain strong bones and teeth, helps support nerve function, and regulates muscle contractions. Calcium is also essential for blood clotting and helps to regulate heart rhythm. Cow’s milk is also a great source of protein, which helps support healthy muscle tissue, skin, hair, and nails, as well as crucial organs such as the heart and brain.

Best for: sauces, fudges, shakes, smoothies, hot drinks, flan, flavored drinks, coffee-based beverages, desserts

How to Substitute Full Fat Cow’s Milk for Evaporated Milk

Substitute 1 cup of evaporated milk with 1 ½ cup of full fat cow’s milk.

To get the best results when using full fat cow’s milk instead of evaporated milk, be sure to adjust your recipes accordingly. For example, you will typically want to use a bit more sugar than recommended for dessert recipes since evaporated milk isn’t as sweet as typical cow’s milk. Additionally, you may need to cook sauces and stews longer in order to fully thicken when using cow’s milk instead of evaporated milk.

You may need to adjust the liquids in your recipe as well, since you would be adding more full fat cow’s milk then you would with evaporated milk. The best way to do this is to reduce the water or milk content of your recipe.

2. Cream and Water

Cream is made through skimming and churning milk to separate the high-fat milk solids from the rest of the milk. It is typically used as a condiment in cooking and baking to add richness and smoothness to dishes.

Can I Use Cream and Water Instead of Evaporated Milk?

Yes, cream and water can be used as a substitute for evaporated milk. Cream is a thick and rich dairy product that is often used as a replacement for evaporated milk in recipes, but it has to be diluted first.

While evaporated milk is made through a heating and evaporation process, cream is made simply by allowing fresh milk to sit undisturbed until the fat has risen to the surface. It has a much thicker texture, which makes it a perfect component for fluffy whipped cream or velvety sauces. It’s fantastic with baked goods like cupcakes and cakes, or in rich, creamy recipes like mashed potatoes and ice cream.

Cream is a good source of fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin A, D, E, and K. These vitamins play crucial roles in everything from supporting bone health to promoting cell growth. For examp