Can evaporated milk be substituted for regular milk in recipes?
Yes, but dilute it first. To replace fresh milk, mix evaporated milk with an equal amount of water: for 2 cups of milk, use 1 cup evaporated milk and 1 cup water. Do not use it undiluted or confuse it with sweetened condensed milk. Flavor is slightly cooked and richer, so results can differ in delicate baking.
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In this article
Can you substitute evaporated milk for regular milk?
Yes. Evaporated milk has had about 60 percent of its water removed, according to Healthline, so it is a concentrated, slightly caramelized milk. To use it in place of fresh milk, add water. The Takeout explains the basic swap: use half evaporated milk and half water. For 2 cups of milk, mix 1 cup of evaporated milk with 1 cup of water.
How much water should you add?
The Takeout recommends a 1-to-1 mix of evaporated milk and water. Start there and adjust to the texture you want.
| You want | Use |
|---|---|
| 1 cup milk | 1/2 cup evaporated milk + 1/2 cup water |
| 2 cups milk | 1 cup evaporated milk + 1 cup water |
| Richer result (sauces, soups) | Use a little less water |
How is it different from regular milk?
Per cup, Healthline reports evaporated milk has 338 calories against 146 for whole milk, and 17 g of protein against 8 g. It is thicker and more concentrated because it has less water.
When does it work best?
- Sauces, soups, mashed potatoes, custard and creamy dishes: adds body.
- Coffee and tea: some people use it undiluted as a creamer.
- Baking: usually fine when diluted, though browning and flavor can change slightly.
Is it the same as condensed milk?
No. Sweetened condensed milk has a lot of added sugar and is not a direct substitute. Check the can before you start.
What if you do not have evaporated milk?
- Simmer regular milk down to a little over half its volume; about 2 1/4 cups makes 1 cup, per Healthline.
- Check the recipe before using other dairy swaps.
People also ask
How do you substitute evaporated milk for regular milk?
Mix half evaporated milk and half water, for example 1 cup of each to replace 2 cups of milk.
Can I use evaporated milk undiluted instead of milk?
It is much more concentrated than milk (about 338 calories per cup against 146 for whole milk, per Healthline). Dilute it for most recipes.
Is evaporated milk the same as condensed milk?
No. Condensed milk is sweetened with added sugar, so it cannot replace evaporated milk or fresh milk directly.
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