Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Show

You likely have both of these staples in your pantry, but how do they differ? Learn all about both types of canned milk—and secrets for using each one.

It happens almost every Thanksgiving. I’m super excited to whip up one of my favorite pumpkin pie recipes, when I realize it’s a can of condensed milk hiding in my pantry—not the evaporated milk I need. Frustrated, I go to the store, because even though they’re similar in name, there’s a stark difference between evaporated and condensed milk.

Luckily, it’s easy to remember the difference. Read on to discover more about each type of milk and to learn if you can substitute condensed milk for evaporated milk—or vice versa.

What is evaporated milk?

Evaporated milk is just what it sounds like. It’s milk that has gone through a cooking process to remove—or evaporate—over half of the water content. The resulting liquid is creamier and thicker than regular whole milk, making it the perfect addition to both sweet and savory dishes. Since most of the water is removed, evaporated milk also provides a concentrated, nutty flavor.

Keep evaporated milk on hand to mix into mac and cheese or to use in custard-based desserts. Try it out with these extra-delicious evaporated milk recipes. As far as nutritional value goes, full-fat evaporated milk has about 340 calories and 20 grams of fat per cup, making it a healthier replacement for heavy cream.

The shelf life of evaporated milk is also much longer than fresh milk. Expect a can to last in your pantry for six months to a year—depending on if you buy the full-fat or low-fat variety. While you’re at it, learn about other foods that last a long time in the pantry.

Need to make a sweet potato pie but out of this key ingredient? You can easily find or make a substitute for evaporated milk.

Our Favorite Evaporated Milk Recipes

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk
Taste of Home

Glazed Lemon Chiffon Cake

This fluffy cake is a real treat drizzled with the sweet-tart lemon glaze. —Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah Go to Recipe

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Classic Pumpkin Pie

Nothing says Thanksgiving like a slice of pie. And you can relish every luscious bite of this pumpkin pie recipe since the tender crust is made with canola oil and a mere hint of butter. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

 

Don't swap evaporated milk with condensed milk—they're not interchangeable. Here's what makes them different.

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Chicken and Asparagus Bake

Greet guests with a taste of springtime when this chicken asparagus bake is on the menu. It cooks in just half an hour. People savor the rich cheesy sauce, and it freezes well, too. —Ramona Ruskell, Columbia, Missouri

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Holiday Eggnog Snickerdoodles

Eggnog flavor is infused into the cookie and the glaze with this yummy recipe, perfect for the Christmas season.—Bonnie Massimino, Brookeville, Maryland

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Beef Enchiladas Verdes

These beef enchiladas verdes are easy to make ahead and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. After quickly cooking the tortillas in hot oil, I layer them between paper napkins to soak up excess oil. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Raspberry Lemon Cake

Want a change from chocolate cake? Try this elegant lemon raspberry cake packed with refreshing citrus flavor, from the cake to the homemade lemon curd and creamy frosting. It won a blue ribbon at the Alaska State Fair and it's definitely a winner with me. —Shirley Warren, Thiensville, Wisconsin

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Party Meatballs

These meatballs in a sweet, tangy sauce can be made a day in advance and reheated. We usually serve them at birthday parties. - Irma Schnuelle, Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Holiday Sweet Potato Cheesecake

Family and friends can't seem to get enough of this deliciously different cheesecake that combines my two favorite desserts—sweet potato pie and cheesecake. I think the dessert tastes best if made 24 to 48 hours prior to serving. —Melanie Bauder, Manlius, New York

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Southern Mac and Cheese

No down-home meal is complete without Southern mac and cheese. Three types of cheese and a squirt of mustard make this comforting dish sing! —Katie Sloan, Charlotte, North Carolina

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Gob Cake

This gob cake recipe has been passed down in our family for generations. We always eat it at our gatherings. —Kristina Hershey, Columbia, Pennsylvania

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Stroganoff Soup

My husband and I share a love for all kinds of soup and came up with this delicious recipe together. It really does taste like beef Stoganoff. With a crusty roll, it's a satisfying meal in itself.

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Triple Chocolate Fudge

This recipe makes more than enough to share with family and friends. It's the ultimate yummy gift! —Linette Shepherd, Williamston, Michigan

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Pumpkin Spice Custard

Here's a traditional slow-cooker pumpkin spice custard with some espresso powder for a latte effect. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon

 

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Caramel Tassies

These buttery, smooth caramel tassies make a nice addition to a dessert tray. These are ones that my family looks forward to every year. —Jane Bricker, Scottdale, Pennsylvania

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Golden Clam Chowder

This is comfort food at its best! Yes, you can have a warm bowl of homemade clam chowder for dinner tonight or any night. The soup is seasoned expertly and thyme adds a great dimension of flavor. —Amanda Bowyer, Caldwell, Idaho

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Old-Fashioned Oat Bread

When this old-fashioned oat bread is baking, it reminds me of childhood and the warm, inviting aromas that greeted me after school. The light sweet flavor, crispy crust and hearty texture of this bread made for a special treat when Mom baked it for us. —Gloria Murtha, West Mifflin, Pennsylvania

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Mexican Chicken Bake

I've had this Mexican chicken bake recipe for 30 years. Since my kids, grandkids and guests of all ages request it often and it takes only about 30 minutes to make, I have it at least once every other month! —Linda Humphreys, Buchanan, Michigan

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

No-Bake Peanut Brownies

You can enlist the kids to help make these chocolaty peanut butter brownies. I like the fact that I can enjoy them but keep my kitchen cool, especially in summer. —Connie Ward, Mount Pleasant, IA

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Best Banana Ice Cream

My son-in-law says this is the best banana ice cream he’s ever had. It’s always requested at family gatherings. —Donna Robbins, Skiatook, Oklahoma

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Best Seafood Chowder

My husband is an avid fisherman. When a family get-together was planned and we had to bring something, we created this recipe using fish from our freezer. The chowder got rave reviews from the relatives! —Heather Saunders, Belchertown, Massachusetts

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Sweet Potato Souffle with Pecans

My grandmother makes this sweet potato souffle recipe every Thanksgiving. It's just so full of love and memories (and pecans!) that it needs to be shared. —Natalie Gray, Moreland, Georgia

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Broccoli Rice Casserole

This hearty broccoli rice casserole is my usual choice to make for a potluck. With the green of the broccoli and the rich cheese sauce, it's pretty to serve, and it makes a tasty side dish for almost any kind of meat. —Margaret Mayes, La Mesa, California

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Cake Mix Brownies

These cake mix brownies are a mashup of two of my favorite desserts. A woman I worked with gave me a recipe for chocolate caramel brownies, and I had a recipe for yellow cake mix bars. I wondered what they would taste like together, so I tried it. I've been making them ever since! —Staci Mergenthal, Verdi, Minnesota

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Creamy Caramel Flan

A small slice of this impressively rich, creamy, caramel flan dessert goes a long way. What a delightful finish for a special meal or holiday celebration. —Pat Forete, Miami, Florida

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Slow-Cooked Creamy Rice

This wonderful side dish goes well with any meat stew. I use whatever fresh herbs I have on hand along with the chopped parsley to add even more flavor. —Laura Crane, Leetonia, Ohio

Chocolate Caramel Candy

This dazzling treat tastes like a homemade Snickers bar and has flavor beyond compare. When I entered it in a recipe contest at our harvest festival, it won five ribbons, including grand prize and the judges' special award. —Jane Meek, Pahrump, Nevada

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Comforting Tuna Patties

My grandmother and mother made these tuna patties on Fridays during Lent. I'm not the biggest fan of tuna, but it's perfect in this dish. These patties are even good cold the next day, if there are any leftovers. —Ann Marie Eberhart, Gig Harbor, Washington

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

New Orleans Beignets

These sweet, square and holeless French doughnuts are known as beignets. New Orleans’ traditional breakfast always includes a few of these powdered sugar delicacies. —Beth Dawson, Jackson, Louisiana

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Contest-Winning German Chocolate Cream Pie

I've won quite a few awards in recipe contests over the past 10 years, and I was delighted that this luscious pie sent me to the Great American Pie Show finals. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan

Ribbon Fantasy Fudge

I developed this recipe especially for my husband, who likes anything that has chocolate and peanut butter together!

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

This creamy recipe brings two of my absolute favorite foods together in one! The tomato, fresh lettuce and crisp bacon toppers make this soup taste as if it's burger time. —Geoff Bales, Hemet, California

Classic Swedish Meatballs

I'm a "Svenska flicka" (Swedish girl) from northwest Iowa, where many Swedes settled at the turn of the century. This recipe was given to me by a Swedish friend. It's obviously a 20th century version of a 19th century favorite, since back then they didn't have bouillon cubes or evaporated milk! I think you'll agree that these modern-day "Kottbullar" are very tasty. —Emily Gould, Hawarden, Iowa

 

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Fluffy Waffles

A friend shared this fluffy waffle recipe with me a few years ago. The cinnamon cream syrup is a nice change from maple syrup, and it keeps quite well in the fridge. Our two children also like it on toast. —Amy Gilles, Ellsworth, Wisconsin

Creamy Chicken Rice Soup

I came up with this creamy chicken rice soup recipe while making some adjustments to a favorite stovetop chicken casserole. We like this soup for lunch with a crisp roll and fresh fruit. —Janice Mitchell, Aurora, Colorado

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Chocolate Cream Pie

Our teenage son, John, has done lots of 4-H baking. This old-fashioned chocolate cream pie recipe with a flaky crust was his favorite thing to make. —Mary Anderson, De Valls Bluff, Arkansas

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Cheesy Chile Casserole

A short list of ingredients packs full flavor in this easy-to-assemble casserole. Serve it as the star of your next southwestern meal. —Phyllis Bidwell, Las Vegas, Nevada

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Broccoli-Mushroom Bubble Bake

I got bored with the same old breakfast casseroles I'd see at our monthly moms' meetings, so I decided to create something new. Judging by the reactions of the other moms, I think I have a winner. —Shannon Koene, Blacksburg, Virginia

Garlicky Cheddar Cheese Bisque

I came up with a cheddar cheese soup a while ago and decided to give it a boost with a variety of root vegetables. Crushed pita chips and fresh parsley make fun garnishes. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Butterscotch Pumpkin Fudge

Each one of these creamy, heartwarming treats is like a bite-sized pumpkin pie. —Kathleen Henne, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Chunky Potato Leek Soup

My family and I crave a steaming bowl of potato leek soup on a cold winter evening, but we don't want the butter and fat content of regular soup recipes. So I created this lighter version. I have shared it with many folks, and everyone who has tried it loves it for the robust, satisfying flavor. —Christine Frye, Odessa, Missouri

 

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Homemade Irish Cream

Add some creamy goodness to your cup of joe with a splash or two of this nonalcoholic Irish cream. —Marcia Severson, Hallock, Minnesota

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Saucy Scalloped Potatoes

For old-fashioned flavor, try these scalloped potatoes. They cook up tender, creamy and comforting and chopped ham adds a hearty touch. —Elaine Kane, Keizer, Oregon

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Cranberry Orange Pancakes

As special as the holidays, these fluffy pancakes are drop-dead gorgeous, ready in just minutes and brimming with sweet, tart and tangy flavor. Seconds, anyone? —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey

Farmer's Casserole

Between family and friends, we average 375 visitors a year! This casserole is handy—you can put it together the night before, let the flavors blend, then bake it in the morning. —Nancy Schmidt, Center, Colorado

No-Fuss Potato Soup

For a busy-day supper, my family loves to have big steaming, delicious bowls of this soup, along with fresh bread from our bread machine. —Dotty Egge, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Raspberry Ribbons

I make these attractive, buttery cookies to serve at our remote guest lodge, and all the cooks in the kitchen are addicted to them! —Patsy Wolfenden, Golden, British Columbia

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Ravioli with Snap Peas & Mushrooms

Topped with the toasty texture and flavor of hazelnuts, this pasta makes an easy, earthy weeknight dinner. I serve it with an herb and lettuce salad and white wine. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida

Pretzel-Topped Sweet Potatoes

Friends I've shared this recipe with say it's their favorite way to serve sweet potatoes. I like to make it for brunch as a colorful go-with dish. The mingled sweet, tart and salty tastes are an unusual treat. —Sue Mallory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Pumpkin Patch Pie

If you'd like to make pumpkin pie from a fresh pumpkin, here's and easy recipe that eliminates the guesswork. Use a pie pumpkin for maximum flavor.—Jane Van Deusen, Oneonta, New York

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Shrimp Chowder

I simmer my rich and creamy shrimp soup in the slow cooker. Because the chowder is ready in less than four hours, it can be prepared in the afternoon and served to dinner guests that night. —Will Zunio, Gretna, Louisiana

Short a can? You can always use a substitute for evaporated milk.

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Butter Pecan Layer Cake

Pecans and butter give this cake the same irresistible flavor as the popular butter pecan ice cream flavor. —Becky Miller, Tallahassee, Florida

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Polynesian Meatballs

With pretty bits of pineapple, these meatballs are sure to attract attention—and the sweet-tart sauce brings people back for seconds. —Carol Wakley, North East, Pennsylvania

Butternut Squash Bake

If I ask our two girls (ages 7 and 14) what to fix for a special meal, this dish is always requested. I discovered this slightly sweet and crunchy-topped casserole at a church dinner about 10 years ago, and now I take it to potluck dinners and come home with an empty dish! -Julie Jahn, Decatur, Indiana

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Makeover Slow-Cooked Mac 'n' Cheese

This recipe is a clear example of comfort food at its finest; it's rich, hearty and extra cheesy. And because it's made in the slow cooker, it's also extremely easy. —Shelby Molina, Whitewater, Wisconsin

Cherry & Spice Rice Pudding

I live in Traverse City, the Cherry Capital of the World. What better way to celebrate our wonderful orchards than by using plump, tart dried cherries in my favorite desserts? This slow-cooked rice pudding recipe always turns out wonderful. —Deb Perry, Traverse City, Michigan

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Italian Sausage & Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Flavor-packed sausage and sun-dried tomatoes are sure to liven up any simple pasta dish. I have a feeling that once you've tried it, it'll become a family favorite!—Dawn Singleton, Eighty Four, Pennsylvania

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Homemade Potato Salad

This homemade potato salad recipe doesn't have many ingredients, so it isn't as colorful as many that you find nowadays. But Mama made it the way her mother did, and that's the way I still make it today. Try it and see if it isn't one of the best-tasting potato salads you have ever eaten! —Sandra Anderson, New York, New York

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Three-Chocolate Fudge

I make this fudge at Christmastime to give to friends and neighbors. That tradition started years ago when I made more candy than my husband, three sons and I could eat, so we shared it. It's a tasty tradition I'm glad to continue. —Betty Grantham, Hanceville, Alabama

Cream of Wild Rice Soup

Tender cubes of chicken, fresh vegetables and wild rice make this soup hearty enough for a meal. You can't beat the down-home comfort of a warm bowlful. I like to serve it with whole wheat rolls. —J. Beatrice Hintz, Neenah, Wisconsin

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Overnight Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

Recipes that don't tie me to the kitchen—that’s what I’m all about. I make this luscious dish the night before breakfast or brunch with guests. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Coconut Clouds

Coconut lovers will have extra reason to celebrate when they taste these cakelike drop cookies. The generous frosting and coconut topping make them a hit at holiday cookie swaps. —Donna Scofield, Yakima, Washington

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Pumpkin Pie Smoothies

My pie-flavored smoothie is loaded with fruit. The spices make it all come together. —Karen Sikora, Dayton, Nevada

Spiced Sweet Potato Pudding

One of my favorite fall desserts, this treat's rich flavors are well-suited to the chillier months. I like to serve it over a slice of pound cake or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho

Gingersnap Sweet Potato Praline Pie

This luscious mix of sweet potatoes, spices and nuts is like serving pecan pie and sweet potato pie together. Bake it and watch everyone devour it. —Emily Hobbs, Ozark, Missouri

Chocolate-Caramel Rum Coffee

This decadent coffee drink can stand alone as a final course or as a delightful complement to any chocolate or caramel dessert. Our family loves it after a special dinner or just for sipping in front of the fireplace. —Joyce Conway, Westerville, Ohio

What is condensed milk?

Condensed milk is evaporated milk’s sweeter cousin. Regular milk is cooked down to remove water—but lots of sugar is added, too. The end result is super thick and sweet. You’ll find condensed milk on the ingredients list of many dessert recipes, including fudge, layered bars and frozen pies. Have a can on hand? Don’t miss our sweetest ways to use condensed milk.

From a nutritional standpoint, condensed milk is far from healthy, packing in nearly 1,000 calories and over 150 grams of sugar per cup. With all this added sugar, condensed milk tends to last in the pantry longer than other canned milks. When properly stored, it lasts for years before going bad.

Our Favorite Condensed Milk Recipes

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk
Taste of Home

Pumpkin Delight Magic Bars

My mother never wrote down her delightful recipes, so I created this recipe as a holiday tribute to her. They're creamy, sweet and a little tart. Eat with a fork so you can scoop up all the delicious topping ingredients that might tumble off. —Lisa Glassman, Boynton Beach, Florida

Get Recipe Ran out of condensed milk? Try out these condensed milk substitutes instead.

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake

When my family is planning a get-together, I can count on three or four people asking if I'm bringing this chocolate peanut butter poke cake. If you don't have a chocolate cake mix, use a white or yellow one and stir in 3 tablespoons of baking cocoa. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Coconut-Layered Pound Cake

If you love chocolate, almonds and coconut, this cake is for you. It comes together in a flash and tastes just like an Almond Joy candy bar! —Linda L. Nichols, Steubenville, Ohio

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Chocolate Truffles

You may be tempted to save these chocolate truffles for a special occasion since these smooth, creamy chocolates are divine. But with just a few ingredients, this truffle recipe is easy to make anytime. —Darlene Wiese-Appleby, Creston, Ohio

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Pot of S'mores

Mom’s easy Dutch-oven version of the popular campout treat is so good and gooey. The hardest part is waiting for this to cool so you can devour it. Yum! —June Dress, Meridian, Idaho

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Kahlua Fudge

This five-ingredient recipe makes serving up treats easy and scrumptious. —Laura Hanks, Harleysville, Pennsylvania

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Frozen Key Lime Delight

In the middle of summer, nothing hits the spot quite like this sublime Key lime dessert. Cold, creamy and tart, it tastes like sunshine. —Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina

Irish Creme Drink

We top off holiday celebrations with this creamy beverage. With sweetened condensed milk and ice cream, it's like a liquid dessert!—Fred Schneider, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Pecan Pie Bars

These pecan pie bars are rich and delicious - just like pecan pie! They're perfect for taking to potlucks and other gatherings...I always come home with an empty pan. These Kentucky Derby pecan pie bars are the perfect snack while watching the races. —Carolyn Custer, Clifton Park, New York

Special Chocolate Treats

I serve these lovely cookies to guests. They freeze well. —Walter Max, Wabasha, Minnesota

Cherry-Coconut Chocolate Torte

This torte reminds me of two favorite treats: chocolate covered cherries and old-fashioned Cherry Mash candy bars. —Dian Hicks Carlson, Omaha, Nebraska

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Star-Spangled Lemon Icebox Pie

With a little chill time, my no-bake lemon pie turns into a potluck superstar. My kids like to arrange the berries in a patriotic pattern. —Lauren Katz, Ashburn, Virginia

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Caramel Pretzel Bites

I created this recipe wanting to make my own version of a popular candy store pretzel log dipped in caramel, chocolate and nuts. These bites are smothered with homemade caramel. —Michilene Klaver, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Can't Leave Alone Bars

I take these quick and easy treats to church meetings, potlucks and housewarming parties. I often make a double batch so we can enjoy some at home. —Kimberly Biel, Java, South Dakota

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Cinnamon Apple Cheesecake

An attractive topping of cinnamon-spiced apple slices and a homemade oat-and-walnut crust make this creamy dessert a definite showstopper. —Emily Ann Young, Edmond, Oklahoma

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Almond Cherry Fudge

Cooked in the microwave, this fast fudge is a sweet addition to any holiday gathering. I make it when I need a quick treat for a school party or to take to a neighbor. —Shellie Tucker, Hendersonvlle, Tennessee

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Chocolate Caramel Fondue

It's easy to keep the ingredients for this rich fondue on hand in case company drops by. I serve it in punch cups, so guests can carry it on a dessert plate alongside whatever fruit, pretzels and other dippers they like. —Cheryl Arnold, Lake Zurich, Illinois

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Best Lime Tart

This treat is the perfect balance between tart and sweet, and the almonds in the crust are just wonderful. This is one of my husband’s favorite desserts. Enjoy! —Charis O'Connell, Mohnton, Pennsylvania

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Frozen Peach Pies

A refreshing, peachy filling and a buttery graham cracker crust are the perfect pair. I’ve found that this pie can be frozen up to three days. —Athena M. Russell, Florence, South Carolina

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Sweet Potato Cream Cheese Bars

If you're looking for something other than pumpkin, these sweet potato bars are a yummy alternative. Make them ahead—they're even better refrigerated overnight. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Coconut Macaroon Pie

Coconut macaroons are divine, but they can be a little messy to make. I turned the batter into a pie filling, and the luscious results speak for themselves. —Becky Mollenkamp, St. Louis, Missouri

Peppermint Patties

My family loves these refreshing candies. At Christmastime, I like to add a few drops of green food coloring to the mixture before shaping and dipping them in chocolate. —Mary Ester Holloway, Bowerston, Ohio

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Chocolate Malt Cheesecake

My mother-in-law loved chocolate malts—and cheesecakes, too. Can you guess who passed this recipe on to me? Sometimes, I substitute pretzel crumbs for the graham cracker crumbs. They make a surprisingly good crust! —Anita Moffett, Rewey, Wisconsin

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Classic Tres Leches Cake

Tres leches means "three milks." This cake gets its name because it uses three kinds of milk—evaporated, condensed and cream. This tres leches cake's light and airy texture has made it a classic in Mexican kitchens for generations. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

S'mores on a Stick

My kids love to take these for treats everywhere. That's lucky for me since they are so easy to make. Beside the sprinkles, try mini candies for toppings.—Ronda Weirich, Plains, Kansas

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Pineapple & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding

This bread pudding is easy, convenient, versatile, and delicious. Every time I take it to church or school everyone asks for the recipe because it's the best bread pudding they have ever tasted—I never have any leftovers. This delicious brunch casserole has been requested for family gatherings, holidays, weddings, and birthday parties.—Laura Ellis, Biloxi, Mississippi

Picnic Bars

You'll score points with a crowd when you stir together these delicious fudge-like treats. They're very moist and rich. The chocolate chips and walnuts make a pretty topping. —Frank Bee, Eugene, Oregon

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Marshmallow-Almond Key Lime Pie

Summer is peak season for Key limes—a must for this pie’s distinctive sweet-tart flavor. Unlike other Key lime pies, mine has a smooth marshmallow layer on top. This makes it stand out as a crowd favorite. —Judy Castranova, New Bern, North Carolina

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Toffee Pecan Bars

Curl up with a hot cup of coffee and one of these treats. The golden topping and flaky crust give way to the heartwarming taste of old-fashioned pecan pie. —Dianna Croskey, Gibsonia, Pennsylvania

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Caramel Brownies

I love to cook. My family can't possibly eat all the sweets I whip up, so my co-workers are more than happy to sample them—particularly these rich, chewy brownies that are full of gooey caramel, chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts. —Clara Bakke, Coon Rapids, Minnesota

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cookies

Although these cookies require a little extra effort, they’re worth it. I make them for every family gathering—and they never last long! —Marie Kinyon, Mason, Michigan

Lemonade Icebox Pie

You will detect a definite lemonade flavor in this refreshing lemon icebox pie. High and fluffy, this dessert has a creamy smooth consistency that we really appreciate. It's the dessert that came to mind immediately when I put together my favorite summer meal. —Cheryl Wilt, Eglon, West Virginia

Is evaporated milk the same as regular milk

S'more Cheesecake

This luscious dessert is just as wonderfully tasty as the campfire snack that inspired it. It's a great way to savor a summer classic anytime of year. Our 4-year-old daughter likes it so much that she's requested it for her next birthday! —Robin Andrews, Cary, North Carolina

How can I substitute for canned milk?

It’s pretty frustrating to get halfway through a recipe before realizing it calls for an ingredient you don’t have on hand. Luckily, when it comes to evaporated and condensed milk, there are a few easy substitutions.

  • When you’re out of evaporated milk: To mimic the taste and consistency of evaporated milk, simply boil fresh milk until it reduces in volume. For best results, use 2 percent or whole milk.
  • Can you substitute condensed milk for evaporated milk? In most recipes, you can—just be sure to add additional sugar. You’ll want to add roughly 1 cup of sugar to each cup of evaporated milk, and heat the mixture in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves. If you’re lactose intolerant, learn how to substitute soy milk for dairy milk. Here are some other condensed milk substitutes.

Can you replace milk with evaporated milk?

Use evaporated milk instead of fresh milk in recipes. Add an equal amount of water. For example, if a recipe lists 1 cup (250 mL) milk, add ½ cup water to ½ cup evaporated milk. Try leftover canned milk in tea, coffee, omelets, soups, hot oatmeal or even spaghetti sauce.

Is evaporated milk the same as normal milk?

Evaporated milk is just what it sounds like. It's milk that has gone through a cooking process to remove—or evaporate—over half of the water content. The resulting liquid is creamier and thicker than regular whole milk, making it the perfect addition to both sweet and savory dishes.

What can be used as a substitute for evaporated milk?

If you have half-and-half on hand, you can use as a good substitute for evaporated milk. One of the experts in the Taste of Home Test Kitchen even uses heavy cream instead of evaporated milk in her own pumpkin pies because she prefers the flavor.