How to Substitute Evaporated Milk for Condensed Milk

A Simple Guide

Evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk are both used extensively in baking and dessert recipes, yet they serve very different purposes in the kitchen. Although they both originate from cow's milk and undergo a process of heat concentration, the key distinction is that sweetened condensed milk has added sugar, while evaporated milk does not. For those who find themselves without sweetened condensed milk, there is an effective method to use evaporated milk as a substitute by incorporating an additional sweetening step.

To create a suitable substitute for sweetened condensed milk, one can start with evaporated milk, which has approximately 60% of the water content removed. By adding sugar to evaporated milk and applying heat, one can simulate the viscosity and sweetness of condensed milk. This process of combining and reducing evaporated milk with the right amount of sugar can fulfill the role of sweetened condensed milk in various recipes that rely on its sweet, creamy character.

Understanding Milk Concentrates

Milk concentrates like evaporated milk and condensed milk are staple ingredients that offer versatility in the kitchen due to their thick consistency, sweetened and unsweetened varieties, and long shelf life as canned milk products.

Evaporated Milk Explained

Evaporated milk is milk that has had about 60% of its water content removed through a heating process. The result is a denser, creamier liquid that is unsweetened and shelf-stable. Here's a simple breakdown of its characteristics:

Density: Thicker than regular milk
Flavor: Slightly cooked taste due to the evaporation process
Shelf-stability: Long-lasting due to the removal of water and sterilization inside cans

Condensed Milk Characteristics

Condensed milk shares a similar evaporation process to its counterpart but with one major difference: it is sweetened. Sugar is added, which not only contributes to a distinctly sweet flavor but also further increases the milk's thickness and shelf life. Key attributes include:

Density: Even thicker than evaporated milk due to added sugar
Taste: Sweet flavor dominates and enhances the milk's natural taste
Shelf-stable: The presence of sugar helps preserve the milk, making it a durable ingredient in storage

The Substitution Process

The substitution process involves a few key steps to successfully convert evaporated milk into a viable alternative for sweetened condensed milk, focusing on achieving the correct sweetness and consistency for varying recipe requirements.

Converting Evaporated Milk to Sweetened Condensed Milk

To substitute evaporated milk for sweetened condensed milk, one starts with the proportions of evaporated milk already available. For each cup of evaporated milk, one cup of granulated sugar should be added. A person might opt for brown sugar to impart a caramelized flavor to the resulting mixture.

Sweetening Without Altering Consistency

It's crucial to maintain the consistency of the sweetened condensed milk for it to perform as intended in recipes. The sweetening process typically occurs in a saucepan, where the sugar and evaporated milk are gently heated and stirred until the sugar fully dissolves. This method ensures the texture remains smooth without becoming too thick or thin.

Adjustments for Recipe Types

Different recipes that call for sweetened condensed milk may require varying textures or additional flavors.

Recipe Type Adjustment Guide Baked goods Use a 1:1 substitution ratio, keeping an eye on the mixture's thickness. Desserts If a more fluid consistency is needed, one might add a little water. Sauces When a thicker texture is beneficial, one may reduce the liquid further or add a bit more sugar.

Adjusting the type of sugar can also tweak the end result. White sugar yields a neutral sweetness, while brown sugar enhances the mixture with a more complex flavor profile.

Diversity in Substitutes

In adapting recipes to meet dietary needs or available ingredients, various substitutes for condensed milk can provide similar consistency and sweetness. Here's how to navigate dairy, dairy-free, and creative coconut-based alternatives.

Dairy and Dairy-Free Alternatives

For a dairy substitute, one can combine evaporated milk with sugar, typically heated until the sugar dissolves, to mimic the texture and sweetness of condensed milk. Lactose-intolerant individuals might opt for lactose-free evaporated milk, which can be sweetened in the same manner.

On the dairy-free side, there are several options:

Soy milk: A common vegan substitute, which involves reducing soy milk and adding sugar to reach the desired consistency.
Nut Milk and Grain Milk Variants: Nut milks like almond or cashew milk, and grain milks such as oat or rice milk, can also be reduced and sweetened. They provide a distinctive flavor and are suitable for those who prefer vegan or dairy-free options.

Nut Milk and Grain Milk Variants

These alternatives offer unique flavors and are often fortified with calcium and vitamins:

Almond milk: One can use it as a base, reducing it with sugar to create a vegan condensed milk alternative.
Oat milk: This is another excellent option for those avoiding dairy and can be reduced with added sugar for a creamy and sweet result.
Rice milk: Lighter in texture, yet can be cooked down and sweetened for a similar effect.

Creative Substitutions with Coconut Products

Coconut products provide a rich, creamy texture that is perfect for mimicking condensed milk:

Coconut milk: Combine with sugar and simmer to reduce; it’s a great plant-based substitute.
Coconut cream: Thicker than coconut milk, it requires less reduction and provides a denser consistency.
Cream of coconut: This is already sweetened and can be diluted to match the consistency of condensed milk.

Incorporating Substitutes in Recipes

When modifying recipes to substitute evaporated milk for sweetened condensed milk, the key considerations are maintaining the expected consistency, sweetness, and richness. Proper measurements and adaptation techniques can ensure successful outcomes in various types of dishes.

Baking and Desserts

For recipes that call for sweetened condensed milk, such as fudge, puddings, or flan, create a substitute by mixing one cup of evaporated milk with one and a quarter cups of granulated sugar. Heat the mixture gently, ensuring the sugar fully dissolves before it reaches a simmer. This will emulate both the sweetness and thickness required in desserts.

Pumpkin Pie: To achieve the ideal texture, blend the substitute thoroughly with the pumpkin puree and eggs before baking.
Fudge: Ensure the sugar-evaporated milk mixture cools slightly before combining with chocolate to prevent graininess.

Savory Dishes and Soups

Evaporated milk can impart a similar richness to savory dishes that call for condensed milk. To compensate for the lack of inherent sweetness, one could add a minimal amount of sugar, but this is often unnecessary in savory contexts.

Mashed Potatoes: Incorporate unsweetened evaporated milk to introduce a creamy consistency.
Soup: Add evaporated milk directly to the soup, tasting as you go to balance flavors effectively, without reducing or adding sugar.

Beverages and Sweet Treats

For beverages like hot chocolate or sweet treats that require a hint of sweetness and creaminess, evaporated milk can be used as a direct substitute without altering the sweetness profile.

Hot Chocolate: Mix evaporated milk in a 1:1 ratio with water or use it undiluted for an extra creamy texture.
Sweet Treats: If a noticeable sweetness is desired, one might consider adding a touch of sugar to the evaporated milk as per individual taste preference.

Making Homemade Alternatives

Creating condensed or evaporated milk at home can be a straightforward process, requiring basic ingredients such as milk and sugar. These homemade options can prevent the overly sweet or bland flavor profiles that may come with store-bought versions, and allow for customization according to dietary needs.

Preparing DIY Condensed Milk

To make unsweetened condensed milk, one needs to reduce whole milk to approximately half its volume. This process intensifies the milk's flavor and thickens its consistency. For a sweetened version that mirrors the store-bought sweetened condensed milk, one must blend the reduced milk with sugar.

Ingredients:

2 cups whole milk
1 cup granulated sugar (optional for sweetened version)

Instructions:

Pour the milk into a saucepan.
If making sweetened condensed milk, add the sugar.
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves if used.
Bring it to a gentle simmer, not a boil, and continue to cook.
Stir occasionally, allowing it to reduce to about half, which usually takes around 45 minutes.
Once thickened, remove from heat. For additional flavor, a teaspoon of vanilla extract can be added.

Homemade Evaporated Milk

Evaporated milk is simply milk with 60% of its water content removed. One can use regular milk or a richer variety such as whole milk for a creamier texture.

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups whole milk or regular milk

Instructions:

Pour the milk into a saucepan.
Heat the milk over medium heat.
Allow the milk to simmer gently, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming on the surface.
Reduce the milk until it measures 1 cup, this usually takes about 60 minutes.
Once reduced, let it cool. For a non-dairy alternative, substitute with rice milk.

By following these instructions, one can easily prepare both sweetened and unsweetened condensed milk, as well as evaporated milk, with control over the sweetness and ingredients, catering to personal preference and dietary restrictions.

Practical Tips for Storage and Use

When working with evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk, proper storage is key to maintaining their quality and shelf-life. Whether using store-bought or homemade substitutes, the textural integrity and taste are best preserved with attention to these details.

Pantry Storage

Shelf-Stable Products: Unopened cans of evaporated milk can safely be stored in the pantry. They remain stable at room temperature until the best-by date.
Homemade Substitutes: Should be refrigerated immediately given the lack of preservatives.

Store-Bought Homemade Evaporated Milk (Unopened) Pantry, until best-by date N/A Evaporated Milk (Opened) Refrigerate, use within 5 days Refrigerate, use within 5 days Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk N/A Refrigerate, use within 5 days

Refrigeration

Once opened or prepared, both evaporated and sweetened condensed milk should be transferred to an airtight container.
Use refrigerated opened or homemade milks within 5 days to prevent spoilage and maintain texture.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for sweetened condensed milk due to texture changes upon thawing.
Evaporated milk can be frozen but may separate; stirring well after thawing can help restore texture.

Usage

Always shake or stir canned evaporated milk before using to mix separated components for a smooth texture.
Homemade sweetened condensed milk will typically have a thinner texture; consider reducing liquids elsewhere in the recipe if texture is critical.