What is evaporated milk: How to make it and use it in delicious recipes

Milk is widely consumed in different cultures across the world — from lassi in India to café con leche in Spain, and from American milkshakes to Turkish ayran. Its versatility makes it a staple in kitchens globally. But one often-overlooked form of milk is evaporated milk, a creamy, shelf-stable version that's quietly powerful in the kitchen.

Evaporated milk is made by slowly heating regular milk to remove about 60% of its water content. This process gives it a slightly caramelized flavor and a creamier, thicker texture than fresh milk, without the sweetness of condensed milk. Commonly sold in cans, evaporated milk is a popular ingredient in recipes that call for a rich consistency, such as soups, sauces, custards, and baked goods. It also serves as a lighter alternative to heavy cream and can be reconstituted with water to replace regular milk. The best part? You can easily make it at home with just one ingredient and a little patience.


How to make evaporated milk at home
Making evaporated milk at home is simple and budget-friendly. All you need is whole milk and a bit of time:
Ingredients:

4 cups (1 liter) of whole milk

Steps:

• Pour the milk into a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
• Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
• Continue simmering until the volume reduces by about 60% (you should be left with around 1 ½ cups).
• Let it cool, then store in a clean jar in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Homemade evaporated milk will have the same thickness and slightly toasted flavor as store-bought versions, making it great for cooking.


Best ways to use evaporated milk in recipes
Evaporated milk adds richness and body to dishes without the fat content of cream. Here’s how to use it:

• Soups & Sauces: Stir into creamy tomato soup, white sauce, or chowders for smooth texture and depth.
• Custards & Puddings: Essential in flan, bread pudding, and pumpkin pie filling for a silky finish.
• Mashed Potatoes: Use instead of milk for ultra-creamy mashed potatoes.
• Coffee & Tea: A splash makes your beverage richer than regular milk.
• Baking: Perfect in cakes, fudge, or tres leches cake where moisture and richness are key.