🥛 Dairy

Vegan Evaporated Milk Substitutes: Best Alternatives

Discover the best vegan and dairy-free substitutes for evaporated milk. Find plant-based alternatives that work perfectly in any recipe.

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Quick Answer

The best vegan evaporated milk substitutes are full-fat coconut milk (1:1), cashew cream (1:1), and oat milk reduced by half. Coconut milk provides the closest texture and richness to evaporated milk.

Best Substitutes

Full-Fat Coconut Milk

1:1

Perfect vegan substitute with similar creaminess and richness. The natural fat content provides the right texture and mouthfeel for most recipes.

Best for:

vegan bakingdairy-free cookingtropical flavorsall recipespumpkin piesauces

Use full-fat coconut milk and shake well before using. May add subtle coconut flavor that works well in many recipes.

Cashew Cream

1:1

Rich, creamy substitute made from soaked cashews. Provides excellent creaminess and neutral flavor that works in both sweet and savory recipes.

Best for:

vegan bakingsavory disheswhen you want neutral flavorsaucessoups

Soak 1 cup raw cashews in water for 4+ hours, then blend with 1/2 cup water until smooth. Strain if needed for extra smoothness.

Oat Milk (Reduced)

2 cups oat milk = 1 cup evaporated milk

Reduce oat milk by half to create evaporated milk consistency. Good for recipes where you want minimal flavor impact.

Best for:

neutral flavor recipesbakingwhen you don't want coconut flavorlight dishes

Simmer 2 cups oat milk until reduced to 1 cup. Use barista-style oat milk for best results. Stir frequently to prevent scorching.

Almond Milk + Coconut Cream

3/4 cup almond milk + 1/4 cup coconut cream = 1 cup evaporated milk

Combine almond milk with coconut cream for balanced richness. Provides good creaminess without being too heavy.

Best for:

balanced recipeswhen you want moderate richnessbakingcooking

Mix well before using. The coconut cream adds richness while almond milk provides the base liquid.

Soy Milk (Reduced)

2 cups soy milk = 1 cup evaporated milk

Reduce soy milk by half for evaporated milk consistency. Good protein content and neutral flavor make it versatile.

Best for:

high-protein recipesneutral flavorbakingwhen you want soy-based

Use unsweetened soy milk. Simmer until reduced by half, stirring frequently. Cool before using.

Rice Milk + Coconut Oil

1 cup rice milk + 1 tbsp coconut oil = 1 cup evaporated milk

Combine rice milk with coconut oil to add richness. Good for those avoiding nuts and soy.

Best for:

nut-free recipessoy-free optionslight disheswhen avoiding allergens

Melt coconut oil in rice milk and whisk to combine. Use immediately for best results.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡For the most authentic results, use full-fat coconut milk - it's the closest to evaporated milk
  • 💡Cashew cream works best in savory dishes where you want neutral flavor
  • 💡Always shake coconut milk well before using to ensure proper consistency
  • 💡For baking, coconut milk provides the best structure and richness
  • 💡Oat milk reduced by half works well when you want minimal flavor impact
  • 💡Soak cashews for at least 4 hours for the smoothest cashew cream
  • 💡For extra smoothness, strain cashew cream through a fine mesh sieve
  • 💡When reducing plant milks, use medium-low heat and stir frequently
  • 💡Store homemade cashew cream in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
  • 💡For pumpkin pie, coconut milk adds a nice tropical note that complements the spices

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best vegan substitute for evaporated milk?

Full-fat coconut milk is the best vegan substitute. It provides similar creaminess and richness to evaporated milk and works well in most recipes.

Can I use almond milk instead of evaporated milk?

Regular almond milk is too thin. You can reduce it by half or mix it with coconut cream (3/4 cup almond milk + 1/4 cup coconut cream) for better results.

How do I make cashew cream for evaporated milk?

Soak 1 cup raw cashews in water for 4+ hours, then blend with 1/2 cup water until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve for extra smoothness.

Can I use oat milk as evaporated milk substitute?

Yes, but you need to reduce it first. Simmer 2 cups oat milk until reduced to 1 cup. Use barista-style oat milk for best results.

What's a nut-free substitute for evaporated milk?

Coconut milk is the best nut-free option. You can also use rice milk mixed with coconut oil (1 cup rice milk + 1 tbsp coconut oil).

Will vegan substitutes change the taste of my recipe?

Coconut milk may add a subtle tropical note. Cashew cream and reduced oat milk are more neutral. Choose based on whether you want flavor impact or not.

Summary

Find the best vegan evaporated milk substitutes. Discover dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk, cashew cream, and oat milk that work perfectly in any recipe.