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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

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.