Out of Evaporated milk, one case
Vegan evaporated milk substitutes
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Full-fat coconut milk
Same amount as the evaporated milk
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.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- vegan baking
One casethe full evaporated milk card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of evaporated milk | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Full-fat coconut milkvegan baking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Cashew creamvegan baking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Oat milk (reduced)neutral flavor recipes | 2 cups oat milk per 1 cup evaporated milkTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Almond milk + coconut creambalanced recipes | ¾ cup almond milk + ¼ cup coconut cream per 1 cup evaporated milk | No verdict on record |
| 5 | Soy milk (reduced)high-protein recipes | 2 cups soy milk per 1 cup evaporated milkTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Rice milk + coconut oilnut-free recipes | 1 cup rice milk + 1 tbsp coconut oil per 1 cup evaporated milk | No verdict on record |
Full-fat coconut milk
different taste, similar texture
Good vegan substitute with similar creaminess and richness. The natural fat content provides the right texture and mouthfeel for most recipes.
- Best for
- vegan baking, dairy-free cooking, tropical flavors, all recipes, pumpkin pie, sauces
Use full-fat coconut milk and shake well before using. May add subtle coconut flavor that works well in many recipes.
Cashew cream
neutral taste, similar texture
Rich, creamy substitute made from soaked cashews. Provides excellent creaminess and neutral flavor that works in both sweet and savory recipes.
- Best for
- vegan baking, savory dishes, when you want neutral flavor, sauces, soups
Soak 1 cup raw cashews in water for 4+ hours, then blend with ½ cup water until smooth. Strain if needed for extra smoothness.
Oat milk (reduced)
neutral taste, similar texture
Reduce oat milk by half to create evaporated milk consistency. Good for recipes where you want minimal flavor impact.
- Best for
- neutral flavor recipes, baking, when you don't want coconut flavor, light 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
slightly nutty · similar texture
Combine almond milk with coconut cream for balanced richness. Provides good creaminess without being too heavy.
- Best for
- balanced recipes, when you want moderate richness, baking, cooking
Mix well before using. The coconut cream adds richness while almond milk provides the base liquid.
Soy milk (reduced)
neutral taste, similar texture
Reduce soy milk by half for evaporated milk consistency. Good protein content and neutral flavor make it versatile.
- Best for
- high-protein recipes, neutral flavor, baking, when you want soy-based
Use unsweetened soy milk. Simmer until reduced by half, stirring frequently. Cool before using.
Rice milk + coconut oil
slightly sweet · similar texture
Combine rice milk with coconut oil to add richness. Good for those avoiding nuts and soy.
- Best for
- nut-free recipes, soy-free options, light dishes, when avoiding allergens
Melt coconut oil in rice milk and whisk to combine. Use immediately for best results.
How it behaves in this recipe
Vegan evaporated milk substitutes need to provide the same creaminess and richness as dairy evaporated milk while being completely plant-based. The key is finding alternatives with sufficient fat content and the right texture to replicate evaporated milk's role in recipes.
Tips for substituting evaporated milk
10 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
Notes on evaporated milk
- For extra richness, use coconut cream instead of coconut milk
- For neutral flavor, try cashew cream or reduced oat milk
- For nut-free options, use coconut milk or rice milk with coconut oil
- For soy-free options, use coconut milk or cashew cream
- For homemade evaporated milk, reduce any plant milk by half
- For baking, coconut milk provides the best structure and moisture
Questions
6 questionsWhat'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 (¾ cup almond milk + ¼ 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 ½ 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.