Evaporated Milk Substitute: 2 Best Replacements

Evaporated milk is unsweetened concentrated milk for creamy soups, sauces, and pumpkin pie. Whether you ran out mid-recipe or need a dietary swap, here are the best substitutes for evaporated milk, with exact amounts.

1

Milk, simmered down

Use: 2 1/4 cups milk simmered to 1 cup for 1 cup evaporated milk

Simmer gently ~25 minutes, stirring.

Same thing, made fresh.

vegetariangluten-free
2

Half-and-half

Use: 1:1 for 1 cup evaporated milk

Swap directly.

Thinner but works in most recipes.

vegetariangluten-free

Frequently asked questions

What is the best substitute for evaporated milk?

The best all-round substitute is Milk, simmered down: use 2 1/4 cups milk simmered to 1 cup for 1 cup evaporated milk. Simmer gently ~25 minutes, stirring. Same thing, made fresh.

Can I use half-and-half instead of evaporated milk?

Yes. Use 1:1 for 1 cup evaporated milk. Swap directly. Thinner but works in most recipes.

What is a gluten-free substitute for evaporated milk?

Gluten-free options: Milk, simmered down, Half-and-half.

More ingredient substitutes

Missing something else? Search all 48 ingredients in the substitute finder.