Can You Buy Plant-Based Evaporated Milk?
Yes, you can find plant-based evaporated milk in many grocery and specialty food stores, though availability can vary. Brands like Nature's Charm produce shelf-stable, canned evaporated milk using a base of coconut or oat milk. These products are formulated specifically to mimic the texture and richness of traditional evaporated milk, making them a convenient, ready-made option for all your cooking and baking needs. Check the baking or international food aisle of your supermarket, as well as online retailers, for brands offering evaporated coconut, oat, or almond milk alternatives.
The Simple Way: Make Your Own Plant-Based Evaporated Milk at Home
Making your own plant-based evaporated milk is a straightforward process requiring just one main ingredient: a plant-based milk of your choice. The principle is the same as with dairy milk—you simply simmer the liquid until the water content reduces, leaving a thicker, creamier product.
Instructions:
- Start with a larger quantity of your chosen plant milk. A good ratio is to use about 3 cups of plant-based milk to yield roughly 1½ cups of evaporated milk.
- Pour the milk into a saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring the milk to a simmer, but do not let it come to a full, rolling boil, as this can cause it to separate.
- Continue to simmer for 30–45 minutes, or until the volume has reduced by about half, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
- Once reduced, remove from heat and let it cool. It will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.
- For a perfectly smooth finish, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any film that may have formed on the surface.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Which Plant Milk is Best for Making Evaporated Milk?
Choosing the right plant-based milk is crucial for achieving the desired consistency and flavor. Higher-fat options will yield a richer, creamier result, while lower-fat options may require additional thickening.
- Coconut Milk: Canned, full-fat coconut milk is one of the easiest and richest options available. It has a similar thickness to evaporated milk, often allowing for a 1:1 substitution without any reduction. The main consideration is the coconut flavor, which works well in many desserts and savory dishes but might not be suitable for all recipes.
- Soy Milk: A great all-purpose choice, soy milk reduces well and has a neutral flavor profile that can be used in both sweet and savory recipes. Its protein content is higher than many other plant milks, which contributes to a nice, creamy texture.
- Oat Milk: Especially barista-style oat milk, works well due to its creamy consistency. It reduces nicely and offers a naturally sweet flavor. It's important to use a store-bought version, as homemade oat milk can become slimy when heated.
- Almond Milk: While a popular choice, almond milk is thinner and lower in fat. It can be reduced to create a thinner evaporated milk substitute, but for a richer texture, a different plant milk might be preferable.
Comparison: Choosing Your Plant-Based Evaporated Milk
| Feature | Store-Bought (Coconut/Oat-based) | Homemade (Soy-based) | Homemade (Coconut-based) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Convenience | High (Ready-to-use) | Low (Requires cooking) | Low (Requires cooking) |
| Flavor | May have a distinct coconut or oat flavor | Neutral and versatile | Strong coconut flavor |
| Texture | Creamy, consistent, similar to dairy evaporated milk | Creamy, can be slightly less thick | Very thick and rich |
| Cost | Typically more expensive | Cost-effective | Can be slightly more expensive than soy |
| Ingredients | Pre-formulated, may include thickeners/stabilizers | Single ingredient (plant milk) | Single ingredient (plant milk) |
| Best for | Quick recipes, reliable results | Versatile use in both sweet and savory dishes | Recipes where coconut flavor is welcome (curries, tropical desserts) |
How to Use Plant-Based Evaporated Milk
Once you have your plant-based evaporated milk—either store-bought or homemade—it can be used as a 1:1 replacement in most recipes. It's excellent for adding richness and creaminess to a variety of dishes, including:
- Desserts: Pumpkin pie, fudge, puddings, tres leches cake, and creamy custards.
- Savory Dishes: Creamy soups, sauces, casseroles, and gratins.
- Beverages: As a creamer for coffee or in hot chocolate.
Can you use canned coconut milk straight from the can?
For many recipes, especially rich desserts and savory curries, full-fat canned coconut milk can be used straight from the can as a 1:1 substitute for evaporated milk. However, for a more neutral flavor or a slightly thinner consistency, you might consider using a reduced version or another plant-based milk. The fat content of canned coconut milk is high, so it's a good alternative for achieving a thick, creamy texture.
Conclusion
The quest for a plant-based evaporated milk is a successful one, with two main paths to a creamy, dairy-free result. The simplest option is to purchase a pre-made product from a specialty brand, offering ultimate convenience. For a more economical and customizable approach, making your own at home by reducing a plant-based milk like soy or oat is highly effective. With a variety of milk alternatives available, from rich coconut to neutral soy, you can confidently replace traditional evaporated milk in nearly any recipe, ensuring delicious, dairy-free results every time.
Visit a resource for homemade vegan recipes, such as Namely Marly, for more ideas.
