How to Make Your Own Evaporated Milk at Home
Ditch the cans and make this simple DIY evaporated milk for baking and cooking. Ever get halfway through a recipe and realize you need evaporated milk? No need to worry—making your own is easier than you might think! With the Smith Brothers milk already in your fridge, you can create a high-quality version of this pantry staple right on your stovetop.
What Is Evaporated Milk?
Evaporated milk is exactly what it sounds like: milk that’s been simmered until about 60% of its water content evaporates, resulting in a creamier, thicker milk with a slightly caramelized flavor. It’s a key ingredient in creamy soups, casseroles, custards, and desserts like pumpkin pie or tres leches cake.
Yields approximately 2 cups (16 oz) of evaporated milk.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of Smith Brothers whole milk (or 2%, but whole gives the richest flavor)
Instructions:
- Heat milk over medium heat in a wide, heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent scorching. The wider the pan, the faster the water will evaporate.
- Bring to a gentle simmer—don't let it boil or it may separate.
- As soon as it begins to simmer, reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered, stirring frequently, for 25–40 minutes.
- Continue simmering and stirring milk until the volume is reduced by about half.
- If a skin forms or any solids are left behind, strain through a fine mesh strainer.
- Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to one week.
That's it! Now you can have evaporated milk made with the freshest milk in town.
What If I need Sweetened Condensed Milk?
To make sweetened condensed milk, use the same process as above, but add 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar to the 4 cups of milk before simmering. Again, keep the heat low to avoid scalding the milk or burning the sugar. Easy as (key lime) pie!
