What Desserts Can You Make with Evaporated Milk?

Evaporated milk is a pantry staple that can help you create many delicious desserts. It’s a concentrated milk product with about 60% of the water removed, giving it a thicker consistency and richer flavor than regular milk. This versatile ingredient can be used in various sweets, from creamy puddings to decadent cakes. Let’s dive into what desserts you can make with evaporated milk.

1. Classic Rice Pudding

Rice pudding is a comforting and easy-to-make dessert that uses simple ingredients. Evaporated milk makes the pudding creamier and richer.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of white rice
• 2 cups of water
• 1 can of evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• Ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine rice and water. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until the rice is tender, about 15 minutes.
2. Stir in the evaporated milk, sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency, about 10-15 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract.
4. Serve warm or chilled, sprinkled with cinnamon for extra flavor.

This rice pudding is rich, creamy, and comforting, perfect for any time of the year.

2. Evaporated Milk Fudge

Fudge is a beloved treat for its smooth texture and sweet flavor. Using evaporated milk gives the fudge a silky consistency that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of evaporated milk
• 3 cups of sugar
• 1/2 cup of butter
• 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar, and butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
2. Once it boils, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, continuing to stir.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish and let it cool completely before cutting it into squares.

This fudge is smooth, rich, and indulgent, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

3. Caramel Flan (Crème Caramel)

Flan, also known as crème caramel, is a delicious custard dessert topped with a layer of caramel. Evaporated milk makes the custard smooth and creamy.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of evaporated milk
• 1 cup of whole milk
• 3/4 cup of sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup of sugar (for caramel)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of sugar over medium heat until it turns golden brown. Carefully pour the hot caramel into the bottom of individual ramekins or a large baking dish.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, evaporated milk, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the caramel in the ramekins.
5. Place the ramekins in a baking dish and pour hot water into the dish to create a water bath.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the flan is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the flan cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. To serve, run a knife around the edge and invert the ramekin onto a plate.

The silky smooth custard and sweet caramel topping make this dessert irresistible.

4. Pumpkin Pie

Evaporated milk is a key ingredient in making a creamy and smooth pumpkin pie. The richness of evaporated milk complements the spices in the pie perfectly.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of evaporated milk
• 1 can of pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup of sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• A pinch of salt
• 1 pre-made pie crust

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
3. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the pie crust.
4. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set.
5. Let the pie cool before serving. Top with whipped cream if desired.

This pumpkin pie is rich, spiced, and perfect for fall gatherings or any occasion.

5. Evaporated Milk Ice Cream

Homemade ice cream with evaporated milk is incredibly creamy and easy to make without the need for an ice cream maker.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of evaporated milk
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 3/4 cup of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine evaporated milk, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Whisk until the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Pour the mixture into a shallow container and cover it with plastic wrap.
4. Freeze for about 4-6 hours, stirring every 30 minutes during the first 2 hours to prevent ice crystals from forming.
5. Once the ice cream is frozen and creamy, scoop and serve.

This homemade ice cream is rich, smooth, and perfect for a hot summer day or anytime you need a sweet treat.

6. Sweetened Condensed Milk Cheesecake

While this dessert traditionally uses sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk can be used to lighten it while still giving it that creamy texture.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of evaporated milk
• 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup of melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter together and press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan to form the crust.
3. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in the evaporated milk and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined.
6. Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly golden.
7. Let the cheesecake cool and refrigerate for a few hours before serving.

This cheesecake is creamy and has just the right balance of sweetness and tanginess.

7. Tres Leches Cake

Tres Leches cake is a rich, moist cake soaked in three types of milk, including evaporated milk. It’s a favorite Latin dessert that’s perfect for celebrations.

Ingredients:

• 1 box of white cake mix
• 1 can of evaporated milk
• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1 cup of whipped cream (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the cake mix according to the instructions on the box and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan.
2. Once the cake is baked and cooled, use a fork to poke holes all over the surface.
3. In a bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the milk mixture over the cake, making sure it soaks in.
5. Refrigerate the cake for a few hours to let the flavors meld together.
6. Top with whipped cream before serving.

This cake is incredibly moist and creamy, making it an unforgettable dessert.

8. Coconut Cream Pie

Evaporated milk helps to create the rich custard filling in a coconut cream pie. The coconut flavor adds an extra layer of sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 1 pre-baked pie crust
• 1 can of evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1/4 cup of cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 cup of shredded coconut
• Whipped cream for topping

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and evaporated milk.
2. Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually add a little of the hot milk mixture to temper the eggs, then pour it back into the saucepan.
4. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until thickened, then stir in the vanilla extract and shredded coconut.
5. Pour the custard into the pre-baked pie crust and let it cool before refrigerating for at least 3 hours.
6. Top with whipped cream before serving.

This coconut cream pie is creamy, coconutty, and a perfect dessert for coconut lovers.

Conclusion

Evaporated milk is a fantastic ingredient to use in desserts. Its rich, creamy texture helps create indulgent sweets like rice pudding, fudge, flan, pumpkin pie, ice cream, and more. Whether you’re making a classic treat or trying something new, evaporated milk can elevate the flavor and consistency of your dessert. With these ideas, you’re sure to find a delicious dessert to make with evaporated milk for any occasion.

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