Can You Use Evaporated Milk In Coffee? Discover How!

Have you ever opened the fridge, reached for the milk, and realized… it’s gone? That happened to me one morning just as I was about to make my daily cup of coffee.

I searched every corner of my kitchen and found nothing but a long-forgotten can of evaporated milk in the pantry.

Not quite the milk I was expecting, but I thought, why not give it a try? Surprisingly, it worked out better than I expected—creamy, rich, and honestly, a game-changer!

In this post, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned about using evaporated milk in coffee, from how it tastes and its nutritional benefits to some fun coffee recipes you can try with it. So let’s start brewing!

Evaporated Milk Vs. Condensed Milk Vs. Regular Milk In Coffee

Factor	Evaporated Milk	Condensed Milk	Regular Milk
Sweetness	Mildly sweet due to reduced water content.	It is very sweet, as it contains added sugar.	No inherent sweetness unless sugar is added.
Texture	Creamier and thicker than regular milk.	Much thicker and richer than evaporated milk.	Ranges from thin (skim milk) to creamy (whole milk).
Flavor Impact	Adds a subtle, caramel-like flavor.	Imparts a significant sweet, creamy taste.	Generally does not alter the coffee’s flavor profile significantly.
Caloric Content	Higher than regular milk due to concentration.	Very high due to added sugar and concentration.	Varies from low (skim milk) to moderate (whole milk).
Usage in Coffee	Ideal for a creamy texture without excessive sweetness.	Best for sweet, dessert-like coffee beverages.	Versatile; can be used in any type of coffee.
Dilution Effect	Less dilution of coffee due to thickness.	Least dilutive, with a very thick consistency.	Can dilute coffee depending on fat content and quantity used.
Storage and Shelf Life	Long shelf life, can be stored at room temperature before opening.	Similar long shelf life, room temperature storage before opening.	Requires refrigeration and shorter shelf life.
Health Considerations	Higher in calories and fat than regular milk.	High in sugar and calories.	Healthier options available like skim or low-fat milk.

What Is Evaporated Milk?

Evaporated milk is essentially regular milk with about 60% of the water content removed. Its creamy, slightly sweet flavor makes it a great option for adding richness to your drinks or cooking.

I first started using it in coffee after running out of regular milk, and to my surprise, it added an extra layer of creaminess that I hadn’t expected. It’s much richer than the standard milk you might pour into your coffee.

And its shelf-stable nature is a big plus if you don’t have fresh milk on hand.

Nutritional Breakdown: Making an Informed Choice

I created the table comparing the nutritional breakdown for evaporated, whole, condensed, and skim milk. Use this to help you decide what you prefer:

Nutritional Component	Evaporated Milk (per 2 tbsp)	Whole Milk (per 2 tbsp)	Condensed Milk (per 2 tbsp)	Skim Milk (per 2 tbsp)
Calories	40 kcal	20 kcal	130 kcal	10 kcal
Fat	2 g	1 g	3 g	0 g
Carbohydrates	3 g	1 g	22 g	1 g
Protein	2 g	1 g	3 g	1 g
Sugar	3 g	1 g	22 g	1 g
Calcium	10% DV	6% DV	8% DV	6% DV

Recipe Ideas: Crafting Coffee Magic with Evaporated Milk

I’ve played around with it a lot in different recipes, and here are a few of my favorite ways to use evaporated milk in coffee:

1 – Classic Evaporated Milk Latte

A simple latte made with evaporated milk can transform your daily cup. Just brew a strong shot of espresso or your favorite dark roast coffee and heat up some evaporated milk.

Then, froth it up a bit to add some texture, and pour it into your coffee. The result is a creamy, full-bodied latte with a richer flavor than your typical latte.

2 – Vietnamese Iced Coffee

This is a personal favorite for hot days. Vietnamese iced coffee with evaporated milk is bold, sweet and enjoyable.

Just brew a strong cup of dark roast coffee, pour it over ice, and mix in a generous splash of sweetened condensed milk. Then top it off with a little evaporated milk for extra creaminess.

3 – Creamy Cappuccino

To make a creamy cappuccino with evaporated milk, brew an espresso and steam it until it’s light and frothy. The evaporated milk makes the cappuccino foam a bit thicker, which I absolutely love.

4 – Spiced Coffee Delight

If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to your coffee before mixing in the evaporated milk. It gives the coffee a warm, comforting flavor with a slightly sweet and creamy finish.

Practical Tips: Using Evaporated Milk in Coffee

I’ve come across some unique tips that really make a difference. So here are three of my favorite ones:

1 – Warm It Up for a Richer Taste

I’ve found that warming up the evaporated milk before adding it to coffee makes it more flavorful. Just a few seconds in the microwave or on the stovetop will do.

Not only does it blend more smoothly into the coffee, but it also gives your drink a creamier texture.

2 – Use It as a Sweetener Choice

If you’re someone who likes your coffee sweet but wants to cut back on sugar, then evaporated milk can help. Because it has a naturally slightly sweet flavor. I’ve noticed it reduces the need for added sugar or syrups.

3 – Try It in Iced Coffee for Creaminess Without Dilution

One of my favorite uses for evaporated milk is in iced coffee. Since it’s thicker than regular milk, it doesn’t water down the coffee as much when it hits the ice. This keeps the flavor strong while adding creaminess to each sip.

How To Make Evaporated Milk At Home?

I’ve done this a few times when I was in a pinch, and it really saves the day. Plus, homemade evaporated milk gives you the freedom to choose the type of milk you prefer, whether it’s dairy or non-dairy.

Here’s how to make evaporated milk at home:

1 – Start with Milk: You’ll need 2 cups of regular milk (or a non-dairy alternative if you prefer). Whole milk works best for that creamy consistency, but you can also use low-fat or even skim milk if that’s what you have available.

2 – Simmer the Milk: Pour the milk into a wide, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat it over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Keep it at a low simmer—this is where the magic happens. You’ll want to stir it occasionally to prevent a skin from forming on the top or the milk from scorching on the bottom.

3 – Reduce the Volume: As the milk simmers, you’ll need to reduce it by about half. This usually takes around 25-30 minutes. Patience is key here—you don’t want to rush the process by cranking up the heat. Keep an eye on it, stirring gently every so often.

4 – Cool and Store: Once your milk has reduced and thickened up, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. You’ll notice the texture becomes richer, resembling store-bought evaporated milk. Once it’s cooled, you can transfer it to a jar or airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to a week.

Tip:

If you’re using a non-dairy milk like almond or oat, the process is the same, but keep in mind that some non-dairy options may take longer to reduce because they have a thinner consistency.

That’s it! Making evaporated milk at home is pretty straightforward, and it’s a useful trick when you need that creamy touch for your recipes or morning coffee.

Last Thoughts

To wrap things up, using evaporated milk in coffee can add a rich, creamy texture that betters your coffee to a whole new level. Whether you’re making a latte, experimenting with a new recipe, or just swapping it for regular milk, there’s plenty of room to play around and find what works best for you.

If you’ve tried it yourself or have some tips and tricks for using evaporated milk in coffee, I’d love to hear about it! Feel free to drop a comment below and share your experiences! And with that voilà!