Mexican Evaporated Milk Recipes

You’re going to love these Mexican Evaporated Milk Recipes. There are many yummy dishes that start with a can of this pantry staple.

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You’ll be surprised what you can whip up with this wonderful ingredient straight from your cupboard.

A collage showing Mexican evaporated milk recipes.

But first…

Table of Contents

1 What is it?
2 How to Make It?
3 Substitution:
4 Evaporated milk vs Condensed milk
5 How to Use It?
6 Recipe Ideas
7 Hungry for More?
- - - 7.0.0.1 Maggie Unzueta

What is it?

Evaporated Milk is milk that has been reduced down and has a longer shelf life.

It was invented by chefs who wanted to extend the life of milk during Transatlantic trips.

The texture is thin, slightly creamy. It tastes a little sweeter than milk. You’ll see it used in many traditional Mexican recipes like Jericalla, Atole de Guayaba, and Atole de Arroz.

A stock pot with milk inside on a stove.

How to Make It?

Add milk to a medium-sized stock pot.
Cook for 25 minutes.
Stir to keep it from boiling.

Evaporated milk is basically milk that had the water evaporated out of it. You can use it in just about any recipe that calls for milk. Yes, even cereal.

Substitution:

A good substitute for evaporated milk is vanilla-flavored soy milk or almond milk.
Use ¾ of however much evaporated milk is needed.

A hand holding a can of Carnation Evaporated Milk in a kitchen.

Evaporated milk vs Condensed milk

Condensed milk is basically evaporated milk with sugar.
If a recipe calls for evaporated milk, you can NOT substitute it with condensed milk. You can, however, substitute condensed milk with evaporated milk plus sugar.

How to Use It?

Some people will add water back to the evaporated milk, mix, and then use it as regular milk.
Or, just use it as.

Recipe Ideas

Mexican Evaporated Milk recipes are not all desserts. They range from sweet to savory. There’s a sweetness and creaminess in this simple pantry staple that just can’t be beat.

Check out these Mexican Evaporated Milk Recipes. There’s something for everyone!

Pastel de Tres Leches (or Mexican Three Milk Cake) on a white plate topped with whipped cream and raspberries.

Of all the Mexican Evaporated Milk Recipe, this one goes straight to the top. Pastel de Tres Leches (or Mexican Three Milk Cake) is a sweet, moist, sheet cake.

Evaporated milk is one of the three milks that makes up this decadent dessert.

Top with whipped cream and fresh fruit and ENJOY!

A slice of flan on a white plate drizzled with caramel sauce.

Mexican Flan never fails to impress. Rich, creamy, and decadent. That caramel sauce will make you swoon.

Camarones en Crema Chipotle in a black iron skillet topped with slices of yellow lemon and surrounded by a blue kitchen towel and green cilantro.

Camarones en Crema Chipotle is a YUMMY dish made of juicy shrimp in a creamy chipotle sauce. It’ll make you want to lick your plate clean!

Pan de elote stacked on a white plate and topped with a dab of butter.

Pan de Elote is a soft, moist corn cake. It’s Mexico’s version of corn bread. For breakfast or dessert, this cake is always a welcomed treat.

Mexican Sweet Bread Conchas in a decorative and colorful tablecloth.

Mexican Conchas is Mexican Sweet Bread at its best. Soft, tender, moist bread with a sugary topping shaped like a seashell.

Chicken in Creamy Poblano Sauce on a white plate topped with corn kernels and surrounded by rice and broccoli.

Chicken Poblano is a delicious dinner idea that will make you feel like you’re dining at a fancy restaurant. The perfect recipe to make any day of the week.

two glasses of Agua de Plátano, or Banana Agua Fresca, garnished with slices of banana

Agua de Platano (or Banana Agua Fresca) is a sweet and refreshing drink. Sure to hit the spot on warm days.

Carlota de Limon with slice of lime and fork

Carlota de Limon is a rich and delicious, Mexican icebox cake. Layers and layers of cookies and a creamy, lime sauce. The best of the best of decadent desserts.

Arroz con Leche served in bowls and topped with powdered cinnamon.

Arroz con Leche is the ultimate sweet tooth fix. A rich and creamy Mexican dessert made in one pot that will leave your belly satisfied but always wanting more..

Roasted Poblano and Corn Soup in a white plate surrounded by cilantro.

Roasted Poblano Corn Soup is thick and hearty. Creamy and 100% delicious with each spoonful.

Pumpkin Arroz con Leche served in a glass cup topped with raisins and a cinnamon stick to the side.

Pumpkin Arroz con Leche is a creamy and decadent dessert. So yummy and so delicious. Be sure to make a big batch. It’ll be gone in flash!

A Carlota de Fresa trifle with a wooden fence and green branch in the background.

Carlota de Fresa is an incredibly yummy Mexican dessert. It consists of layers of cookies with a creamy sauce and fresh strawberries.

Hungry for More?

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Maggie Unzueta

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Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.