You’re going to love these Mexican Evaporated Milk Recipes. There are many yummy dishes that start with a can of this pantry staple.
This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
You’ll be surprised what you can whip up with this wonderful ingredient straight from your cupboard.

But first…
Table of Contents
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.
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.
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!
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!
Mexican Flan never fails to impress. Rich, creamy, and decadent. That caramel sauce will make you swoon.
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 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 Conchas is Mexican Sweet Bread at its best. Soft, tender, moist bread with a sugary topping shaped like a seashell.
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.
Agua de Platano (or Banana Agua Fresca) is a sweet and refreshing drink. Sure to hit the spot on warm days.
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 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 Corn Soup is thick and hearty. Creamy and 100% delicious with each spoonful.
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!
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?
Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter for my latest recipes and videos.
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.
Was fresh milk not readily available in Mexico?
Yes and no. You will also see boxed milk.
Mmm, evaporated milk is a childhood staple. I am going to have to try some of these. I have some in my pantry.
Childhood staple for me too. Hope you give one or all of these recipes a try! 🙂
Everything looks so amazing. I love Mexican foods, so I bet these are delicious. I can’t wait to try them.
Mexican food is the best! Glad you liked this recipe.
Looking at all these photos has made me hungry! I want to try them all.
Thanks. I hope you do. They are all great. 🙂
Thank you so much for this post. I had no idea that I could make my own evaporated milk and OMG, arroz con Leche is my favorite thing in the world. Gracias!
De nada! Hope you try this recipe!
All of these recipes looks so, SO good. Will bookmark and try to make these! Do you have a fav?
Yes! The tres leches cake is probably my fave. So yummy!
I found out a lot of interesting things from this post! Thanks for sharing these info about the evaporated milk.
Glad you liked it! hope you try it!
These are useful recipes to have while we are staying isolated at home and we can keep evaporated milk in the pantry. This collection of recipes sound great!
Glad you liked them! They are really useful.
Hmmm yum! These recipes all look sooooo delicious and mouth watering! I can’t wait to try each one of them. And I’m sure my wife will love this list, too!
Glad you liked them! Hope you try them all!
I have NEVER used evaporated milk before in my life, weird right!
Hope you try it! It’s really good.
Thanks for sharing this recipe. Always nice to know how to make things from scratch. Looking forward to giving this a try especially if I don’t have any evaporated milk on hand.
Hope you try it. It’s awesome
All of these look scrumptious! I don’t think I’ve ever tried any, so I’m excited to try them out.
Give them a try! You”ll love it!
We have a lot of these recipes at our home regularly. My kids can never wait to get their hands on conchas, but I’ve had to buy them since I didn’t have a recipe. Thank you for sharing!
Glad you liked it. It’s really good
What an amazing sounding range of things to make with evaporated milk – I would love to tuck into a slice of cake at the moment, delicious!
That sounds amazing!
I learned a lot from this about evaporated milk and recipes. I know the drinks and cakes and other recipes will be the new favorite for so many.
Glad you like them! Hope you try them