You'll never waste a can again.
Is it just us, or is it really annoying when a recipe calls for only, say, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste or 1 cup of coconut milk, leaving you with the task of figuring out what to do with (and how to store!) the rest of the can? In our book, one of the worst leftover ingredients is evaporated milk. We weren’t always even sure what it is, much less what to do with it... but no more! We’ve got all the info you need, plus 17 recipes for you here that are perfect for using up that leftover can, from desserts to drinks, plus a few savory options (mmm, ).
First things first—what is evaporated milk? Evaporated milk was invented in the late 1800s as a way to turn milk shelf-stable. Heating (or evaporating) milk kills spoilage-causing bacteria, as well as reduces its weight, making it easier to can and store. The resulting product is a little thicker and creamier than milk, and can largely be used interchangeably in cooking. Heads up: Though the cans often look similar and the names are nearly identical, evaporated milk and condensed milk are not the same thing. Condensed milk is evaporated milk that has had a lot of sugar added to it, i.e., not the thing you want to accidentally add to your mac & cheese.
Speaking of mac & cheese, our Crockpot version isn’t the only thing you can use evaporated milk in. If you’re looking for more recipes that lean savory, check out our chicken pot pie buns or our whole wheat sandwich bread (a great place to start if you’re new to bread baking). Craving something a little sweeter? Our orange sherbet, our fantasy fudge, our butter mochi, or our pecan pralines are for you.
Want even more dessert inspiration? Check out our best no-bake desserts, our favorite mini desserts, and our top dessert co*cktails too.
1
Fantasy Fudge
Fantasy fudge is a shortcut fudge that is just as good as the real thing. Our two favorite things about it are that, 1) it's quick to make, and 2) it's totally customizable! Not only can you use any chocolate you like, but you can also choose whatever mix-ins you want.
Get the Fantasy Fudge recipe.
2
Chicken Pot Pie Buns
This recipe combines everything you love about Chinese steamed buns with the cozy vibes of American chicken pot pie. They're the perfect comfort food snack.
Get the Chicken Pot Pie Buns recipe.
3
Tres Leches Cake
A tres leches (which means "three milks" in Spanish) cake is a sponge cake that contains three different types of milks to make it extra moist and tasty. It's basically the original poke cake, and you're going to be obsessed.
Get the Tres Leches Cake recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
4
Milk Bread
When it comes to sandwich breads, the milk bread reigns supreme. A common sight in Asian bakeries everywhere, it's the epitome of white bread: A humble, golden crust gives way to an interior crumb that is simultaneously soft and toothsome, pillowy with a slight chew.
Get the Milk Bread recipe.
5
Orange Sherbert
If sorbet and ice cream had a love affair, it would be sherbet. All you need are 5 ingredients and a few hours for this Creamsicle-inspired version. Top it with whipped cream for the perfect light and refreshing summer dessert.
Get the Orange Sherbert recipe.
6
Pumpkin Crunch Cake
This pumpkin crunch cake combines the best of two worlds: a pumpkin pie bottom with a crunchy cake and pecan topping (yes, a pie topped with cake!). The end result of this layered dessert is a delightful cobbler-like treat fit for any fall occasion.
Get the Pumpkin Crunch Cake recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
7
Coquito
No Christmas celebration in Puerto Rico is complete without a cup of coquito. Often compared to eggnog, this rum-spiked coconut drink is an iconic holiday co*cktail that packs a flavorful punch you'll love.
Get the Coquito recipe.
8
Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread
This bread recipe makes use of a combination of ingredients to make a super soft and tender loaf: tangzhong, sweet honey, a couple tabs of butter and spoonfuls of oil, and creamy evaporated milk. Trust us, your sandwiches will thank you!
Get the Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread Recipe.
9
Crockpot Mac & Cheese
Everything in this recipe—including the pasta!—cooks in your slow cooker (meaning just ONE DISH to clean!) This recipe is essentially foolproof, but we are here to answer to your inevitable doubts and questions are below. (We were skeptical at first too!)
Get the .
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
10
Butter Mochi
A sweet, chewy but tender treat from Hawaii, butter mochi is one of my favorite things to bake. The batter is simple, the process is straightforward, and the results are delightful.
Get the Butter Mochi recipe.
11
Mexican Horchata
Looking for a creamy, sweet bevvie to sip on all summer long? Don’t sleep on horchata! This cinnamon- and vanilla-spiced drink has been popping up everywhere, and for good reason: It’s sweet, nutty, and surprisingly refreshing.
Get the Mexican Horchata recipe.
12
Pecan Pralines
A classic Southern dessert, pecan pralines are the melt-in-your-mouth candy perfect to bring for any holiday gathering. The perfect cross between a cookie and a candy, these soft and chewy bites make for an ideal food gift any time of year too.
Get the Pecan Pralines recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
13
Halo Halo
Halo-halo is a traditional Filipino shaved ice dessert that's topped with a rainbow of delicious ingredients. You'll start by arranging the shaved ice in bowls or a tall glass, then go crazy with the toppings, from kaong (sugar palm fruit in syrup) to sweet chickpeas to ube ice cream.
Get the Halo Halo recipe.
14
Pumpkin Cream Pie
Love pumpkin pie, but want to switch it up this year? This light-as-air twist will be the perfect thing to shake up your Thanksgiving dessert table.
Get the Pumpkin Cream Pie recipe.
15
Morning Buns
A cross between a cinnamon roll and a croissant, these morning buns are a touch crispy-flakey on the outside, moist and super-soft on the inside, with a healthy dose of nuts, rum raisins, and cinnamon.
Get the Morning Buns recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
16
Cookie Butter
While we'll never get over our love for peanut butter, this cookie butter adds the perfect sweet, spiced touch to the creamiest base to shake things up in the most delicious way. Plus, it makes for the sweetest homemade food gift!
Get the Cookie Butter recipe.
17
Cacio e Pepe Mac & Cheese
Lesson #1 from making cacio e pepe: Toasting black pepper in butter intensifies the flavor of the pepper. We took that same technique and applied it to , then threw in a ton of grated Pecorino to give more of the Italian pasta vibe. 😍
Get the .
