Evaporated Milk vs Sweetened Condensed Milk
Published 2026-10-31
These two canned milks sit side by side in the baking aisle and the cans even look alike, so they are easy to confuse. Swapping one for the other is one of the most common holiday baking mistakes, especially in pumpkin pie. Here is what makes them different and which recipes need each one.
Evaporated milk
Evaporated milk is milk that has had about 60 percent of its water removed by gentle heating, then sealed in cans. It is unsweetened, slightly thicker and creamier than regular milk, with a light caramelized taste. Classic recipes like Libby's pumpkin pie, fudge, creamy mac and cheese, chowders and some custards call for it. Mixed with an equal amount of water, it can stand in for regular milk.
Sweetened condensed milk
Sweetened condensed milk is also concentrated milk, but with a lot of sugar added. It is very thick, syrupy and sweet. It is the base for key lime pie, magic cookie bars, tres leches cake, no-churn ice cream, dulce de leche, easy fudge and Vietnamese-style iced coffee.
Why you cannot swap them
Using sweetened condensed milk in a recipe written for evaporated milk adds far too much sugar and changes the texture; the reverse leaves a dessert bland and runny. Some pumpkin pie recipes are written for sweetened condensed milk and leave out separate sugar, so check which one your recipe uses before shopping.
Storage tips
Unopened cans and pouches keep in the pantry until the date on the label. After opening, move leftovers into a covered container and refrigerate, using them within a few days. Resealable pouches make it easy to use part and save the rest.
Everyday uses for leftovers
Leftover evaporated milk is great in mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, creamy pasta sauces, soups and coffee. Leftover sweetened condensed milk can sweeten iced coffee or tea, be drizzled over fruit or pancakes, or be stirred into oatmeal. Freezing small portions in an ice cube tray is an easy way to save it, since you can thaw only what you need. Use frozen portions within a couple of months.
