Slow Cooker Evaporated Milk- Dairy-free powdered milk and water are combined and cooked in the slow cooker until thick and creamy. It's a fantastic vegan alternative to traditional evaporated milk and can be used in countless recipes.
Do you know what evaporated milk is? A lot of people don't. It's a dairy product made by removing most of the water from whole milk or skimmed milk. Evaporated milk is often used in recipes that call for cream because it has a similar consistency. You can buy it in cans, with a shelf life of about two years.
If you're looking for a vegan alternative to evaporated milk, you can make your own at home using a slow cooker. It's much easier than you'd think. All you need is some powdered non-dairy milk, water, and a little patience. The result is a decadent, creamy vegan evaporated milk that is better than store-bought. It's perfect for baking, soups, chili, and so much more!
Table of Contents
Why You'll Love This Dairy-Free Evaporated Milk Recipe
Better Than Store-Bought- This vegan evaporated milk recipe is much better than store-bought. It's richer, creamier, and has a deeper flavor.
Budget-Friendly- Making your own vegan evaporated milk at home is less expensive than buying it at the store. This recipe only costs about $0.50 to make! That's a savings of 75%! A can of store-bought evaporated milk costs around $2.00.
Versatile- You can use this dairy-free evaporated milk recipe in any recipe that calls for the real thing. It's perfect for baking, soups, chili, and more!
Freezes Well- This evaporated milk recipe freezes well. Just pour it into an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before you're ready to use it.
Minimal Prep- There is very little prep work involved in this recipe. The slow cooker does most of the work for you!
Customizable- This recipe is easily customizable. You can make it as decadent or light as you like by adjusting the powdered non-dairy milk you use. To taste, you can also add flavorings like vanilla extract, cinnamon, or nutmeg.
Equipment Needed To Make Vegan Evaporated Milk
- Slow Cooker
- Stirring Spoon
- Measuring Cups
Ingredients For Slow Cooker Evaporated Milk
- Water
- Dairy-Free Powdered Milk (Non-GMO)
How To Make This Vegan Slow Cooker Evaporated Milk In The Slow Cooker
For this recipe, the timing and measurements will give you the equivalent of a 12-ounce can of evaporated milk. It can easily be doubled if you need more than 12 ounces.
In a crockpot, combine water and powdered milk and stir until thoroughly combined. Do not cover the slow cooker with the lid! The mixture will not cook down if the top is on. Allow the milk mixture to cook for about 1 ½ hours or until it measures 12 ounces in a measuring cup. Some slow cookers conduct hotter than others, so if too much evaporates, add some extra water to get your measurements correct.
What to Serve/Pair With Vegan Evaporated Milk
This vegan evaporated milk would be perfect in any recipe in which you would use traditional evaporated milk. Try it in:
Soups- Use it as a creamy and dairy-free alternative to the cream soup.
Chili- Evaporated milk adds a delicious richness to chili without adding additional fat.
Casseroles- Casseroles are often made with condensed soups which can be high in sodium. Using evaporated milk will lighten up your casserole without sacrificing flavor.
Curries- For a lighter curry, try using evaporated milk instead of coconut milk.
Baked Goods- Use this homemade dairy-free evaporated milk in any recipe that calls for store-bought.
Popular Substitutions & Additions
One of the great things about this recipe is that it's very versatile and can be easily customized to your liking. Here are a few popular substitutions and additions:
Nuts- Many people like to add a handful of nuts, such as cashews or almonds, to their homemade evaporated milk for an extra creamy, nutty texture. Just be sure to soak the nuts for at least 4 hours (or overnight) before adding them to the slow cooker.
Coconut Milk- You can substitute some (or all) of the water with coconut milk for a richer flavor. Just be aware that this will also make the evaporated milk higher in fat.
Vanilla Extract- For a vanilla-flavored evaporated milk, simply add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the slow cooker.
Chocolate- Adding a few tablespoons of cocoa powder to this recipe will give you delicious chocolate evaporated milk. It would be perfect in a chocolate pudding or pie recipe.
How To Reheat & Store Evaporated Milk
What Is The Best Way To Store Vegan Evaporated Milk?
You can store homemade vegan evaporated milk in an airtight container or a jar with a lid in the fridge. Be sure to give it a good shake before using it, as the powdered milk may settle at the bottom.
How Long Will Slow Cooker Evaporated Milk Last In The Fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, this evaporated milk should last in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Can I Freeze This Vegan Evaporated Milk?
Yes, this dairy-free evaporated milk freezes well. Simply place it in an airtight container, which will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
How To Reheat Evaporated Milk?
If you need to reheat your evaporated milk, simply place it in a saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently until it's heated through. You may need to add a splash of water to thin it out as it heats up.
Slow Cooker Vegan Evaporated Milk FAQs
Do I Need To Stir The Milk While It's Evaporating?
No, you don't need to stir the milk while it's evaporating. Just be sure not to put the lid on the slow cooker, as this will trap moisture and prevent evaporation from happening.
Is it normal for the milk mixture to be clumpy?
Yes, it's perfectly normal for the milk mixture to be clumpy when first mixed together. Keep stirring until the clumps are gone and the milk is smooth.
Can I make this evaporated milk without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this recipe on the stovetop. Simply combine the water and powdered milk in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until combined and cook for about 1 ½ hours, or until it measures 12 ounces.
Is evaporated milk the same as condensed milk?
No, evaporated milk and condensed milk are not the same. They are both made by slowly cooking down milk until a portion of the water evaporates; however, condensed milk is much sweeter than evaporated milk and contains added sugar.
I don't have any powdered milk. Can I use something else?
Yes! If you don't have powdered milk, you can try using full-fat coconut milk. I recommend adding a few tablespoons of tapioca starch or flour to help thicken it up, as coconut milk is thinner than powdered milk.
My evaporated milk is too thick. Is there something I can do to fix it?
Yes, if your evaporated milk is too thick, add a splash of water or non-dairy milk until it reaches the desired consistency.
Don't Forget To Come Back And Let Me Know How Your Evaporated Milk Made In The Slow Cooker Turned Out!
📋 Recipe
Non Dairy Slow Cooker Evaporated Milk
Ingredients
- 1 ⅓ cup water
- ¾ cup powdered milk dairy free - Non GMO
Instructions
- I have come up with the timing and measurements that will give you a 12 ounce 'can' when it is all done.
- Add the water and dry soy milk powder to the crock-pot.
- Stir well.
- Do NOT cover because it has to cook down to become evaporated milk.
- Cook on high for 1 ½ hours.
- Pour in a measuring cup to make sure you have the right measurement.
- I say to do this because some slow cookers might cook a little bit hotter.
- If it has evaporated too much you can ad a little bit more water to get the measurement correct.
- This can easily be doubled if you need more than one 'can'.
Heather // girlichef
Nice! I love having recipes like this up my sleeve in case I'm asked to make something vegan or dairy-free. Thank you 🙂
Cookin Canuck
This is brilliant! This link is being sent to a couple of my vegan friends. I know they'll appreciate it for holiday baking.
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes
This is a great idea to make it in the slow cooker!
Brenda@Sugar-Free Mom
Very creative!
Stephanie @ Back For Seconds
You are clearly a genius!
Kiki Thompson
This is awesome! Been looking for a substitute for a long time. Can't wait to try!!! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Lauren @ Healthy Delicious
Awesome! This is my first dairy free baking season and I was wondering what to use in place of evap. milk!
Paula - bell'alimento
I can't wait to try this out!
Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet
Wow, I had no idea you could make this at home! Great idea!
Nutmeg Nanny
I had no idea you could 1 - make evaporated milk in the slow cooker 2 - make that milk vegan friendly! Love this!
The Food Hunter
Oh this is so cool!
Lauren Kelly Nutrition
I love this so much Ginny! I can't wait to make it!
Ginny McMeans
Thanks Erin! I was so happy it turned out! 🙂
Ginny McMeans
You are so welcome Heather. I'm going for vegan sweetened condensed milk next. 🙂
Ginny McMeans
Thanks so much. Cookin Canuck. I really appreciate it! 🙂
Ginny McMeans
Thanks Ashley! I might walk away, accidentally, if it was on the stove top. 🙂
Ginny McMeans
Thanks Brenda!
Ginny McMeans
Hahaha! You make me feel good Stephanie.
Ginny McMeans
Great Kiki! I am so glad you found it and you are very welcome.
Ginny McMeans
Great Lauren! I am going in for vegan sweet condensed milk next. #nailbiting
Ginny McMeans
Great Paula!
Ginny McMeans
It was a fun discovery Nancy 🙂
Ginny McMeans
Thanks Nutmeg Nanny! It makes me happy. 🙂
Ginny McMeans
You put a big smile on my face .
Ginny McMeans
That is great Lauren! You will love it.
Cherylcos
Can this be whipped like the dairy version in the can?
Meseidy
This is so handy and interesting!
Nichole Kraft
Thanks for posting this, Ginny! It'll make my holiday baking much easier! I've always passed over recipes calling for evaporated milk because I've never known how to veganize it. But no more!
Sarah Walker Caron (Sarah's Cucina Bella)
I am so impressed with your vegan version of evaporated milk!
Cindy Miller
If you are starting with powdered soy milk, wouldn't it be simpler to just add less water and not do the cooking part. Or does something like a better taste develop with cooking? I would think this would be most useful to someone who only had liquid "milk" on hand.
Ginny McMeans
Yes and no. No necessarily in that order. If you only have liquid 'milk' on hand then, yes, you have to cook it down. You can get a type of evaporated milk by just going for specific measurements but there is a richness that you get from cooking it down. I really like that extra flavor.
Anonymous
Does this have a sweeter taste like regular soy milk?
Ginny McMeans
Ahhh, thanks so much Sarah!
Ginny McMeans
Well, I do not think it has a sweeter taste. But ... regular soy milk does not taste sweet to me. I suppose it depends of the manufacturer.
Geni
I can't find the link for the brand of soy milk powder you use. Can you tell me the brand as some of them have a very distinctive flavor that is not so good. Thank you.
Ginny McMeans
So sorry about that! Somehow, the link had become broken. It is fixed now if you would like to go up and click on the blue link. Thanks so much for the heads up!
Susan
This might be a dumb question but as you are starting with powdered 'milk' anyway why wouldn't you just add the cup of powder to enough boiling water to make 12oz in a mini blender, mix and call it a day? Does the powder not dissolve in that little water or does it need further cooking to change the flavor in some way?
Thank you
Susan
Ginny McMeans
Not dumb at all. The cooking does add another layer of flavor and thickness. It ends up so much richer.
Donna
Does it have to be soy?? So much soy is GMO no days.
Ginny McMeans
No, not at all Donna. I have linked one in the ingredients list that is a great company and theirs is non GMO if you would like to see what it looks like.
karen
What other types of powder/liquid would work? Can you use refrigerated coconut milk alternative? Different measurements?
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful resource
Ginny McMeans
I do not know about a liquid. That will be something for me to try. The only powdered milks that I can find are regular powdered milk and soy powdered milk. I have not found a coconut powdered milk yet. I will add that as soon as I do.
Tammy
can this be frozen or canned for use later?
Ginny McMeans
This freezes really well, Tammy. I have not canned it before so I am not sure about that.
Kat
I am allergic to soy (and dairy) , but have both Darifree powdered milk substitute, or powdered coconut milk, do you think either of those might work in this recipe? Thank you for all the great recipes -I just found your site today.
Ginny McMeans
So glad you are here Kat! Yes, either will work perfectly. I will change my description to have that covered. Thanks 🙂
Rebecca Duckworth
I am not vegan and can't use soy. Can I just use regular dry dairy powdered milk? This sounds interesting as I sometimes want or need evaporated milk and have none.
Ginny McMeans
I think it would work Rebecca but I haven't tried it so can't swear by it.
Esther
What is the brand of non GMO milk powder that you use? The link is broken.
Genius idea!!!!! Thanks for sharing
Ginny McMeans
Thanks for the heads up Esther. All fixed. It is by the brand NOW.