Condensed Milk vs. Evaporated Milk

Doesn’t evaporation make liquid more condensed? One would think with similar names, both Condensed Milk and Evaporated Milk are one in the same and they are almost the same product. The main different you will find with both liquids is on comes as “Sweetened” the other as “Unsweetened”.
What is Condensed Milk?
Condensed milk is a “sweetened” substance used in many baking recipes – mainly candies and high sugary items. In order to produce Condensed Milk, Whole Milk is added with about 40%-45% sugar and heated until 60 percent of it’s liquid has evaporated.
What is Evaporated Milk?
Evaporated Milk is simply a variety of milks (Whole, Fat Free, etc) heated until 60 percent of it’s liquid is evaporated. The main difference here is there is no sugar added to this liquid – thus, creating an “unsweetened” product.
Even though both of these “milks” are similar in structure, they can not be replaced one for the other. If one was to change up a recipe using the oposite ingredient you may have an overly sweet dessert or an undesirable bland substance.
Should you keep condensed milk or evaporated milk on hand?
If you have a recipe that calls for Condensed Milk, but you have Evaporated Milk on hand… you’re in luck! There is a simple substitute conversation to assist you! Unfortunately, if you were in the opposite scenario there is no substitute. In the event that you have an extra can of Evaporated Milk on hand follow the simple instructions below:
Ingredients :

• 1 cup milk of your choice
• 1 1/4 cup sugar

Instructions:

• Heat milk and sugar in medium saucepan
• Once sugar is disolved, let cool
• *Don’t have evaporated milk either? Simply heat milk in saucepan until 60 percent has dissolved. After, add sugar.

What should I learn from this post?
When in doubt… keep Evaporated Milk on hand, you can always make your own Condensed Milk 😉