Are evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk the same?
In this article we will answer the question, “Are evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk the similar”? and we will discuss how sweetened condensed and evaporated milk are different.
Are sweetened condensed and evaporated milk the same?
No, evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk are not similar.
It’s simple to combine evaporated milk with sweetened condensed milk. They have identical names and looks, and they’re on store shelves right next to one other. Despite their similarities, the two components have quite distinct effects; you don’t want to put condensed milk in your handmade macaroni or mashed potatoes by accident.
The most straightforward way to tell the difference between evaporated and condensed milk is to learn how they’re made.
What Is Evaporated Milk?
Fresh milk was brought every day until refrigeration became generally accessible. The introduction of canned milk was hailed as a boon. For individuals without refrigeration, the introduction of canned evaporated milk was a lifeline, and canned condensed milk followed a few years later.
To make evaporated milk, fresh, homogenized milk is simmered until the liquid is reduced by 60% via evaporation, a popular technique used by chefs when making sauces. As a result, the milk has a thick, creamy texture and is high in minerals, including calcium and Vitamin D. When milk is cooked, caseins are broken down, making the evaporated result less prone to curdle when used in recipes.
Uses for Evaporated Milk
Evaporated milk is a “hidden” ingredient in many sauces because of its velvety texture. It makes the creamiest macaroni and cheese, fluffs up mashed potatoes, and makes soup extra spoon-able without the heaviness of cream. Many puddings, such as flan, as well as icing and fudge, use evaporated milk as a base. Pumpkin pie would not exist without it, therefore it’s a Thanksgiving must-have.
Substitutes for Evaporated Milk
A cup of light cream can be substituted for evaporated milk if you don’t have any on hand. You may also manufacture your own by combining the following ingredients: Evaporated milk is prepared by boiling whole or low-fat milk until it has been reduced to 60% of its original volume about 25 minutes Before using in most recipes, the homemade evaporated milk should be chilled. It can be kept for up to 10 days in an airtight container.
Cooking with evaporated milk
Evaporated milk is a fantastic choice for adding smoothness to thick sauces, puddings, and crockpot dishes since it can withstand high temperatures without curdling. It may also be used as a breading liquid for meats, fish, and poultry. Cold full evaporated milk can be beaten, if necessary, but it will soon collapse; whip shortly before serving and don’t expect to keep any leftovers.
What Is Condensed Milk?
Condensed milk uses the same slow-cook method, but with the addition of sugar, it thickens and caramelizes. That implies the only difference between evaporated and condensed milk is the added sugar in condensed milk. Another way to look at it is this: Condensed milk is evaporated milk that has been sweetened. Condensed milk contains sweetened evaporated milk, but there is no such thing as unsweetened condensed milk, which is simply evaporated milk.
Uses for Condensed Milk
Because of its high sugar content, condensed milk is frequently used in sweets and sweet snacks, such as Magic Cookie Bars, Tres Leches cake, and banana pudding. It’s what gives Thai Iced Tea its creamy sweetness, and it’s also the base for fondant, a decorative icing. In the winter, we like to have a good time by converting snow into Sweetened Condensed Milk Ice Cream.
Substitutes for Condensed Milk
If you don’t have sweetened condensed milk on hand, you may create your using evaporated milk and sugar, or use this mixture instead: Bring 3/4 cup white sugar, 1/2 cup water, and 1 1/8 cup dry powdered milk to a boil, stirring constantly, for about 20 minutes, or until thickened.
Coconut milk, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla flavor can also be used to produce a dairy-free condensed milk alternative.
Condensed Milk in the Kitchen
Because condensed milk contains sugar, it’s crucial to check your recipe to see if you need evaporated or condensed milk. Condensed milk adds softness, moisture, and taste to baked products while also adding color to the crust. Condensed milk is a common ingredient in pastries and sweets, and it’s a vital component in an old-fashioned key lime pie.
Caramelized condensed milk is a popular dessert topping and an heirloom favorite. Boiling a sealed can of condensed milk for two to three hours is the conventional method. To prevent the risk of an explosion and/or burn damage, the can must be allowed to cool completely before being opened. Although this topping is delicious, it is not recommended for use in a home kitchen.
Fortunately, you can make caramelized condensed milk using a much safer method: carefully heating sweetened condensed milk (poured from the can) in a double boiler.
Other FAQs about Milk that you may be interested in.
Conclusion
In this article, we answered the question, “Are sweetened condensed and evaporated milk the same”? and we discussed how sweetened condensed and evaporated milk are different.
