30 Best Evaporated Milk Recipes

From breakfast to dessert and every meal in-between, these evaporated milk recipes are incredibly versatile. They’re creamy, light, and wonderfully milky.

Evaporated milk is regular milk that’s been heated until most of the water has evaporated, thus the name. This process also makes it more shelf-stable. 

Chances are you have some hidden away somewhere, probably leftover from the holidays.

So, if you’re not sure what to do with that random can of evaporated milk, fear not. These delicious evaporated milk recipes are sure to ignite some culinary creativity!

1. Tres Leches Cake

Literally translated to “three milks cake,” tres leches is one of my favorites.

This Mexican cake is buttery, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweet. And it’s SUPER moist.

You’ll use a cake mix to make your life a little easier, but don’t worry – you’ll never be able to tell it came from a box.

Top with whipped cream, strawberries, and a dash of cinnamon to serve. 

2. Alfredo Sauce with Evaporated Milk

With this easy recipe, you’ll never need to buy a jar of alfredo sauce again. It’s creamy, mouth-watering, and only requires three ingredients. 

All you need is evaporated milk, parmesan cheese, and butter (plus seasonings).

So not only do you get a fantastic, close-to-authentic alfredo, but you save money too. 

3. Nestle Fudge Recipe

This rich dark fudge is a chocolate lover’s dream.

It’s creamy, soft, and oh so wonderful. It’s also super customizable (toppings!), so it’s great for parties.  

As far as candy-making goes, this recipe is relatively simple. However, it does require a bit of patience and lots of love.

But you definitely won’t regret making this fudge. 

4. Maja Blanca

Maja Blanca is a traditional Filipino dessert that you definitely need to try.

It’s light, luscious, not-too-sweet, and possibly a bit unexpected. But, it is completely delightful!

This refreshing no-bake treat is made with coconut and corn and has a rich custard-like consistency.

Top it with coconut flakes and shredded cheese when it’s ready to serve. Delicious!

5. Leche Flan

This milky custard treat is popular in the Philippines and many other Spanish-speaking countries.

Once you try it, you’ll see why! 

Flan is a custard topped with a caramelized sugar crust and syrup. This Filipino version is luxe and creamy, and richer than other versions.   

6. Microwave Fantasy Fudge

This should be called fan-TASTY fudge because it’s delicious.

It’s also ridiculously easy to make. All you need is seven ingredients, a microwave oven, half an hour, and a sweet tooth.

Have fun!

7. Southern Baked Mac and Cheese with Evaporated Milk

You know this dish is insanely good because it has two magical words in the name: southern and cheese.

This dish might not be so great for your waistline, but it’s incredible for your soul.

It’s creamy, custardy, savory, and chock-full of flavor. Did I mention creamy? You and your family will love every cheesy bite. 

8. Caramel Brownies

I personally believe that you can never have too much chocolate. So, if you require some serious chocolatey goodness, try these caramel brownies. 

There’s ooey-gooey caramel and luscious chocolate practically brimming from the pan.

Watch your tongue, though, because I doubt you’ll have the self-control to let these babies cool. 

9. Snow Ice Cream

Make the most of those cold and snowy winters with this delicious treat. The best part? This is an excellent activity for the whole family!

Step 1: Collect the biggest bowl of wet, white, fluffy snow possible. 

Step 2: Mix evaporated milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla in a separate bowl.

Step 3: Slowly pour the milk mixture over the snow until it’s incorporated.

Step 4: Eat with gusto until you get a brain freeze!

10. Pumpkin Pie

You can find pumpkin pie on almost every table at Thanksgiving, and for good reason. It’s earthy and sweet and the epitome of fall. 

The smooth texture of the filling balances so nicely with the buttery crust. Plus, there’s lots of spices adding warmth and flavor.

You really can’t go wrong!

11. Potato Soup

There’s nothing more comforting on a cold day than a bowl of warm, hearty soup.

And this tantalizing loaded potato soup definitely fits that bill. 

It has soft potatoes, salty bacon, lots of cheese, and delicious aromatics. It’s creamy and chunky and filling, and your family will love it!

12. Do Nothing Cake

This cake is effortless. Okay, maybe not… but it is super simple!

Plus, it’s tropical, buttery, and totally delicious.

This is a dump cake and a poke cake. That makes it super easy to whip up and seriously moist to boot.

It’s the perfect cake when you’re feeling lazy but want a sweet pick-me-up. 

13. Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

This absolutely delicious soup tastes exactly like a cheeseburger! Crowd-pleasing and easy to make, it’s perfect for a potluck or family gathering. 

It has all of the elements you love about cheeseburgers without the hassle of grilling.

It’s so yummy; you might not make a real burger ever again! 

14. Libby’s Pumpkin Pie

Nothing beats a slice of pumpkin pie with a giant dollop of whipped cream. 

And as much as I love baking from scratch, sometimes you just need to grab a can of puree and a premade pie crust, amirite?

Libby’s is the number one retailer for pumpkin puree in the U.S., and this recipe comes directly from the back of the can.

So, just like Hershey’s chocolate cake, you know it’s good!

15. Easy Swedish Meatballs

No need to go to IKEA to get those yummy meatballs. Just make them at home right in your slow cooker!

Savory, hearty, and earthy, this will become a go-to recipe for your family.

You can definitely add extra veggies for a boost of nutrition and flavor. I recommend broccoli, carrots, or more mushrooms. 

16. Chicken Rice Soup

Nutritious and flavorful, this soup is one your whole family will crave.

It’s just as comforting as traditional chicken noodle soup but a little lower in calories. 

Featuring warm broth, filling rice, juicy chicken, and tasty aromatics, the added evaporated milk makes it feel even more indulgent.

It’s “mmm… mmm… good.”

17. Impossible Pumpkin Pie

This fall favorite just got a lot more interesting.

This is technically a crustless pie…but then…not really. That’s why it’s impossible! 

It’s also impossibly delicious.

It calls for a bit more patience than your average pumpkin pie, but that’s because it has to cool and set in the fridge before serving. 

I promise it’s worth the wait.

18. Easy Chocolate Pie

If you love pie but are bored with the traditional choices, give this one a shot! It’s chocolatey, smooth, and extremely luscious. 

Not only that, but it’s a cinch to make. This is particularly true if you use a store-bought crust- no shame in that game!

19. Granny Cake

Don’t let the name fool you: you don’t have to be a grandma to enjoy this cake. Although, she’ll definitely love it too! 

This cake packs a flavor punch! It is full of buttery, pineapple, and caramelized goodness, plus it has a fantastic texture.

I love that the super moist cake is balanced by crunchy candied walnuts. But the sweet and milky glaze is what will send your taste buds soaring. 

20. Easy Chile Relleno Casserole 

This simple casserole is like the love-child of lasagna and an egg-bake.

It’s layered, eggy, cheesy (SO cheesy), and just plain scrumptious. 

21. 5-Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Soup

Cooking great food doesn’t have to be an hours-long ordeal, and this soup proves it.

You need only five simple, unprocessed ingredients, some seasonings, and 25 minutes. 

It’s comforting, creamy,  filling, and mouth-watering. Trust me: this soup will please even the pickiest palate!

22. Homemade Irish Cream Liqueur

Irish cream liqueur is delicious, but it can be rather expensive. So, why not save a few pennies by making it at home?

This recipe is very uncomplicated, and I always wonder why I never made this sooner. It’s rich and creamy with notes of chocolate and coffee. 

What’s not to love? 

23. Farmer’s Casserole

Not just for farmers, breakfast casseroles are the perfect way to start your day. They’re full of tasty ingredients, are easy to make, and are super filling. 

This recipe uses hash browns, ham, green onions, evaporated milk, spicy cheese, and eggs (duh).

You can season it however you like! I personally always add garlic.  

If you want to sneak in some extra nutrition… add more veggies! I’ve found that these casseroles are a great way to get in more greens that even green-adverse eaters will like.

24. Filipino Halo-Halo (with Leche Flan)

Remember the Leche flan from earlier? If somehow you find yourself with leftovers, this is how you use ‘em. 

Halo-halo is a traditional Filipino shaved ice dessert topped with yummy sweet things. Those toppings vary, but fruit and sweet beans are common. 

This version is ultra-luxe. It features caramelized banana, evaporated milk, coconut jelly, and Leche flan.

It’s sweet and refreshing and more than a little indulgent. 

25. No-Bake Classic Woolworth Cheesecake

Celebrate the warmer months with this wonderfully fluffy dessert.

The filling is airy, tangy, lemony, and super smooth, and it’s all balanced with a buttery and crunchy Graham Cracker crust. 

It’s all the best parts of a cheesecake without having the fuss of a water bath. This will be a hit at your next summer bash!

26. Tallarines Verdes (Green Spaghetti)

This Peruvian pesto dish is simple and very flavorful. It is a true fusion dish! 

Rather than parmesan and pine nuts, this pesto uses queso fresco and walnuts, so it’s still delicious but a bit less sharp.

This version also uses spinach which adds lots of nutrients. 

Oh! And the evaporated milk makes this pesto super creamy.

27. Traditional Mexican Horchata

This rice and cinnamon drink is as invigorating as it is tasty! It’s milky, sweet, and “delicioso.” 

Pair Horchata with the tres leches from earlier and get ready to party! You could also spike it with your favorite alcohol. Rum is a great option.  

28. Peach and Cardamom Porridge 

Warm and comforting, this deliciously spiced porridge will brighten up your morning.

It stars roasted peaches, cardamom-infused evaporated milk, and sliced almonds. 

The flavors are sweet, floral, herbal, and totally delicious. Top with honey for added sweetness. 

29. Filipino Spaghetti

This fun Filipino spaghetti is a kid’s dream. That said, who doesn’t love spaghetti with hot dogs?

It has all of the best flavors of Italian bolognese, but it’s creamier. It just also has hot dogs, which is pretty great in my book!

30. Kesar Pista Kulfi

Take your taste buds on an adventure with this delicious dessert! 

Kulfi is a traditional Indian frozen treat, like ice cream, only its base is milk, evaporated milk, cardamom, and sugar. 

This one is called Kesar pista because it is made with saffron (Kesar) and pistachios (pista).

Its refreshing treat is floral, sweet, and nutty, with a bit of light spice.