Condensed vs. Evaporated?
Posted by Gina on Oct 31, 2008
What’s the difference between condensed milk and evaporated milk? Can I substitute coconut milk for either of these? -Carmen
Condensed milk is often called sweetened condensed milk and it is milk that has been evaporated and sweetened. Evaporated milk is just that with no sweetener added. Note that evaporated milk does have some sweetness to it because of the concentration of the natural lactose sugar.
Since these milks are not to be used interchangeably, substituting with coconut milk may be tricky. I would try using coconut milk in place of evaporated milk but not sweetened condensed milk. Although coconut milk is rich and thick, it does not have the same thickness or sweetness as evaporated milk. But I have never tried this substitution before so I am not certain. I think it the difference in the end product would be the texture and the flavor, which could possibly be superior. Now I am curious.