Substitution For Milk In Cooking

Don't have milk handy when you're knee-deep in a recipe? Not to worry! We're sharing tried-and-true milk substitutes to help you make the perfect swap.

There's nothing worse than going down the list of ingredients for a recipe you're about to make and realizing you're low on one item. For some ingredients, it may be necessary to scrap the whole idea and try again another day. But if it's milk you're low on—or totally out of—you don't have to throw in the towel.

Luckily, there are multiple options for milk substitutes in a baking recipe, whether your carton is just plain empty or you're looking for a dairy-free alternative. And the best part is that you already have a few of them on hand.

What Difference Does Using a Milk Substitute Make?

Milk contributes several important things to the final product of a baking recipe. First, milk adds moisture to a recipe, as it works with the dry ingredients involved. It also plays a role in the final texture of your baked good. Another important factor? The fat content found in milk adds flavor to your baked goods.

By using a milk substitute, you can still pull off that delicious recipe, whether you're baking a cake or muffins, mixing up a loaf of banana bread or making pancakes for breakfast. Some substitutes may make the final product richer because of higher fat content, or even result in a cake or muffins with more moisture than you're used to. Use these substitutions wisely and you'll still be able to bake something great

Milk Substitutes for Baking

Half-and-Half

If you have half-and-half on hand, it's a perfect cup-for-cup substitute. Because half-and-half is made up of 50% whole milk and 50% heavy cream, it will offer close to the same results as milk would, while adding a lovely richness to your baked goods.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream is a great substitute for milk in a baking recipe, but it does need to be diluted slightly. Because heavy cream boasts a fat content of 36% to 40%, using a half cup of heavy cream mixed with a half cup of water will be your best bet for replacing one cup of milk. It will add a luscious creaminess to your recipe, without altering the final texture too much.

Don't have heavy cream on hand? Try a heavy cream substitute instead.

Almond Milk

Almond milk can work as a cup-for-cup substitute in a baking recipe, but it will change the texture. Because almond milk is a dairy-free milk alternative, the fat content is lower, making it far less rich. At the same time, it can slightly alter the flavor of what you're baking due to the taste.

Soy Milk

Soy milk is another non-dairy milk substitute, and it can be utilized with a cup for cup swap. Soy milk tends to have a bit thicker structure than other dairy-free milk alternatives, so the final baked good's texture will be similar. Soy milk's flavor is a bit more neutral than other dairy-free milks as well, so it won't influence the flavor of your final bake.

Other Nondairy Milks

Oat milk and coconut milk, both found in cartons at your grocery store, can serve as two other great dairy-free options when substituting for milk. Replace milk with a cup for cup swap. The lovely, thick texture and mouthfeel of oat milk or coconut milk will help to round out your baked goods. Just be sure to keep in mind that they can impart a slight change in flavor to the finished product.

Learn more about how to adjust a baking recipe to be dairy-free.

Evaporated Milk

The beauty of evaporated milk is its convenience, and it's easy to tuck it away in your cupboard for when you're in a pinch. To substitute evaporated milk for regular milk, you need to add liquid back into it because much of the moisture is removed during the canning process. For every cup of milk in your recipe, use a half cup of evaporated milk mixed with a half cup of water.

Yogurt

Yogurt is a great option as a milk substitute, especially because of its ability to add moisture and enhance the texture of baked goods. Use an even cup for cup substitution, but be sure to consider the type of yogurt you're using. Greek yogurt is much thicker and higher in fat content, so a traditional, plain yogurt will be your best bet.

In general, steer clear of flavored yogurts. You want your other ingredients to shine, not your milk substitute.

Sour Cream

Just as yogurt adds incredible moisture and texture, sour cream might be even better. Sour cream is more neutral than yogurt, without the same tanginess. Swap sour cream for milk using a cup for cup measurement, and enjoy the incredible creaminess it adds to baked goods.

Canned Coconut Milk

If you've tucked away a few cans of coconut milk in your cupboards, now is the time to use one. Canned coconut milk makes a wonderful cup for cup substitute for milk in a recipe, imparting great texture for a rich final product, along with a hint of coconut flavor.

Water

In a pinch, you can get away with subbing in water for milk, especially if a recipe only calls for a small amount (think a quarter cup or less). To make up for the lack of richness, add in a tablespoon of butter for every cup of water you're adding.

Recipes You Won't Believe Are Dairy-Free

Spicy Applesauce Cake

This picnic-perfect cake travels and slices very well. With chocolate chips, walnuts and raisins, it's a real crowd pleaser. —Marian Platt, Sequim, Washington

Rustic Cranberry Tarts

I like to serve colorful desserts for gatherings with family and friends. These beautiful tarts are filled with cranberry and citrus flavor, and they're easy to make and serve. —Holly Bauer, West Bend, Wisconsin

Meringue Shells with Lemon Curd

We love a dazzling dessert of meringue shells filled with sunny lemon curd. It's sweet and tart, crunchy and fluffy. Top this lemon curd dessert with whipped cream and berries. —Kris Brill, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Cherry Biscochitos

I discovered the wonderful anise flavor of biscochitos, which are traditional cookies of New Mexico. I created my own version with maraschino cherries and fresh cranberries. —Mary Shivers, Ada, Oklahoma

Pumpkin Chip Cake with Walnuts

My grandmother gave me this family recipe. After a few changes, I made the treat even healthier and tastier. Holidays wouldn't be the same without it!—Amy Bridgewater, Aztec, New Mexico

Fruit & Almond Bites

With big handfuls of dried apricots and cherries, almonds and pistachios, we make dozens of no-bake treats you can take anywhere. —Donna Pochoday-Stelmach, Morristown, New Jersey

Mexican Cinnamon Cookies

My extended family shares a meal every Sunday. The aunts and uncles take turns bringing everything from main dishes to desserts like this traditional Mexican cinnamon cookie called reganadas. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Carrot-Cranberry Spice Cake

I love carrot cake and those made with cranberries. Using leftover cranberry sauce, I add carrots to make one marvelous cake that's tangy and sweet. —Elizabeth King, Duluth, Minnesota

Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie

My mother made a chewy, gooey peanut butter pie I loved as a child. Now I continue the tradition for the next generation of peanut butter lovers. —Brianna DeBlake, Fremont, Michigan

Lime & Gin Coconut Macaroons

I took these lime and coconut macaroons to our annual cookie exchange, where we name a queen. I won the crown! —Milissa Kirkpatrick, Angel Fire, New Mexico

Almond Ginger Cookies

Think outside the box this season and enjoy these traditional Chinese cookies, each one topped with an almond slice. —Shirley Warren, Thiensville, Wisconsin

Super Spud Brownies

These moist and cakey brownies came from my mom's old cookbook. Mashed potatoes may seem like an unusual ingredient, but this recipe took first place at a local festival. —Marlene Gerer, Denton, Montana

Blood Orange-Pomegranate Sorbet

When guests set eyes on this ruby-red dessert, they'll know they're in for a treat. It's the perfect ending for a hearty summer or wintertime meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Molly's Sweet and Spicy Tzimmes Cake

My husband and I are always on the lookout for new ways to incorporate Jewish traditions into our interfaith home. Rich with apples, carrots and sweet potato, this sweet and spicy cake is perfect for Rosh Hashanah or any fall holiday. —Molly Haendler, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Joe Froggers

Large, soft and chewy, these cookies are made to munch. This classic recipe has a warm blend of spices that seems stronger the second day. Your family will definitely ask you to make them again!, soft and chewy, these are a great snack. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Mango Sorbet Dessert

Here's an all-around wonderful dessert recipe that's easy to whip up and packed with fruity flavor. —Katie Rose, Pewaukee, Wisconsin

Cinnamon-Cranberry Oat Bars

I'm a swim coach for kids, and I started making these bars for them as a snack. I wanted something that was easy to eat but would also give them energy. The kids loved them from the very first time I brought them. Now I bring them to every team event. —Sarah Riviere, Prescott, Arizona

Gluten-Free Chocolate Cupcakes

Both my boys have food allergies and really love these cupcakes! Because it's easy and budget-friendly, I grind whole oats in my blender, just pulsing until they're flour. —Desiree Glanzer, Carpenter, South Dakota

Blushing Grapefruit Sorbet

Not overly sweet, this sorbet is a hit at the holidays, when there's plenty of citrus fruit on hand. Try it as a light, summer refresher, too.—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina

Black Bean Brownies

You'd never guess these rich, velvety chocolate treats contain a can of black beans. Who would have thought black bean brownies would be so amazing? —Kathy Hewitt, Cranston, Rhode Island

Chunky Apple-Cinnamon Cake

This is a nice change from apple pie. It's tasty and worthy of a special occasion—plus, it's very easy to make. —Ellen Ruzinsky, Yorktown Heights, New York

Apricot-Pecan Thumbprint Cookies

I enjoy experimenting with cake mixes to make new cookie recipes. I love apricot, but feel free to fill the thumbprint in the center of these goodies with any fruit preserve you like. —Nancy Johnson, Laverne, Oklahoma

Frozen Chocolate Monkey Treats

Everyone needs a fun, friendly way for kids to play with food. These rich bites are nutty and yummy. Just coat bananas in chocolate and dip them into peanuts, sprinkles or coconut. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin

Anise & Wine Cookies

My grandmother did not speak English very well, but she knew the language of great food. These wine cookies are crisp and best eaten after being dunked in even more wine.—Julia Meyers, Scottsdale, Arizona

Never-Fail Pecan Pie

This incredible pecan pie recipe came from my mother-in-law. Her pies were a were a hit everywhere she took them and I never saw anyone not enjoy each mouthful! She was kind enough to pass this recipe on to me, and it's one that I really enjoy making. —Beverly Materne, Reeves, Louisiana

Grilled Stone Fruits with Balsamic Syrup

Get ready to experience another side of stone fruits. Hot off the rack, these grilled nectarines practically melt in your mouth. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California

Peanut Butter Cookies

It is amazing how much flavor these simple peanut butter cookies without brown sugar have. I make them very often because I always have the ingredients on hand. —Maggie Schimmel, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Strawberry-Citrus Freezer Pops

I knew that clementines and strawberries would create a luscious combination in a fruit pop, and I have to say these are delicious! —Colleen Ludovice, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Mom's Soft Raisin Cookies

With four sons in service during World War II, my mother sent these favorite cookies as a taste from home to "her boys" in different parts of the world. These days, my 11 grandchildren are enjoying them as we did, along with my stories of long ago.— Pearl Cochenour, Williamsport, Ohio

Cookie Jar Gingersnaps

My grandma kept two cookie jars in her pantry. One of the jars, which I now have, always had these crisp and chewy gingersnaps in it. They're still my favorite cookie recipe. My daughter, Becky, used this recipe for a 4-H fair and won a blue ribbon. —Deb Handy, Pomona, Kansas

Oreos and Candy Cane Chocolate Bark

There are incredible surprises in this festive bark, including dark chocolate, candy canes and cream-filled cookies. We keep a big supply ready for gift-giving. —Robin Turner, Lake Elsinore, California

Walnut Honey Cake

This light and fluffy marvel all but melts in your mouth. Back in the day, it took effort for my grandmother's kitchen helper to make it, but it's a breeze now that we have stand mixers. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

Sonoran Sunset Watermelon Ice

If you didn't think watermelon and cilantro could go together in a dessert, this recipe will be a pleasant surprise! Sprinkle pomegranate seeds and a sprig of cilantro on top for extra flair. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota

Apple Cinnamon Cake

This apple cinnamon cake is equally good for breakfast or dessert, so be sure to not eat all of it after dinner! Easy to make, it's super moist on the inside and has a crispy, cinnamon-rich crunch on the outside. —Marideane Maxwell, Albany, Georgia

Light & Creamy Chocolate Pudding

This pudding is exactly what its name promises—light and creamy. Because it uses soy milk, it's a smart choice if you're lactose intolerant. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona

No-Bake Cookie Butter Blossoms

Chewy and sweet, these easy treats mix Rice Krispies, cookie spread and chocolate kisses in an unforgettable spin on an old favorite. —Jessie Sarrazin, Livingston, Montana

Frozen Pineapple-Kiwi Pops

Kiwi, pineapple, sugar and water are all you need to make these easy, breezy freezer pops.—Colleen Ludovice, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Apple-Walnut Cake with Orange Glaze

I tinkered with a plain apple cake recipe to create this moist, delicious winner. The result: old-fashioned goodness with a heavenly aroma! This cake is the perfect fall treat or holiday dessert, but it's also great as a special breakfast or brunch item. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida

Mango Rice Pudding

Mangoes are my son's favorite fruit, so I was ecstatic to incorporate them into a healthy dessert. You can also use ripe bananas instead of mango, almond extract instead of vanilla, or regular milk in place of soy. —Melissa McCabe, Victor, New York

Mexican Chocolate Walnut-Cherry Biscotti

I love to combine flavors and spices from different cultures. These cookies have ground cinnamon in them, which is a classic flavor in Mexican chocolate. They are very crunchy and are loaded with maraschino cherries and toasted walnuts. —Nancy C. Evans, Phoenix, Arizona

Honey Cinnamon Bars

My Aunt Ellie gave us the recipe for these sweet bar cookies with cinnamon and walnuts. Drizzle with icing, and serve with coffee or tea. —Diane Myers, Star, Idaho

JoJo's Ginger Cookies

It's so much fun to decorate cookies with children's help. We created gingery moose-shaped cookies to go with a book made especially for my niece's third-grade class. The crispy golden brown cookies stole the show.—Jenet Cattar, Neptune Beach, Florida

Sunrise Pops

Bright, beautiful, cool, refreshing, sweet, delicious and wholesome—what's there not to like in these homemade pops?—Colleen Ludovice, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Meringue Roses

Eat these pretty treats as is or crush them into a bowl of strawberries and whipped cream. Readers of my blog, utry.it, went nuts when I posted that idea.—Amy Tong, Anaheim, California

Citrus Compote with Grapefruit Granita

Make granita no more than a day ahead of time for best texture. If it freezes solid, it can be revived by pulsing in a food processor. This recipe was inspired by a trip I took with my husband to Italy. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia

Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

As a competitive figure skater, I need high-energy snacks to keep me going. These cookies are loaded with nuts, chips and fabulous flavor. Coaches at my skating rink are always sneaking two or three when I bring them in! —Cassandra Brzycki, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Triple Fruit Freeze

These pops won't turn your tongue blue or neon green like many store-bought pops because they're made with fresh grapes, blueberries and kiwifruit. —Colleen Ludovice, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Coconut Banana Cookies

This is a springtime variation on my grandma's banana drop cookies and, with tons of coconut flavor, it's perfect for Easter. —Elyse Benner, Solon, Ohio

Mango Sticky Rice

As a nice contrast to traditional desserts, this Thai mango sticky rice recipe is a refreshing treat with a sweet and simple sauce that perks up your post-dinner taste buds.—Monnie Norasing, Mansfield, Texas

Grandma Krause's Coconut Cookies

When my two daughters were young, their great-grandma made them coconut cookies with oats. Thankfully, she shared the recipe. —Debra Dorn, Dunnellon, Florida

Grandma's Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

This is our family's very favorite cookie recipe. I've never tasted any like it! The oatmeal raisin cookies freeze well, too. —Susanne Spicker, North Ogden, Utah

Fruit Salad Salsa with Cinnamon Tortilla Chips

Salsa with strawberries, blueberries and nectarines makes a refreshing side dish. We scoop it up using tortilla chips sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Easy Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars

This dessert is super easy to pull together and the flavorful results will win you nothing but rave reviews. — Aimee Ransom, Hoschton, Georgia

Bellini Ice

This ice is fashioned after the Bellini, a peach and white Italian wine sparkler. The tart white grape juice paired with ripe sweet peaches create a fantastic flavor combination. Looking for a refreshing summer dessert? Place some fresh peach slices in a large wine goblet, top with Bellini ice, and garnish with a kiwi slice. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri

Homemade Butterfinger Bites

Bent on using up a stash of leftover candy corn, I decided to experiment. Turns out, if you melt it, mix it with peanut butter and coat the balls with chocolate, you get a softer, denser version of a Butterfinger bite. Who knew? They're delicious! —Melissa Hansen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Substitution For Milk In Cooking

Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/whole-milk-substitutes-for-cooking-baking/

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