Eggs and dairy
Substitutes for milk
Milk adds liquid, a little fat and protein, and the sugars that help crusts and pancakes brown. Most swaps work one for one; richer or thinner ones change how tender and golden things turn out.
-
Unsweetened soy milk
- How much
- The same amount
- What changes
- The closest plant milk for baking: its protein helps things brown and set. A faint bean taste in plain recipes.
- Best in
- Cakes, muffins, pancakes, sauces.
-
Unsweetened oat milk
- How much
- The same amount
- What changes
- Creamy and mild with a hint of sweetness. Sauces thicken a little more. Buy oat milk labeled gluten-free if that matters.
- Best in
- Pancakes, sauces, soups, oatmeal.
-
Unsweetened almond milk
- How much
- The same amount
- What changes
- Thinner and less rich, so cakes are a little paler and drier. Contains tree nuts.
- Best in
- Smoothies, pancakes, muffins.
-
Evaporated milk + water
- How much
- Half evaporated milk, half water
- What changes
- Close to whole milk, with a slightly cooked, caramel note.
- Best in
- Baking, soups, mashed potatoes.
-
Water
- How much
- The same amount, plus 1 tbsp melted butter per cup if you have it
- What changes
- Works in a pinch for bread, pancakes and boxed mixes. Paler crust, less tender and less rich.
- Best in
- Bread, pancakes, waffles.
Good to know
- Use plain, unsweetened plant milk; vanilla versions add sugar and flavor.
- Plant milks can separate if boiled hard; keep creamy sauces at a gentle simmer.
Simmerbee recipes with milk (58)
- Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
- Bacon, Egg and Cheese Breakfast Burritos
- Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Topping
- Baked Turkey Meatballs
- Bakery-Style Blueberry Streusel Muffins
- Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
- Cheddar-Topped Beef Cottage Pie
- Cheesy Twice-Baked Potatoes
- Chocolate Cupcakes with Fudge Frosting
- Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies
- Cinnamon Spiced Hot Chocolate
- Classic Baked Beef and Pork Meatballs
- Classic Chicken Pot Pie
- Classic Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Classic Creamy Scalloped Potatoes
- Classic Croque Monsieur
- Classic French Crêpes
- Classic Glazed Meatloaf
- Classic Lamb Shepherd's Pie
- Classic Skillet French Toast
- Classic Vanilla Butter Pound Cake
- Creamy Stovetop Cinnamon Rice Pudding
- Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
- Creamy Vanilla Overnight Oats
- Fluffy Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream
- Freezer French Toast Sticks for Kids
- From-Scratch Green Bean Casserole
- Ham and Cheese Egg Muffin Cups
- Homemade Cinnamon Rice Horchata
- Jelly-Filled Sufganiyot (Hanukkah Doughnuts)
On those recipes, tap Swaps next to the ingredient for the short version.
More eggs and dairy swaps
EggsButterButtermilkHeavy creamHalf-and-halfSour creamYogurt and Greek yogurtCream cheeseParmesanCheddarRicotta
Ingredient guide: Milk: pick, store and measure