Milk substitutes

Best swap: Water + butter. Use 1 cup water plus 1 tbsp melted butter per 1 cup.

In most baking milk is just liquid plus a little fat, so it is easy to replace with other dairy, canned milk, or a splash of water and butter.

I need cups of milk Change this and every amount below updates.

What to use instead of milk

1. Water + butter

Best Pantry staple

1 cup water

1 tbsp melted butter

Best for: Baking, in a pinch

The butter adds back the little fat milk brings. Fine for most bakes.

2. Evaporated milk + water

Pantry staple

½ cup evaporated milk

½ cup water

Best for: Baking, sauces

Mix equal parts to rebuild regular milk. Richer if you use less water.

3. Plant milk

Vegan

1 cup oat, soy or almond milk

Best for: Almost anything

One-to-one. Unsweetened kinds keep the flavour neutral.

Milk substitutes: common questions

What can I use instead of milk in baking?

Whisk 1 tablespoon of melted butter into 1 cup of water, or mix equal parts evaporated milk and water. Any unsweetened plant milk also works cup for cup.

Can I use water instead of milk?

Yes, though you lose a little richness. Adding 1 tablespoon of melted butter per cup of water replaces the fat milk would have contributed.

More ingredient swaps

🥛 Buttermilk 4 substitutes 🥚 Eggs (in baking) 4 substitutes 🧂 Baking powder 2 substitutes 🧂 Baking soda 1 substitute