
Can you use whole milk for baking?
What is whole milk in baking? Many baking recipes call for milk as one of the main ingredients. Many recipes will call for a specific type of milk – whole milk, low fat, skim – and others will simply call for it without specifying the fat content. Whole milk generally contains about 3.5% fat, while skim contains none. Click to see full answer.
What is whole milk?
Nov 15, 2021 · The term whole milk refers to cows milk that contains at least 3.25% fat. Sometimes recipes call for whole milk rather than lower fat to help thicken the mixture (such as many custard recipes). When a recipe calls for whole milk? If a baking recipe calls for whole milk, you may be able to substitute a low-fat milk variety like skim, 1% or 2% fat.
What is the role of milk in baking?
Dec 30, 2019 · Whole milk and other high-fat dairy foods, such as cheese and full-fat yogurt, are high in saturated fat and may increase cholesterol levels. In baking, your recipe may specify whether you should use whole or nonfat milk. However, you may want to do away with the full cream milk for baking and use the lower fat or nonfat options for better health.
What is the difference between milk vs Water in baking?
Jan 27, 2011 · This means that cakes and muffins with slightly more fat in them tend to have a finer crumb and not be quite as dry when they have a little more fat in them. In professional bakeries, whole milk is the standard for baked goods and most recipes for home bakers – unless otherwise specified – tend to assume that you will be using whole milk.

What can I substitute for whole milk in baking?
Sour cream or full fat yogurt can be substituted 1:1 for whole milk. Use this substitute in baking quick breads or for adding creaminess to pan sauces. Sour cream works especially well in recipes calling for buttermilk, too and vanilla-flavored yogurt can be used for sweet quick breads and cakes.Mar 26, 2020
What is the best substitute for whole milk?
If you don't have whole milk, there are several very good substitutes. To substitute 1 cup whole milk use:5/8 cup skim milk + 3/8 cup half and half.OR - 2/3 cup 1% milk + 1/2 cup half and half.OR - 3/4 cup 2% milk + 1/4 cup half and half.OR - 7/8 cup skim milk + 1/8 cup heavy cream.
What is whole milk in a recipe?
Whole milk has 3.25% milkfat compared to 2% milkfat 2%. So whole milk is slightly richer, but you won't notice a large difference. Half and half: Half and half has 10 to 18% milkfat. Use ¾ cup half and half and ¼ cup water as a replacement for 1 cup whole milk.Jan 21, 2021
When a recipe calls for whole milk?
If a baking recipe calls for whole milk, you may be able to substitute a low-fat milk variety like skim, 1% or 2% fat. Be cautious about substituting skim milk in pudding, custard and sauce recipes. These recipes rely on the dairy fat for added texture and flavor.
Can I use evaporated milk instead of whole milk?
The natural lactose sugar is concentrated in evaporated milk, so you may need to reduce the sugar when using it as a fresh milk substitute in recipes. To substitute evaporated milk for fresh milk, one cup of whole milk is equivalent to 1/2 cup evaporated milk plus 1/2 cup water.Aug 16, 2019
How do you make whole milk from 2 percent milk?
Lower fat milk is made by removing the fat, not diluting the milk with water. Add ½ quart of water to ½ quart of milk and you've diluted the fat by half, but also all the other essential the nutrients, including calcium and vitamin D. "The milk also will taste watered down."May 2, 2014
Do I have to use whole milk when baking?
In professional bakeries, whole milk is the standard for baked goods and most recipes for home bakers – unless otherwise specified – tend to assume that you will be using whole milk.Jan 27, 2011
Is whole milk the same as fresh milk?
Whole milk is sometimes also referred to as fresh milk or regular milk in the consumer retail market. From a taste and nutritional perspective, whole milk typically has a higher fat content along with the full suite of nutrients found in cow's milk.
What is whole milk example?
Whole milk contains around 3.5% of milk fat, so it's definitely not as “fattening” as the 100% milk-fat that its name seems to suggest. Some common brands offering whole milk that you can find in supermarkets include Meiji Fresh Milk, F&N Magnolia Fresh Milk, Marigold 100% Fresh Milk, and more.May 22, 2020
What kind of milk is best for baking?
Among other milk alternatives like almond milk, soy milk and oat milk, soy milk is by far the best for baking. I learned this over the course of several years and many cookies, cakes, muffins and pies. Moreover, some people will tell you that you must swap full-fat coconut milk in for heavy cream or half-and-half.
Is whole milk full cream milk?
Milk from which the cream has not been removed is called 'whole milk' or 'full cream milk'. “It contains more than 3.5% of fat; it is highly nutritious and provides the essential nutrients required for growth and development.May 21, 2018
How can I replace milk in a recipe?
Best substitutes for milkYogurt: Yogurt is thicker than milk. ... Sour cream: Use the same notes as yogurt.Heavy cream: Cream has much more milk fat than milk. ... Half and half: Also has more fat than milk. ... Water: If the recipe calls for a small amount of milk like ¼ cup or less, water could work.Sep 24, 2020
Facts About Milk
Like the juice aisle, the dairy case at your local grocery store is probably filled with dozens of options, including whole milk, nonfat milk, organic milk and lactose-free milk, along with a few nondairy varieties.
Purpose of Milk in Baking
The purpose of milk in baking may depend on your recipe. In general, milk serves as a liquid to moisten your dry ingredients, dissolve sugar and activate gluten, according to the Cooperative Extension at the University of Kentucky.
Milk vs. Water in Baking
If you're searching for a substitute for cow's milk due to an allergy, you may wonder about milk vs. water in baking. Both milk and water help hydrate the dry ingredients in baked goods, but without the nutrients, water may alter the texture or structure your baked good.
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
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.
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.
Milk Substitutes for Baking
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.
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
Popular Videos
Molly Allen is a previous bakery owner and former event planner. Now, a freelance writer and editor focused on food and beverage, lifestyle, travel and parties, she brings her years of experience and industry knowledge to readers across a variety of platforms.
What to Look for in a Whole Milk Substitute
Full-fat dairy and sweetened non-dairy alternatives can contain a large amount of fat and sugar. When choosing a replacement check the label and go for products with minimal added artificial ingredients and sugars. Fortified products can be a good source of vitamin D.
Best Whole Milk Substitutes for Baking
Powdered milk is a great substitute for whole milk and won’t compromise the flavor of your baked goods. Reconstitute the powder with water as per the instructions on the packaging and replace the milk measure for measure.
Best Whole Milk Substitutes for Cooking
Cream is much thicker with a higher fat content than whole milk. It adds a velvety richness to dishes. Use a half cup heavy cream mixed with half a cup of water to replace one cup of whole milk.
Best Whole Milk Substitutes for Drinking
Skim milk is a watered-down version of dairy milk and is a great alternative option if you are watching your calorie intake or prefer something less creamy. Replace one cup of skim milk for one cup of dairy milk.
Other Dairy-free Whole Milk Substitutes
Rice milk in its unsweetened form often has lower calories than other dairy-free alternatives. It has a mild flavor, and in terms of taste, makes a fantastic dairy milk substitute.
The Fat Difference
While the healthy fats found in foods such as avocados, oily fish, olive oil and nuts contribute to overall health by helping your body absorb needed nutrients, the same does not apply to fats found in dairy, according to Harvard University.
Flavor and Whole-Milk Substitutes
Keep in mind, using a whole-milk substitute in a recipe might alter the flavor, color and texture of your final product. "Fat is flavor" is a repeated aphorism in many kitchens.
Is This an Emergency?
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. If you think you may have COVID-19, use the CDC’s Coronavirus Self-Checker .
3. Half and Half
The good news first. You can use half and half as a direct substitute to whole milk in almost any recipe. But remember, it has a higher fat content at around 10%. The extra fat will add richness, but the texture will not change too much.
4. Heavy Cream
If you want an alternative full of flavor, go with heavy cream. It has among the highest fat content amounts among the whole milk substitutes. Heavy cream delivers thick consistency and a rich, velvety mouthfeel. When you add it to cream soups, you get better texture and flavor.
5. Powdered Milk
Powdered or dry milk has a long shelf life. That is one of the biggest advantages. Think of it as dry solids that remain after removing all the moisture from milk.
6. Evaporated Milk
Evaporated milk is almost the same thing as powdered milk. It is always a good idea to keep it in your kitchen. It has a shelf life of almost one year. Same as powdered milk, evaporated milk has no liquids.
7. Sour Cream or Yogurt
Sour cream or full-fat yogurt can also work as a substitute in baking for whole milk. But use it for quick breads and pan sauces. Yogurt will add creaminess to your recipes.
8. Soy Milk
We mentioned at the beginning that you can easily substitute whole milk with non-dairy options. One of the most common non-dairy milk? Soy milk, of course.
9. Coconut Milk
Coconut milk works wonderfully in smoothies, soups, and hot cereal. You can also use coconut milk for a basic white sauce. Similar to soy milk, it contains a higher amount of protein.
