Yes, You Can Make Pumpkin Pie Without Evaporated Milk

November 25th, 2011 | Posted by Alison Spath in Short or Sweet

Today let’s be thankful for leftovers.

Pumpkin Pie Without Evaporated Milk

I made pumpkin pie this year! Until this week, the only thing I knew about pumpkin pie was that I liked to eat it.

Therefore, as a pumpkin pie newbie (and a girl without a lot of extra energy to spare right now), I decided to go with the tried and true recipe on the side of the can of Libby’s pumpkin puree.

And it looked simple enough. Pumpkin, sugar, spices, eggs… a can of evaporated milk?

While I’m sure I’ve eaten plenty of pumpkin pie made with evaporated milk (and I’m sure I wouldn’t turn a piece down if someone handed it to me either) I did want to find a substitute ingredient for that questionable can of evaporated milk since I was the one making it this time.

A little digging around the web and looking at lots of pumpkin pie recipes, I discovered Yes! You can definitely replace the evaporated milk for something that feels more like “real food” if you so desire.

Libby’s Famous Pumpkin Pie (without evaporated milk)

3/4 c sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cloves
2 eggs, beaten
1 15 oz can of pure pumpkin
1 12 oz can of evaporated milk
1 c of heavy cream (or milk for fewer calories)

Preheat oven to 425, combine dry ingredients in a bowl. Beat eggs, stir in pumpkin and then sugar mixture. Gradually stir in milk and pour into unbaked pie shell. Bake for 15 minutes at 425, reduce temperature to 350 and bake for an additional 40 to 50 or until knife comes out clean. If your knife refuses to come out clean even after 55 minutes, call your grandmother to find out if this is normal. (And Grandma said yes, this is normal.)

If you get a can of Libby’s 100% pure pumpkin, it basically says the exact same thing on the label. Except for that last part about Granny.

I made two pies yesterday. One for my mom’s house, and one to leave here so leftovers were assured. One was made with heavy cream, one with 2% milk. Both pies tasted as good as any pumpkin pie I’ve ever had, I couldn’t even tell the difference between the two. Both pies have had MORE heavy whipping cream heaped on top… heavy cream whipped with a little sugar and vanilla of course.

So if you’ve never made a pumpkin pie before and you find yourself wondering if you can skip buying that can of milk when you’re looking at the directions on the side of the pumpkin can? Why yes, as a matter of fact as you can.

 

**Update Thanksgiving 2013

I modified this recipe to use 3 eggs and 3/4 c cream.  I had no issue with getting the knife to come out clean after 50 minutes, it set up beautifully!


Please know that links to Amazon are affiliate links. It doesn’t change the price you pay, but if you buy something from Amazon after following one of the links in my posts, I earn a percentage based commission from Amazon as a part of their affiliate program. This is one of the ways I generate revenue from the posts that I write here. I promise that I only link to items that I truly endorse. You don’t ever have to buy anything, but if you do, thank you for supporting the site and the work I do here.


You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 Both comments and pings are currently closed.

70 Responses

  • Lisa says:

    How interesting about the evaporated milk! That stuff is so weird and creepy….agh.

    So…if I ever make a pumpkin pie (which might happen, someday), I’ll know to sub in the heavy cream :)

    Glad Grandma was there to answer your question!

    • Jeanine says:

      I did a search this year for pumpkin pie without evaporated milk ONLY because neither my daughter nor I can drink milk! Thank you for the info.! I wish I had thought about searching in years past. I will substitute with rice (milk) =) Sidenote: there’s a recipe for pumpkin apple pie using apple pie filling (I canned some this year) that I think I’ll try now =)

      • Hey Jeanine, I bet rice milk would work here, I sub non-dairy milk in various recipes sometimes too and would venture a guess that rice milk would be a fine substitute. Report back with your results if you like, I’d love to know how it turns out! Maybe you can help another dairy free pumpkin pie lover out there!

        Pumpkin apple pie?! Is it Thanksgiving yet? I’m hungry!

  • Hi, mama!

    Now that you have Libby’s great recipe, you might want to consider using a different brand of canned pumpkin next year (or puree your own). Libby’s is owned by Nestle, and there’s a boycott on because of Nestle’s infant formula marketing practices that violate World Health Organization standards.

    http://www.breastfeeding.com/advocacy/advocacy_boycott.html

    I don’t want to rain on your gorgeous pumpkin pie! But thought you & your readers might like to know.

  • Duby says:

    thank you so much for this blog post !!!!!! do you know how often ive skipped recipes because of that darn Evaporated milk situation ?!?!?!?!?!

    a million thank yous —

    Have a wonderful HOliday season !!!

  • Gabby says:

    I was just wondering, for the part where it says that it’s normal for the knife not to come out clean even after 55 minutes, does that mean leave it in longer until the knife does come out clean, or does it mean to take the pie out and it’ll firm up on its own?

  • Hannah says:

    This is the best pumpkin pie recipe EVER. I always come back to this site to use it, it’s fabulous! Evaporated milk is disgusting, I never use it unless I absolutely have to. Also, just using cinnamon and nutmeg works just as well, but cloves are also a good touch. Do you have a good dough recipe, that uses oil instead of butter or lard?

  • Pingback: Thanksgiving… by Gloria « lipstick sandwich

  • Jess says:

    Great recipe. Thanks for experimenting and publishing. Yours was the first post up in google when I asked the question matching your headline. I had everything but evaporated milk and needed help. It’s delicious and I can’t tell the difference at all!

  • Robert Lasher says:

    Glad to find this. A lot of dieters in our midst this year. Trying substituting the Truvia baking mix: stevia/sugar to lower the calories and carbs. Also baking in smaller glass containers so people can have a “whole” pie to themselves. We’ll se how this turns out.

  • Robert Lasher says:

    Just for the record, the truvia baking mix was NOT a hit, although I happened to like it.

  • kendra says:

    Thanks for the recipe for the pumkin pie In the evaporated milk Phosphateis in it. My husband cannot have.

  • jen says:

    Now I know myself I’d rather use heavy cream (with the extra calories) or milk.. but I’m curious what’s questionable about evaporated milk? Or am I too trusting in believing that it’s really just what it says it is? hehe

    • It’s just too processed. Milk in a can at room temperature on the shelf for 12 – 15 months? That’s just… not what milk is supposed to be. What are they doing to the milk to make it shelf stable? I don’t know, and the fact that that question even comes to mind means I’m leaving it behind!

      (Although I suppose it’s no worse than cheese in envelope in a box of Mac and Cheese, something that definitely appears in our pantry from time to time…)

  • Jan says:

    Hi there. I too was looking to substitute evaporated milk in my pumpkin pie recipe. Just wondering what the sub proportions should be if using pumpkin pie filling? It calls for 1/3 cup of evaporated milk. Would that be 1/3 cup of milk then? I appreciate your input on this and thank you in advance!

  • Jan says:

    I don’t have a website. Sorry!

  • Rick says:

    I was recommended this web site by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my trouble. You’re amazing!
    Thanks!

  • Dani Hale says:

    Just an FYI evaporated milk is simply milk that has been simmered to reduce it’s water content. Just like you would reduce a sauce or other liquid. It is used because it is richer than regular milk. Nothing questionable about it.

    • Thanks Dani. I’m afraid I still find milk in a can on the shelf questionable – it contains additives and preservatives like carrageenan. If someone really wanted to use evaporated milk in pumpkin pie (or any recipe) making your own evaporated milk at home from quality dairy seems like a simple thing to do and is a better option than buying what’s on the store shelves.

      • Sarah says:

        The reason I have been looking for an alternative is because of the carrageenan too, can you believe that in Canada all cream has carageenan as well? So I will try with regular 1% today, and see how it works!

  • Thanks so much for letting me know that I can skip the cans of evaporated milk! I would always buy a few too many and they’d expire. Did you know you can easily make and freeze your own pumpkin puree?

    Hollow out a pumpkin (that will fit in your oven) as if you were going to carve it. Pop the lid back on, put it on a dish with sides (like a 9×13 pan, or a deep baking sheet because lots of liquid can come out while you bake the pumpkin). Bake at 375 for 2 hours.

    Once the pumpkin has cooled a little, you can cut it into pieces, peel off the rind, and puree it in a blender or food processer. I freeze mine in 2-cup portions because that’s what my pie recipe calls for.

  • Jody Noel says:

    Thank you so much for this great recipe! I was looking for one without evaporated milk or sweetened condensed milk because I don’t even know what that stuff is! I figure if I don’t know what it is, it isn’t ‘from scratch’ enough for me. I used freshly roasted & pureed pumpkin and the heavy cream. It was delicious!

  • Michael Biggs says:

    Substituting heavy cream for the evaporated milk is the start of a GREAT pumpkin pie recipe. It increases the fat. The spices should be SLIGHTLY adjusted because of that. This can be done by adding the same spices in very small amounts to the whipped cream that will be used as a topping. The texture will stay better longer with heavy cream.

    These simple changes turn a $10 pie into a $40-$50 pie.

  • Pingback: A SIMPLE Thanksgiving Dinner | SIMPLE

  • Jean says:

    I have to admit I’m really disappointed. I shouldn’t really eat dairy, and since I am new to making pumpkin pie, i didn’t buy evaporated milk. Trust me, as bad as it is more me in so many ways, I think it’s amazingly delicious, and I would have used it. I assumed the eggs were what was going to hold this pie together, but it never really set up, it just mush. Very tasty mush, but mush. I will never skip the evaporated milk again, or I will just make a different pie.

    • What a bummer. It looks like some people here had good luck with rice milk, perhaps you could try a non-dairy milk dairy next time? I would consider coconut milk, almond milk or even applesauce could be worth a try.

  • Ann Webb says:

    Thank you for this!! I think probably Libby’s was giving a shout out to their own companies as ingredients when they required Evaporated Milk as a “necessity”! I’m looking for this on Thanksgiving morning in the UK where it’s difficult to find Libby’s pumpkin pie filling and now that I have it, had forgotten the evap. milk!! Good to know I don’t need it. Interesting what we grow up assuming.

    • Jeanine says:

      This year we substituted evaporated milk for almond milk because two of us are lactose intolerant. Couldn’t tell a difference once again. Last year we used rice drink =)

  • Pingback: Thanksgiving… by Gloria | Lipstick Sandwich

  • natalie rivera says:

    Im vegan so im using almond milk :)

  • Newton says:

    Whats up are using WordPress for your blog platform?

    I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and create my
    own. Do you need any coding knowledge to make your own blog?
    Any help would be greatly appreciated!

  • Ambit says:

    Very descriptive article, I loved that bit. Will there be a part
    2?

    Here is my website: Ambit

  • Also can angry birds epic cheat ever before affect national politics.
    Last year 5 applicants operating for getting some sort of place applied angry birds epic hack 2014 because the major subject matter with their marketing campaign.
    An individual may well believe angry birds epic cheats
    has to be negative theme to be able to direct the advertising campaign together with, in truth
    while using the societal and ecological impact is possesses, this particular subject was
    able to gain lots of supporters.

  • Do you mind if I quote a few of your articles
    as long as I provide credit and sources back to your site? My website is
    in the exact same niche as yours and my visitors would
    really benefit from some of the information you provide here.
    Please let me know if this okay with you. Appreciate it!

  • Curs Valutar
    Romania
    Good information. Lucky me I discovered your site by accident (stumbleupon).
    I’ve saved it for later!

  • They also want the furniture of their office reflect their lifestyle in the
    best way possible. Distressing and aging techniques can give wooden furniture
    a vintage or antique look. Article Source: furniture manufacturer,
    Fine Variety, offers in various style of glass furniture products,
    especially glass TV stand.

  • I am captivated by this informative article.
    There are plenty of things mentioned here I had never thought of before.
    You have made me comprehend there is more than one way to think about these things.

  • I was recommended thus website by way of my cousin.

    I’m now not sure wheter orr not this submit is written via him as nno one else recognize such designated about my trouble.
    You’re wonderful! Thanks!

    My web page … melbourne personal training (Christopher)

  • I have been exploring for a little bit for any
    high-quality articles or blog posts in this sort of area .

    Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this site.
    Reading this info So i am glad to convey that I’ve an incredibly good uncanny feeling I found out just what I needed.
    I most unquestionably will make sure to do not forget this web site and give it a look regularly.

    Here is my blog post paleo diet explained

  • Hair removal in some areas is essential to replace the areas
    where its growth has stopped. Redheads and folks with course hair will typically be higher shedders than blondes or those with fine hair.
    We live in a climate that gets hot and humid and there are many activities to choose from.

    Take a look at my weblog :: Laser Hair Regrowth Treatment Cost

  • Thus we became noobs on the water when we purchased our 1957 Sea King with a 1964 Johnson motor.
    Presently there are lots of stunning places which includes the Wroxham Boat Hire that is the top sailing region. If you are a foreigner unlikely to return if allowed to
    leave, you will not be able to post a bond.

    My site; deck ideas for front of house

  • After you stop taking the diet drops, continue with the 500 calorie diet for 3 days before adopting a 2000
    calorie diet for the next 3 weeks. Try not to smell the
    Shirataki until after you have cooked it since it does not have a pleasant smell coming out of the
    container. Just look online, and you will experience no trouble finding a life changing HCG diet clinic.

    my web page: weight loss surgery

  • Even frequent blow-drying at extreme heat or brushing
    obsessively can cause your hair to become extremely fragile causing it to break and fall
    out. Purchase shampoo or other hair care products that are
    meant specifically for people with thinning hair. Refrain or limit the amount of
    heat applied to your hair through the use of blow dryers,
    curling irons, straighteners, etc.

    Also visit my site … igrow laser cap

  • What i don’t understood is actually how you’re no longer really
    a lot more neatly-favored than you might be now. You’re so intelligent.
    You realize therefore considerably with regards to this matter, produced me in my view imagine it from numerous various angles.

    Its like women and men aren’t fascinated unless it is one thing to accomplish with Woman gaga!
    Your personal stuffs excellent. All the time handle it up!

  • Face lift involves procedures to smooth out wrinkles and lines by surgically tightening the skin of the face.
    Place the back of both wrists at the bottom of the chin. First decide on what color you want your bathroom to be and add two shades of the same color, one lighter and one darker
    (or one totally different but matching color) for accents.

    Look at my blog: latino advertising for cosmetic surgery procedures

  • It’s no fun to be on a social network or to follow someone
    who never talks to you. Constantly run 2 ads on Adwords for every ad group.
    But other than those who just want to communicate with friends, old and new,
    social media is also currently being taken advantage by business oriented people as a way to reach their target clients and improve their businesses.

    my web-site … Huntington Bank

  • About the Author: Sally Ormond is an independent copywriter and owner of Briar Copywriting
    Ltd. Even the most capable SEO specialists struggle with this.
    That’s where you’ll want to spend your time (and money).

    Also visit my blog post; social media marketing job description 2013

  • No one can resist to check the HTML code may
    web design once have been displayed on web page owners can then expand your knowledge around it.
    Then, nothing can be seen by a perfect website meets the demands of the best.
    As a relatively new modus operandi called Remote Scripting, has web
    designers for their shopping.

    Here is my webpage … search engines optimization

  • You wont find Adiphene in your native pharmacy or some huge store like Walmart or Walgreens.

    Adiphene the new weight loss formula is now available with
    the power of 11 different fat burners to boost weight loss.

    Different studies have demonstrated the profits of Ginseng Panax Root Extract.

    My blog post – remedies for tinnitus

  • Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just
    your articles? I mean, what you say is valuable and all.
    However just imagine if you added some great visuals or videos to give your posts more, “pop”!
    Your content is excellent but with pics and clips, this site could undeniably
    be one of the very best in its niche. Terrific blog!

    Take a look at my web blog … Port Richey FL how much are personal training courses

  • Pingback: custom patios katy

  • hi!,I really ljke your writing so so much! propoortion we keep
    up a correspondence extra approximately your article on AOL?

    I require ann expert in this house to resolve
    myy problem. May be that is you! Having a look ahead to look you.

  • Hmm itt looks like your blog ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so
    I guess I’ll just sum it up what I had written andd say, I’m thoroughly
    enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog writer
    but I’m still new to the whole thing. Do you have any recommendations for inexperienced blog writers?
    I’d genuinely appreciate it.

    Take a look at my web-site: tv advertising prices

  • Don’t let fat cost-free or perhaps gentle meals trick anyone;
    them usually comprise copious amounts connected with one more
    unhealthy element. Perhaps the main reason behind
    this though is that you have developed a dependence on food.
    Indeed Adiphene weight reduction pill is the answer for those who always goes on food regimen however can’t endure the meals carving hunger and the irritability gave rise by dieting.

    my web-site – joe barry panic away program

  • Pingback: garcinia indica

  • Such are the ingredients of Adiphene that its one finest selling level is the
    shortage of dangerous uncomfortable side effects.

    The huge distinction between Adiphene and Adipex is that Adiphene is a product that
    uses a sequence of natural and secure to use ingredients.
    Having said that, the study has shown that just about anything that can maximize the metabolism, also can raise the
    weight reduction even if the human being is just resting.

    Visit my weblog – the linden method review

  • You’ll for certain do not have something to lose with Adiphene, thus for those that actually need to slim while not losing their time and power,
    then Adiphene is that the product for you. Perhaps the main reason behind this though is that you have developed a dependence on food.
    Different studies have demonstrated the profits of Ginseng Panax Root Extract.

    my web-site having high anxiety