12 Surprising Things You Can Make With Powdered Milk

Wondering What To Do With Powdered Milk? Find Out Here

You might think of powdered milk as just a food storage staple, but it can actually be a lot more useful than you might think! Today I’ll be sharing 12 things you can make with powdered milk, including everything from coffee creamer to cottage cheese to a luxurious milk bath.

But before we get started, I wanted to mention that there are different types of powdered milk with different advantages and disadvantages.

From a taste standpoint, whole powdered milk is a clear standout. However, it doesn’t dissolve as readily as nonfat powdered milk does, and often requires that warm liquid be added to aid in the dissolving process. Nonfat powdered milk will dissolve readily in any temperature, so it does have the advantage of being easy to work with.

You can also find powdered cow’s milk alternatives if you’re lactose intolerant, don’t eat dairy, or whatever the reason may be. They’re a little harder to find, but just browsing on Amazon I came across powdered goat milk, powdered coconut milk, almond milk powder, and powdered soy milk. There are milk powders out there for everyone! :-)

12 Surprising Uses For Powdered Milk

1. Sweetened Condensed Milk

Sweetened condensed milk is a key ingredient in plenty of different kinds of sweet treats, like pies, cakes, and sweet sauces. While cans of sweetened condensed milk are readily available at grocery stores, most people don’t keep cans of it in their pantry. Learning to make your own sweetened condensed milk using powdered milk could save you a trip to the grocery store the next time you need some!

Read More: Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk

2. Evaporated Milk

Evaporated milk is similar to sweetened condensed milk, but it is a bit thinner and isn’t sweetened with sugar. It’s great for making thick, creamy sauces (like a cheese sauce for homemade Mac & Cheese, for example!)

To make your own evaporated milk, pour 1 1/2 cups of water into your blender. Add 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon of powdered milk, and blend until it’s smooth.

3. Whipped Topping

You never know when a crepe craving will strike, so it pays to be prepared! ;-) You can use shelf-stable powdered milk to make whipped topping in a pinch.

Add equal parts ice-cold water and powdered milk to the bowl of your stand mixer. Whip the mixture until it’s nice and fluffy. Then add a little sugar, a splash of vanilla extract, and continue to beat until the mixture has thickened. Use it to dress up crepes, waffles, pie, and pretty much anything else!

4. Coffee Creamer

Powdered coffee creamer is convenient because it has a long shelf life, and it doesn’t take up any of the precious real estate in your fridge. And powdered coffee creamer can be even more convenient if you know how to make it yourself!

Read More: Make Your Own Cheaper & Better Tasting Coffee Creamer

5. Yogurt

Making homemade greek yogurt sounds like a pretty advanced project, but it’s actually easier than you’d think! Try out my foolproof method for yourself.

Read More: Foolproof Crockpot Greek Yogurt

6. Oatmeal Packets

Store-bought instant oatmeal packets can make a quick and easy breakfast on busy mornings, but the convenience comes at a price! You can use powdered milk to make your own homemade instant oatmeal packets, at a fraction of the cost of the store-bought ones. It’s one of my favorite recipes with powdered milk, hands down!

Read More: The “Secret” To Making Homemade Instant Oatmeal Packets

7. Hot Chocolate

Powdered milk is one of the key ingredients in my family’s very favorite hot chocolate mix. I usually mix up a big batch of it when it starts getting cold in the fall, and then we can enjoy it all winter long. Don’t forget the marshmallows!

Read More: Our Family’s Favorite Semi-Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

8. Curds

Bring 1 part powdered milk and 2 parts water to a boil. Remove from heat, and drizzle in 1 tablespoon of white vinegar for each cup of water you used. Stir the mixture lightly and let it stand until it separates. Line a sieve with layers of cheesecloth, and pour the mixture through to strain out the liquid. Finally, rinse the curds in cold water.

9. Ricotta

To make your own homemade ricotta, start by following the directions to make curds (see above) and then simply blend or whip the curds until they achieve a smoother, creamy texture. Add your favorite herbs or spices, if you like, and serve with bread or crackers as a party snack. Or use it in your favorite recipes!

10. Cottage Cheese

To make homemade cottage cheese, you’ll also begin by following the steps to make curds. When they’re ready, take a scoop of the curds and stir them into a small amount of evaporated milk. Keep adding small amounts of evaporated milk until you get the consistency you want.

Use your cottage cheese in lasagnas and baked goods, or use it as a topping for french toast, regular toast, or even cornbread!

11. Milk Bath

In addition to the culinary uses for milk powder, you can actually incorporate it into your beauty routine as well! One of my favorite ways to use powdered milk is in a relaxing milk bath.

The practice of taking milk baths can be traced back as far as ancient Egypt. It’s said that Cleopatra took milk baths for the same reasons we still do today – to slough off dead skin cells and reveal smooth, soft, and hydrated skin. (Though I hardly need an excuse to take a relaxing soak!)

Read More: Treat Yourself To A Luxurious Homemade Milk Bath

12. Face Mask & Soothing Skin Treatment

Making a simple powdered milk facial mask is another way to take advantage of the moisturizing power of milk. Scoop some powdered milk into a small bowl, and add just enough water to make a thick paste. Use clean hands or a brush to apply the paste to your face. Let the paste dry, then rinse clean for soft, smooth skin.

Milk can also be incredibly soothing on irritated skin. You can use the same face mask described above to soothe insect bites, sunburns, and other skin irritations.

Do you have a favorite recipe using powdered milk?