Can You Bake with Lactose-Free Milk or Not? – Know Here!

Have you always been wondering and asking, “Can you bake with lactose-free milk?“

Living with lactose intolerance and food allergy is never exciting. 

You never know when you might find yourself dealing with allergy symptoms for eating something carelessly.

But, being lactose intolerant does not mean avoiding all the good things in life, especially baked goods. It is good news, right? 

But, you may be thinking, “Can I use lactose-free milk in baking?”

Yes, you can use lactose-free milk the same way as your regular milk variety without compromising on taste and texture. 

Can You Bake with Lactose-Free Milk?

Dairy products are commonly utilized in baking and are a key element.

Many other types of food, especially sweets, also frequently include dairy products of various kinds.

While milk, the most widely used dairy product, is an essential ingredient in countless dishes, it is not for everyone.

Despite milk’s usefulness, not everyone is able to enjoy it because of their unique inability to process a protein called lactose.

Thankfully, the easy availability of lactose-free milk has resolved the issue.

Those with lactose intolerance can benefit greatly from switching to lactose-free milk.

Because of this alternative, you will not have to give up any of your go-to milk-based dishes.

When you are cooking next, give it a shot! 

What is Lactose-Free Milk Anyway?

Dairy products and milk are off-limits for many people.

This is because even one glass of milk can bring on the gastrointestinal irritation associated with lactose intolerance in some people.

Some people have trouble digesting lactose, a type of sugar that is naturally present in milk products.

Easy substitution with lactose-free milk may alleviate or even prevent many of these undesirable effects.

Lactose-free milk refers to commercially made milk products that have been processed to remove lactose. 

Fact: Producers of lactose-free milk simply add lactase to regular cow's milk – an enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose in your body. 

Is Lactose-Free Milk As Healthy as Dairy Milk?

Lactose-free milk has the same amazing nutrient composition as regular milk, despite including lactase to aid in the digestion of lactose.

And there are plenty of vital micronutrients including vitamin B12, phosphorus, calcium, and riboflavin in it.

Numerous varieties are also fortified with vitamin D, a crucial nutrient for many bodily functions that is, unfortunately, present in very few dietary options.

Thus, lactose-free milk can be substituted for ordinary milk without sacrificing any of the health benefits associated with milk.

Fact: The lactose-free milk alternative is, like regular milk, a fantastic source of protein, with roughly 8 grams provided by a 1-cup (240 ml) serving. 

Is It Okay to Use Lactose-Free Milk to Bake Your Cake?

The applications for lactose-free milk are identical to those for ordinary milk. It is multipurpose; it works in the kitchen and the oven.

While lactose-free cow milk is available, most people opt for lactose-free milk made from plants when making baked goods. 

And you can definitely use a wide variety of plant-based milk that are lactose-free and work just fine for cakes. 

Why is Lactose-Free Milk Good for Baking?

You will not be losing out on anything if you switch to lactose-free milk because it tastes, feels, and provides the same nutrients as your dairy milk varieties. 

Therefore, lactose-free milk can be used in any recipe that calls for milk, including baked goods like cookies, cakes, and more.

Non-dairy milk varieties are readily available and suitable replacements for dairy milk in baking when lactose intolerance is a concern. 

Just bear in mind that some of these milks do not taste as sweet or have as much fiber or protein as regular dairy milk.

However, the difference will not be as noticeable when using them in baking because most recipes also call for eggs as well. 

What Are the Best Lactose Milk Substitutes for Baking?

While you can find different varieties of lactose-free milk, you may be surprised to learn that not all of them are acceptable for use in the oven.

Here are several alternatives to cow’s milk that can be used in place of it in your baked goods. 

Soy Milk

Baking relies heavily on milk because of its protein, which gives baked foods structure.

Soy milk has the second-highest protein content after cow’s milk.

If you need a milk substitute because you cannot tolerate lactose, soy milk is the way to go. 

Not only does it work for cakes, but it is also suitable for bread, muffins, and other baked goods. 

Almond Milk

Almond milk is an excellent substitute for regular milk in baked goods but is not widely consumed. 

Almond milk’s vitamin and nutritional content is comparable to that of soy milk.

The protein content may be on the lower side, but the water content is still good enough. 

It evaporates at a reasonable rate during baking, allowing your baked goods to rise and finish cooking on schedule.

Fact: When baking, choosing almond milk labeled “lightly sweetened” or “low sugar” is better because the “unsweetened” variety is not going to work great in the oven. 

Cashew Milk

Cashew milk is another dairy-free milk substitute that works well in the kitchen.

Like almond milk, it is lower in protein, but the added sugar and fat give it a creamier texture. 

Note

You should be extra careful while baking with cashew milk because the fat content can cause your baked items to turn black and dry before their time. 

Coconut Milk

Baking with coconut milk is a great idea if you enjoy the flavor of coconut. 

Coconut milk from a can is perfect for this since it has the ideal ratio of ingredients for baking, such as sugar, protein, and fat.

This works great with half and half or heavy cream, and is also suitable for cakes and sweets. 

To get the correct amount of milk for your needs, we advise blending all the ingredients found in the can of coconut milk together.   

Oat Milk

Oat milk is a relatively new ingredient in baking, but it adds a velvety texture, healthy nutrients, and a delightful flavor.

It is touted as an eco-friendly alternative to almond milk. 

Just bear in mind that oat milk can be substituted for cow milk in baked goods; however, it may result in a gritty, sticky texture. 

An Important Consideration

Once you have decided what variety of lactose-free milk you want to use, you have to decide how much will replace the milk required for a recipe.

It does not have to be complicated – thankfully! 

Whether you use almond, soy, or oat milk, you can use them as a 1:1 replacement.

It means you need to use as much lactose-free milk as much “regular” milk is called for in the recipe. 

Can You Use Any Type of Lactose-Free Milk in Baking?

Probably not!

Vegan alternatives to regular milk that are high in protein and low in lactose, such as hemp milk, rice milk, and cashew milk, do not work well in baked goods. 

In comparison to other lactose-free milk, these are too watery to be effective.

In general, lactose-free milk varieties that are heavy in sugar or fat should be avoided in baked goods. 

Bakers beware: using these milk varieties can change the flavor and consistency of their baked goods. 

What Is the Best Substitute for Lactose-Free Milk in Baking?

If you want to use lactose-free milk but you do not have any available, you can often try a blend of water and sour cream.

You can use this blend in place of milk in any recipe. 

It is a versatile ingredient that works well in a wide variety of dishes, including cakes, béchamel sauce, baked products of many kinds, curries, and more. 

In every instance, it will perform perfectly.

How to Do It?

• Place the lactose-free sour cream and the water in a small jar.
• Now screw on the lid and shake vigorously to combine.

After blending, this mixture can be used in place of milk in any recipe that calls for milk.

Fact: Do not use as much sugar as the original recipe calls for because lactose-free milk is naturally sweeter than regular milk. 

Takeaway

Can you bake with lactose-free milk? 

When your food allergy gets in your way of enjoying your favorite baked goods, a simple solution is to switch to lactose-free milk. 

You can use it the same way you use regular milk, which does not even change the benefits you get from regular milk. 

Just be careful about the variety of lactose-free milk you use, as not all of them deliver the same results.