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One of the most often used ingredients in baking is dairy products. Different dairy products are also a common element in many other dishes and desserts. Milk is a significant dairy item that is used in many recipes. While milk serves several purposes, some people are unable to fully ingest milk for a variety of reasons.
The availability of lactose-free milk for their consumption whenever they need it is a good thing. Different people have asked a variety of questions about using lactose-free milk in baking. Can lactose-free milk be used in baking?
Yes, you can use lactose-free milk to bake your cake, while there is lactose-free cow milk; the most popular option is plant-based milk. There is numerous plant-based milk that is lactose-free and good for baking.
Many decades ago, there were fewer options for people who were lactose intolerant, however, in recent times, many companies and individuals have made different options available, so much so that you have many to choose from.
Lactose-free milk is a type of milk that contains lactose, which helps in breaking down lactose in milk. Lactose is a type of sugar that is found in milk and its products, which some people find difficult to digest. In the production of lactose-free milk, lactase is added to the regular cow milk, and it is put there to help people who consume the milk break down lactose in their bodies.
Can You Bake With Lactose-Free Milk?
The good thing about lactose-free milk is that it has almost the same texture, nutrients, and taste as regular milk; hence if you are consuming lactose-free milk, you will not be missing so much.
Just like lactose-free milk can be consumed like regular milk, it can also be added to recipes that require milk, such as cookies, cake, etc.
In some cases, you might be open to using non-dairy milk for your baking, as they are lactose-free and easy to find. We admit that some of this milk do not have the same sweetness, fiber, and protein as dairy milk, however, while using them for baking, most recipes also call for eggs and since eggs are in there, the difference won’t be so obvious.
Lactose Milk Substitute To Use For Baking
There are many types of lactose-free milk on the market today; however, you must know that not all are suitable for baking. The following are some alternative milk you can use for your baking.
1. Soy Milk
In baking, a major nutrient required from milk is protein, this helps in giving structure to your baked goods. Next to cow milk, soy milk contains a high amount of protein. Soy milk is the right lactose-free milk for baking.
The high amount of protein in soy milk gives the cake structure and also allows it to brown appropriately; you would never tell they’re not from cow milk. Soy milk works well for cakes, muffins, bread, and other baked goods.
2. Almond Milk
Although almond milk is not as popular, it is a great option for baking. Almond milk contains a high amount of vitamins and nutrients, close to that of soy milk. Although it has less protein, it has enough water in it, which evaporates on time while baking, giving your baked goods, the chance to rise and get done on time.
If you will be purchasing almond milk, ensure you do not purchase unsweetened almond milk, as it has 0 sugars. You should purchase the “low sugar” or “lightly sweetened” almond milk for your baked goods. Almond milk has less protein; hence it might not give the brown effect as opposed soy milk or cow milk.
3. Cashew Milk
Another good alternative for baking is cashew milk. It comes in less protein, just like almond milk; however, it is creamier, due to the fat content and has more sugar.
However, the fat content can make your baked goods turn dark and dry on time, when baking with cashew milk, you should be more observant.
4. Coconut Milk
If you love the coconut taste, then you should try baking with coconut milk. Canned coconut milk is great for this, they contain the right amount of protein, sugar, fats, and flavor for baking. You can find them in different grocery stores, everywhere.
Not only can this work for cakes and desserts, but they are also perfect for heavy cream or half and half. We recommend that you blend all the content you find in the canned coconut milk together; this will give you the right content of milk for your needs. It can also be used as whipped cream.
5. Oat Milk
While the use of oat milk is new, it is very creamy, nutritious, and delicious for baking. It is said to be more sustainable than almond milk. You can use oat milk in place of cow milk for baking; however, it might give a gummy texture and almost grainy flavor.
If you intend to use the oat milk for baking, ensure to purchase “full fat” oat milk, this will prevent your battery from becoming too thin.
What Lactose-Free Milk Is Bad For Baking?
Rice Milk is lactose-free but bad for baking. This is because; rice milk is made from a blend of rice, water sweetener, and some stabilizers. Due to its use of a lot of moisture during the process of boiling, the water content gets high and when it is used for baking, it doesn’t turn out well.
Although rice milk is good and excellent for drinking, it is not recommended that you use it for baking.
If you must make use of rice milk for baking, you will have to add some thickening agents, such as cornstarch. Before you do this, ensure you experiment with a little ratio, so you do not waste your ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Milk Necessary In A Cake?
Milk is one of the least important ingredients in cake making. The most important ingredients are butter, sugar, and flour. The addition of milk is to add some level of moisture and this can be achieved with any other liquid i.e., lemon juice, coffee, etc.
Does Lactose-Free Milk Affect Baking?
No, lactose-free milk does not affect your baked goods. The different lactose-free milk contains different nutrients, some of which are less than regular cow milk. You must make research on the milk you intend to use, before using it for baking.
Can You Cook With Lactose-Free Milk?
Yes, you can cook with lactose-free milk. Lactose-free milk adds lactase to your food which makes it easier for people who may be sensitive to lactose, to digest; however, the milk does not in any way affect your cooked or baked food.
Final Thoughts
Lactose-free milk makes it easy for people who are lactose intolerant, to digest their food.
While the different milk substitutes may slightly affect the taste of your food, the difference may not be so obvious. The most important thing is that you can eat what you want, with no fear of any side effects.
