Substitute for Sweetened Condensed Milk

Need a substitute for sweetened condensed milk? Here are our top picks for non-dairy vegan alternatives and other substitutes that can be used to achieve a similar consistency and sweetness in recipes. If you’re vegan, have dietary restrictions, allergies, lactose intolerant or just don’t have any on hand, we’ve got you covered!

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Need a substitute for sweetened condensed milk? We have got you covered! We will provide our top condensed milk substitutes along with a recipe to make your own homemade version.

Sweetened condensed milk substitutes are helpful if you are lactose intolerant, allergic or vegan. In those scenarios, a non-dairy substitute is preferred. You can use these suggested alternatives to make Pistachio Ice Cream, Key Lime Pie and Coquito, just to name a few!

However, you might also be caught in a pinch and don’t have it on hand. We have a homemade recipe as well to help you with that!

There are many options for substitutes for sweetened condensed milk, including alternative-dairy and non-dairy milk alternatives like coconut milk, almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, and rice milk, as well as other alternatives like evaporated milk, cashew cream, sugar free condensed milk and even cream cheese and sugar and pureed dates or figs!

Each of these substitutes has its own unique flavor and consistency, and may work better in some recipes than others.

It is important to carefully consider the needs and preferences of your recipe and your dietary restrictions when choosing a substitute for sweetened condensed milk.

Experimenting with different substitutes can help you find the best one for your specific needs and help you create delicious, creamy dishes without relying on sweetened condensed milk.

Jump to:

• What is Sweetened Condensed Milk?
• Why are Substitutions Necessary?
• Dairy Free Sweetened Condensed Milk Substitutes
• Other Sweetened Condensed Milk Substitutes
• Store Bought Substitutes for Sweetened Condensed Milk:
• Ingredients
• Instructions to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Substitute
• FAQ and Expert Tips
• Recipes with Sweetened Condensed Milk
• Substitute for Sweetened Condensed Milk

What is Sweetened Condensed Milk?

Sweetened condensed milk is a thick and creamy syrup that is made by removing most of the water from regular milk and adding sugar.

It is commonly used in baking as a sweet and creamy ingredient, particularly in recipes for cookies, bars, and pies. It is also a popular addition to coffee, tea, and other hot beverages.

Some other uses include caramel sauce, fondue, flan, frosting, ice cream, sweetened condensed milk coffee and as a topping for fruit, pancakes and waffles.

Canned sweetened condensed milk has a long shelf life and does not need to be refrigerated, making it a convenient ingredient to have on hand in the kitchen.

Why are Substitutions Necessary?

Sweetened condensed milk is made from regular cow’s milk, which contains lactose. Lactose intolerance is a digestive disorder that affects the body’s ability to break down and absorb lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products so sweetened condensed milk may not be appropriate.

Another example is for our vegan friends who do not consume any animal products, including dairy. Substitutes for sweetened condensed milk and other dairy products are necessary to allow vegans to follow their dietary restrictions.

Dairy Free Sweetened Condensed Milk Substitutes

Coconut milk

To use coconut milk as a substitute, you can mix equal parts coconut milk and sugar and then heat the mixture over low heat until the sugar is dissolved.

Coconut milk will add a mild coconut flavor to your recipe, so keep this in mind if you are using it in a recipe where the coconut flavor might not be desired.

Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk

This is perfect alternative to sweetened condensed milk and can be purchased online and in most grocery stores.

Simply substitute in a 1:1 ratio for a great non-dairy alternative to regular sweetened condensed milk.

Other Non-Dairy Milk Alternatives (Almond milk, Oat milk, Soy milk and Rice Milk)

Mix equal parts non-dairy milk alternative and sugar and then heat the mixture over low heat until the sugar is dissolved.

Condensed almond milk, condensed oat milk, condensed soy milk and condensed rice milk can also be purchased online.

Cashew Cream

Cashew cream can be used as a substitute for sweetened condensed milk in many recipes. Cashew cream is made by blending soaked cashews with water to create a creamy, smooth mixture that is similar in consistency to heavy cream.

Mix equal parts cashew cream and sugar and then heat the mixture over low heat until the sugar is dissolved. Cashew cream will add a subtle nutty flavor to your recipe.

Other Sweetened Condensed Milk Substitutes

Evaporated milk

Evaporated milk can be used as a substitute for sweetened condensed milk in many recipes. Evaporated milk is made by simmering regular milk until about 60% of the water has evaporated, which results in a thicker, creamier milk with a slightly caramelized flavor.

Mix equal parts evaporated milk and sugar and then heat the mixture over low heat until the sugar is dissolved, which will create a mixture that is similar in sweetness to sweetened condensed milk.

Heavy cream and sugar

Heavy cream and sugar can be used as a replacement for sweetened condensed milk in some recipes. To use heavy cream and sugar as a substitute, you can mix equal parts heavy cream and sugar in a 2:1 ratio and then heat the mixture over low heat until the sugar is dissolved.

This will create a thick, sweet mixture that can be used in place of sweetened condensed milk. Heavy cream will add a richness and thickness to your recipe that may not be present with sweetened condensed milk.

This can be desirable in some recipes, but it may also change the texture and mouthfeel of your finished product.

Store Bought Substitutes for Sweetened Condensed Milk:

• Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk
• Sweetened Condensed Oat Milk
• Sugar Free Sweetened Condensed Milk
• Far Free Sweetened Condensed Milk

Ingredients

• Milk: Milk or non-dairy milk alternative (coconut milk, soy milk, almond milk, rice milk)
• Sugar: White granulated sugar or brown sugar.

Instructions to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Substitute

1. In a medium saucepan, combine milk or alternative milk and sugar and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, until the mixture has thickened and reduced by about half. This should take about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
4. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature and refrigerate prior to use.

Note: This homemade sweetened condensed milk will have a slightly different flavor and texture than store-bought sweetened condensed milk, but it can be used as a substitute in many recipes.

It will also have a shorter shelf life than store-bought sweetened condensed milk and should be stored in the refrigerator.

FAQ and Expert Tips

Recipes with Sweetened Condensed Milk

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