Sweetened Condensed Milk Substitutes
From evaporated milk to oat milk, this article will walk you through the best substitutes for sweetened condensed milk so you can get back to baking quickly. Whether you’re wanting a healthier alternative or accommodating dietary restrictions, there are several great options.
Common sweetened condensed milk substitutes
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When it comes to sweet treats and desserts, such as chocolate chip cookie fudge, few ingredients compare to the sweetness and creaminess of sweetened condensed milk. For instance, sweetened condensed milk provides creaminess without the excess moisture you get when adding regular milk. Also, it cooks without curdling. And it binds ingredients together.
Here are reasonable substitutes for this ingredient should you find you’ve run out or want to try something new. Note: in some instances, you may have to heat and simmer the alternative to get it to a similar consistency as condensed milk. So allow enough time in your baking or cooking for this extra step.
Heavy cream and sugar
Heavy cream has the thickness of sweetened condensed milk without the sweetness. 1 cup of heavy cream combined with ¼ cup of sugar will replace 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk.
Evaporated milk, sugar and vanilla
Evaporated milk has a similar thick and creamy consistency to sweetened condensed milk without the sugar. Combine a 15-ounce can of evaporated milk, 1 1/2 cups of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a saucepan. Whisk over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved. Simmer for 5 minutes, and then let the mixture cool. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
This mixture can be used as a cup-for-cup replacement for sweetened condensed milk.
Coconut milk and sugar
Full-fat coconut milk combined with sugar will have a creamy consistency like sweetened condensed milk but will add a slight coconut flavor to your baked good. It is best to use it when the coconut flavor will complement the main flavor of your dish. This is the alternative that Shelby Stover of Fit as a Mama Bear chooses.
“Make sure to use the full-fat coconut milk from the can and drain the water,” Stover suggests. “Because of its high-fat content, it works beautifully. It may not be as sweet as traditional condensed milk but it makes a delicious addition!”
Heat a can of full-fat coconut milk in a saucepan on the stove and 1/4 cup of sugar. Whisk the mixture until it boils, and then let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring regularly, until it has thickened. Remove from the heat and let it cool. It can be used as a cup-for-cup substitute for sweetened condensed milk.
Coconut cream
Coconut cream can be used as a cup-for-cup replacement for sweetened condensed milk without any additional cooking. It will be less sweet, though. You can add 1/4 cup of sugar to make it sweeter.
Milk, sugar, butter and vanilla
You can make your own condensed milk, using whole milk that you might already have in the refrigerator. I suggest whole milk because it works best. However, nonfat or reduced-fat milk will also work in a pinch. It just might not be as thick and creamy.
Combine 1 1/2 cups milk and 1/2 cup of sugar in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low and keep stirring to help some of the water evaporate.
After the mixture has reduced to about half of the amount — which will take about 30 minutes — stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
This mixture can be used as a cup-for-cup replacement for sweetened condensed milk.
Almond milk and sugar
Using almond milk to make a condensed milk alternative works if you’re trying to use this ingredient but want it to be vegan. It’s the same with coconut milk.
Simmer 2 cups of almond milk in a saucepan over low heat until the mixture is reduced by about half. Remove the pan from the burner and add 2/3 cup of sugar while the milk is still warm. Stir thoroughly to dissolve the sugar. Let the mixture cool before using.
Almond milk and sugar can be used as a cup-for-cup substitute for sweetened condensed milk.
Oat milk, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla and butter
Another dairy-free alternative is oat milk. Combine one cup of oat milk, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 teaspoon of vanilla in a microwave-safe bowl. Whisk the ingredients together to remove any lumps.
Microwave for 1 minute at a time until the mixture has reached the desired thickness. Then stir in 1 tablespoon of butter for added creaminess. This mixture works as a cup-for-cup replacement for sweetened condensed milk.
Final thoughts
Make sure to follow all the directions for how to use the substitutes above carefully. Then, keep in mind that the thickness and sweetness may be slightly different than when using sweetened condensed milk.
Portions of this article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.
