Condensed milk is a staple ingredient in many dessert recipes, adding creaminess and sweetness to dishes like fudge, ice cream, and flan.
However, if you find yourself without condensed milk or prefer a dairy-free alternative, fear not!
There are several substitutes that can work just as well. Here are 8 delicious substitutes for condensed milk along with tips on how to use them!
What is condensed milk?
Condensed milk is essentially cow’s milk with the water removed and sweetened with sugar. This process results in a thick, syrupy liquid with a rich, creamy flavor.
It’s typically used as a sweet, creamy ingredient in various desserts (think ice cream, fudge, caramel sauce, and cakes) and beverages.
8 Best condensed milk substitutes:
- Homemade sweetened condensed milk (milk + sugar)
- Heavy cream + sugar
- Canned coconut milk
- Coconut cream
- Cream of coconut
- Sweetened condensed coconut milk
- Evaporated milk
- Powdered milk + powdered sugar
1. Best overall substitute for condensed milk: Making your own!
If you have the time and ingredients, making your own sweetened condensed milk is the best option.
You can easily whip up a batch of homemade sweetened condensed milk using just two ingredients: milk and sugar. In a saucepan, heat 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of sugar (or ⅔ cup for less sweetness) over low heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture has thickened to the consistency of condensed milk. This process takes around 35 to 45 minutes.
You can use any type of milk you like, including whole milk, low-fat, or a plant-based milk like oat or almond milk.
Tip: In my experience, homemade sweetened condensed milk works well when you want the freshest flavor, such as homemade ice cream or tres leches cake!
2. Easiest DIY condensed milk substitute: Heavy cream and sugar
If you don’t want to spend time reducing the milk, you can just mix 1 cup of heavy cream with ¼ cup of sugar, adding more or less sugar depending on how sweet you want it.
This will mimic the thick texture and richness of condensed milk and works great if you’re in a pinch!
3. Healthiest alternative: Coconut milk
Coconut milk is the healthiest dairy-free substitute for condensed milk, as it has the same creamy texture without all of the added sugar. Plus, it adds a hint of tropical flavor to your desserts!
Use full-fat canned coconut milk for the best results, as it provides the creamiest texture.
Replace condensed milk with an equal amount of coconut milk in your recipe. If you prefer a thicker consistency, simmer the coconut milk on low heat until it reduces and thickens slightly.
4. Best condensed milk substitute for ice cream: Coconut cream
Coconuts are naturally sweet, making coconut products an excellent substitute for condensed milk.
Simply use one cup of coconut cream in place of one cup of condensed milk.
Coconut cream is perfect for making dairy-free versions of classic desserts like coconut flan or vegan ice cream!
5. Best condensed milk substitute for drinks: Cream of coconut
No, coconut cream and cream of coconut are not the same thing! The main difference is that coconut cream is unsweetened, and cream of coconut has sugar. So, cream of coconut may be an even better substitute for sweetened condensed milk depending on your recipe. It’s thicker, sweet, and delicious in pina coladas and other tropical drinks!
Try making your own cream of coconut with this recipe!
6. Best dairy-free alternative: Sweetened condensed coconut milk
If you’re looking for a dairy-free, vegan and paleo-friendly option, sweetened condensed coconut milk is a great choice. It’s the closest thing you’ll find to sweetened condensed milk. You can find canned versions of this product at many grocery stores, or make your own! Use it as a direct substitute for condensed milk in your recipes.
Tip: Sweetened condensed coconut milk is perfect for adding a tropical twist to desserts like key lime pie or these coconut macaroons!
7. Best reduced-sugar substitute: Evaporated milk
Evaporated milk is similar to condensed milk but lacks the added sugar. To substitute, simply mix one cup of evaporated milk with ¾ cup of sugar (or as little sugar as you want). Heat the mixture in a saucepan over low heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Use this sweetened evaporated milk as a replacement for condensed milk in your recipes. This substitute works best in recipes where the sweetness of condensed milk is essential, such as fudge or ice cream, but you can also use less sugar (or no sugar) for things like iced coffee/tea, baked goods, or even savory dishes.
8. Easiest DIY condensed milk substitute: Powdered milk and sugar
Another easy way to make your own condensed milk – powdered milk and powdered sugar!
Simply mix 1 cup of powdered milk with ½ cup of powdered sugar, ¼ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ cup of water, then cook on the stovetop on medium to high heat until thickened. This is such an easy way to make instant condensed milk with ingredients that are probably already in your pantry.
FAQs
Several alternatives, such as evaporated milk, coconut milk, or a mixture of milk and sugar, can work well as substitutes for condensed milk, depending on the recipe.
Using alternatives like coconut milk or evaporated milk can provide a healthier option compared to traditional condensed milk, especially for those watching their sugar intake.
A suitable substitute for Nestlé condensed milk would be homemade condensed milk, made by simmering equal parts of milk and sugar until reduced by about half. Alternatively, you can use other brands of condensed milk available in the market, such as Eagle Brand or Carnation.
Evaporated milk is the closest equivalent to condensed milk in terms of texture and creaminess, although it lacks the sweetness of condensed milk and may require additional sugar when used as a substitute.
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