Your Guide to Substituting Condensed Milk
Sweetened condensed milk is a versatile ingredient prized for its thick, creamy texture and high sugar content, essential for many desserts like fudge, tres leches cake, and key lime pie. However, when you're in a pinch, several substitutes can save your recipe. The best option depends on your dietary needs (dairy vs. dairy-free), the required sweetness, and the consistency you need.
Dairy-Based Condensed Milk Alternatives
If you consume dairy, several options can mimic condensed milk's signature richness and sweetness.
Homemade Condensed Milk
Making your own condensed milk is surprisingly simple and requires only a few ingredients.
Method 1: Evaporated Milk + Sugar
- Ingredients: 1 (12-ounce) can of evaporated milk and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar.
- Instructions: Combine evaporated milk and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved. Continue to simmer, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and cool completely. This is one of the closest substitutes in terms of texture and flavor.
Method 2: Milk + Sugar
- Ingredients: 1.5 cups whole milk and 1 cup granulated sugar.
- Instructions: In a medium saucepan, combine milk and sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat and continue to simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced by half and thickened. Allow to cool, then refrigerate until thick.
Heavy Cream and Sugar
- Ingredients: 1 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup sugar.
- Instructions: Whisk the cream and sugar together over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. While it won't thicken as much as traditional condensed milk, it provides a similar creamy richness and sweetness, making it ideal for fudge and sauces.
Dry Milk Powder and Butter
- Ingredients: 1 cup dry powdered milk, 1/2 cup boiling water, and 1 tbsp butter.
- Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a blender or bowl and whisk until smooth. This is a quick emergency substitute when you don't have fresh milk on hand. It won't be as rich or creamy as the real thing but works in a pinch.
Dairy-Free and Vegan Condensed Milk Substitutes
For vegan recipes or lactose intolerance, several plant-based alternatives deliver comparable results.
Coconut Milk Condensed Milk
- Ingredients: 1 can full-fat coconut milk and 1/4 cup sugar (or a sweetener of choice like maple syrup or agave).
- Instructions: In a saucepan, combine coconut milk and sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Cook for 30-45 minutes, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens and reduces by about half. This substitute adds a mild coconut flavor, which can be a delicious addition to many desserts.
Cashew Cream
- Ingredients: 1 cup raw cashews and 1/2 cup water.
- Instructions: Soak raw cashews for at least two hours. Drain and blend with fresh water until completely smooth and creamy. For a sweetened version, add a few tablespoons of maple syrup or agave nectar. This creates a very thick, neutral-flavored cream ideal for pies and cheesecakes.
Cream of Coconut
- Instructions: This canned, sweetened product is already thick and sweet, making it a simple 1:1 substitute for condensed milk in many tropical-flavored desserts, cocktails, and baked goods.
Comparison of Condensed Milk Substitutes
| Substitute Method | Consistency | Sweetness Level | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homemade (Evap. Milk + Sugar) | Very thick, creamy | High | Fudge, pies, baking | Closest texture to store-bought. |
| Heavy Cream + Sugar | Thick, but less viscous | High | Sauces, frostings, fudges | Rich flavor, good for quick use. |
| Coconut Milk + Sugar | Thick, slightly less creamy | High | Dairy-free desserts, tropical dishes | Imparts a distinct coconut flavor. |
| Cashew Cream | Very thick, smooth | Moderate to High (adjustable) | Pies, cheesecakes, vegan desserts | Requires soaking cashews, neutral flavor. |
| Cream of Coconut | Very thick, syrupy | High | Tropical desserts, cocktails | Adds strong coconut flavor. Use 1:1. |
| Dry Milk Powder | Thin, needs thickening | High (with sugar) | Emergency baking, sauces | Less rich, can be slightly gritty. |
Conclusion
Whether you've run out of the store-bought variety or are seeking a dairy-free alternative, there are several reliable ways to substitute for condensed milk. For the most authentic texture and flavor, combining evaporated milk with sugar or reducing whole milk and sugar are excellent choices. For vegan-friendly options, full-fat coconut milk simmered with a sweetener is a popular and effective method. By considering the desired consistency and sweetness for your specific recipe, you can choose the best substitute to ensure a delicious outcome every time.
For more in-depth recipes and ingredient comparisons, check out KitchenSerf's article on Sweetened Condensed Milk Substitutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the easiest substitute for condensed milk? The easiest substitute is mixing evaporated milk with sugar and heating it until the sugar dissolves. If you need a dairy-free option, canned cream of coconut is a simple 1:1 replacement.
Can I just use evaporated milk instead of condensed milk? No, you cannot use evaporated milk straight from the can. Evaporated milk is unsweetened and less thick than condensed milk. For a proper substitution, you must add sugar and simmer it to thicken.
Is there a vegan substitute that tastes like condensed milk? Sweetened condensed coconut milk, made by simmering full-fat coconut milk and sugar, is widely considered the best-tasting vegan substitute. While it has a hint of coconut flavor, its creamy texture and sweetness closely mimic the original.
Can I use honey or maple syrup as a substitute? While both honey and maple syrup are liquid sweeteners, they have a different consistency and flavor profile. They can be used in some recipes but require adjustments. For a close substitute, use 3/4 cup of honey or maple syrup for every 1 cup of condensed milk.
How can I make a sugar-free version of condensed milk? To make a sugar-free substitute, combine heavy whipping cream with a keto-friendly sweetener like allulose or erythritol and simmer until it thickens. You can also use unsweetened coconut milk with your preferred non-caloric sweetener.
What can I use instead of condensed milk in fudge? For fudge, the best dairy substitute is the homemade version made from evaporated milk and sugar, as it provides the necessary thickness and sweetness. For a dairy-free option, using sweetened condensed coconut milk is recommended.
Can I use almond milk to make a condensed milk substitute? Yes, but it requires more reduction. To make a substitute from almond milk, you need to simmer 2 cups of almond milk with 1/2 cup of sugar until it reduces by half. The final product will be thinner than regular condensed milk.
