Sweetened condensed milk is a pantry staple prized for its rich, creamy texture and intense sweetness, resulting from milk with a significant portion of its water content removed and sugar added. However, whether due to dietary restrictions, a lack of ingredients, or a desire for a different flavor profile, there are several ingredients that can serve as a suitable replacement. No single product is an exact replica, but understanding the nuances of each option is key to achieving your desired culinary result.
Is Evaporated Milk the Same as Sweetened Condensed Milk?
A common point of confusion is the relationship between evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk. Both are concentrated milk products where water has been removed to create a thicker consistency. However, the crucial difference lies in the sugar content: sweetened condensed milk contains a large amount of added sugar, while evaporated milk is unsweetened. You can make a makeshift sweetened condensed milk by combining evaporated milk with sugar and heating it until the sugar dissolves. While this will provide similar sweetness and a concentrated milk flavor, it won't have the same rich, caramelized notes that develop during the processing of commercial sweetened condensed milk.
Dairy-Free and Vegan Alternatives
For those seeking a non-dairy option, several plant-based alternatives can serve as a substitute for sweetened condensed milk.
- Cream of Coconut: This is one of the best substitutes for sweetened condensed milk, especially for replicating the thick, syrupy texture. Unlike coconut milk, cream of coconut is specifically formulated with added sugar, making it an excellent cup-for-cup replacement in many dessert recipes, adding a tropical flavor. It is important not to confuse it with canned coconut cream, which is unsweetened.
- Homemade Coconut Condensed Milk: A dairy-free alternative can be made by simmering full-fat canned coconut milk with sugar until it thickens and reduces. This process takes time, often around 30 minutes, but it produces a creamy, sweet syrup with a subtle coconut flavor.
- Homemade from Other Nut Milks: It is also possible to make a condensed version from other non-dairy milks, like almond or soy, by simmering them with sugar. However, be mindful that the flavor profiles and thickness can vary greatly, and the result may not be as rich as a dairy-based version.
Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipes
When a store-bought can isn't available, making your own sweetened condensed milk is a straightforward process.
Stovetop Method
To make a stovetop version, you will typically combine milk (whole milk works best) and granulated sugar in a saucepan. The mixture is brought to a low simmer and stirred frequently to prevent scorching as it reduces by half over an extended period. Some recipes may also include a bit of butter and vanilla extract added at the end for extra richness and flavor.
Blender Method (Instant)
For a quicker solution, a blender recipe uses powdered milk, sugar, butter, and boiling water. The ingredients are simply blended until smooth. This method doesn't involve the slow reduction process, so the flavor won't be identical, but it works in a pinch for recipes where the texture is the main requirement.
The Caramelized Cousin: Dulce de Leche
While not the same as sweetened condensed milk, dulce de leche is its delicious, caramelized counterpart. It is made by slowly cooking sweetened condensed milk until the sugars caramelize, resulting in a thicker, darker, and more complex caramel flavor. Canned sweetened condensed milk is often used as a shortcut to make dulce de leche by submerging the sealed can in a hot water bath for several hours. This is an important distinction: one is the base for the other.
Comparison of Sweetened Condensed Milk and its Alternatives
| Feature | Sweetened Condensed Milk | Evaporated Milk + Sugar | Cream of Coconut | Homemade Dairy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Rich, sweet, caramelized | Sweet, concentrated milky taste | Sweet, tropical coconut | Sweet, fresh milky taste |
| Texture | Thick, syrupy, viscous | Thicker than regular milk, but less viscous than true SCM | Thick, syrupy, viscous | Thick, creamy, can be slightly grainy if rushed |
| Dairy | Yes | Yes | No (Vegan) | Yes |
| Ideal Uses | Fudge, key lime pie, coffee, drinks | Pies, custards (when sugar added) | Pina coladas, tropical desserts | General baking, desserts where fresh flavor is preferred |
| Processing | Reduced milk with added sugar | Reduced milk, sugar added by user | Sweetened coconut cream | Milk and sugar, homemade reduction |
| Best For | Authentic SCM flavor/texture | Quick, dairy-based substitution | Dairy-free, tropical flavor | Controlling ingredients, fresher taste |
Conclusion
Ultimately, there is no single item that is exactly the same as sweetened condensed milk, but several options exist to meet your recipe needs. For a quick dairy substitution, mixing evaporated milk with sugar is a viable option, though it lacks the deep caramelized notes. For vegan and tropical-flavored dishes, cream of coconut is an excellent, ready-to-use alternative. If you have the time and desire to control your ingredients, making sweetened condensed milk from scratch provides the freshest taste. When substituting, remember to consider the overall flavor and texture of your final dish. For more cooking and ingredient insights, visit a respected resource like BAKERpedia.
What are the most common substitutes for sweetened condensed milk?
- Homemade condensed milk: This can be made on the stovetop with milk and sugar or quickly in a blender with powdered milk, sugar, butter, and hot water.
- Evaporated milk with sugar: For each can of sweetened condensed milk, use one can of evaporated milk mixed with 1/2 to 1 cup of sugar, then heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Cream of coconut: This is a great dairy-free option for a 1:1 replacement, adding a sweet, tropical coconut flavor.
Is evaporated milk the same as sweetened condensed milk?
No, they are not the same. The primary difference is that sweetened condensed milk has added sugar, making it intensely sweet and thick, while evaporated milk is unsweetened. You can add sugar to evaporated milk to make it a suitable substitute for some recipes.
Can I use cream of coconut as a substitute for sweetened condensed milk?
Yes, cream of coconut is an excellent dairy-free substitute for sweetened condensed milk, especially in tropical-themed desserts and drinks. It is a sweetened product with a thick, syrupy consistency, but it will add a coconut flavor to your dish.
How do I make sweetened condensed milk from scratch?
To make sweetened condensed milk from scratch, simmer whole milk and sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is reduced by half and becomes thick and syrupy. This process usually takes about an hour or more.
What is the difference between sweetened condensed milk and dulce de leche?
Sweetened condensed milk is the base ingredient for dulce de leche. Dulce de leche is made by cooking sweetened condensed milk further until the sugars caramelize, resulting in a darker, thicker, and richer caramel-flavored sauce.
Can I use coconut milk and sugar to create a substitute?
Yes, you can make a dairy-free substitute by simmering full-fat canned coconut milk with sugar until it thickens and reduces. This is an effective way to replicate the texture and sweetness while adding a subtle coconut taste.
How do I substitute sweetened condensed milk in a recipe?
To substitute, first identify if the recipe relies more on the sweetness or the texture. For sweetness and creaminess, use evaporated milk with added sugar. For dairy-free versions, use cream of coconut or a homemade coconut condensed milk. For a true-to-flavor option, making it from scratch is your best bet.
