Condensed Milk Substitute

Need a substitute for sweetened condensed milk? There are several condensed milk substitutes, so I'm going to share the easiest and best options with you!

a close up of homemade condensed milk in a glass jar

Table of Contents

There are many recipes that call for sweetened condensed milk, including desserts like custard, fudge, no-churn ice cream, and cake.

But what happens when you want to bake, but discover that you don't have any condensed milk in your pantry? Or worse, that you need to make dietary changes to omit it completely?

Avoid needless trips to the store - These simple solutions will help you make the most of your time in the kitchen!

What is condensed milk?

Condensed milk is dairy milk that has been cooked down to remove the water, and it is usually sweetened. This is why it is also known as sweetened condensed milk. Unlike cow's milk, this ingredient is shelf stable. Because the water has been removed, the milk has a thick and creamy consistency.

Homemade Condensed Milk Substitute

If you're in a pinch and don't have time to run to the store, simply grab a saucepan, and some whole milk or powdered milk. It's so easy to make the mixture yourself!

Simply cook down fresh milk until about half of the original volume has evaporated, leaving behind a thick and creamy milk then add in a cup of sugar to get the same sweet creamy flavor.

One great thing about making your own is that you can use any sweetener or cup-for-cup substitute! This allows you to make a healthier sweetened condensed milk substitute.

Ingredients

For a homemade condensed milk substitute, you will need:

milk: You can use whole milk or powdered milk mixed with water
white granulated sugar

How to Make a Substitute For Condensed Milk

Here's how to make a substitute for sweetened condensed milk:

In a small sauce pan, stir together milk and sugar until combined.
Simmer over low heat for 20-30 minutes until the milk has thickened.

a close up of a spoon of sweetened condensed milk scooping out of a glass jar

Storage

Homemade condensed milk will last in the fridge for about a week. Anything more than that and it might go bad because it doesn't have any preservatives!

Other Substitutes for Sweetened Condensed Milk

Be aware that not all of these replacements are dairy-free alternatives.

Heavy cream

Heavy cream is a high-fat content, low sugar option, perfect for those with dietary restrictions and those looking to reduce sugar in their diet.

Depending on what sweet treats you are making, you can use this as-is, or add 2-3 teaspoons of sugar to the recipe to replace the sugar not contained in your condensed milk substitution.

Otherwise, this substitution can be used in a 1 to 1 ratio.

Coconut cream

If you need a dairy-free or vegan substitution for condensed milk you can use coconut condensed milk.

This thick and creamy coconut milk is available in a can at most supermarkets and can be used in place of condensed milk, heavy cream, and other thick creamy ingredients in recipes.

This is an amazing option for those with dairy allergies or intolerances as it allows them to enjoy their favorite foods.

Half and half

While not as thick and creamy as heavy cream, half and half is thicker than regular milk. This can help create the thick creaminess you need that regular milk can not provide.

To thicken it up a bit, you can add a teaspoon of butter along with sugar or sweetener and whisk over low heat to help add some of the needed fat and sweetness.

Condensed Milk FAQ

Can I replace condensed milk with regular milk?

No, you can't replace condensed milk with regular milk. Condensed milk is much thicker than regular milk, and it often is sweetened. You can make condensed milk from regular milk, but you'll need to cook it down.

Is evaporated milk the same as condensed milk?

No, evaporated milk is not the same as condensed milk. Evaporated milk is evaporated and in a powdered form. Condensed milk is milk that has been cooked down to a thicker consistency.