11 Perfect Substitutes For Sweetened Condensed Milk For Desserts

Does your recipe call for sweetened condensed milk, and you’ve only just discovered that you have run out? Don’t have time to dash to your local grocery store?

Don’t panic, because there are actually a number of awesome alternatives that you can depend on to get the job done, and still deliver that sweet taste that some of your recipes will require! 

But what are these superb substitutes for sweetened condensed milk? How do they manage to make for such good substitutes, and how do you actually use them? If you’ve ever wondered this yourself, then you have come to the right place.

So why not read on below, and get started in finding out what condensed milk substitutes you can use in your recipes right now?

11 Perfect Alternatives To Sweetened Condensed Milk

1. Heavy Cream

Heavy cream is actually incredibly similar to condensed milk in its purest form, thanks to the fact that it has a lower water content, and thus has a perfect creaminess that is very similar. 

Heavy cream can easily substitute for condensed milk in basically every situation, and still results in totally perfect recipes every time.

However, in order to make it a truly perfect substitute for sweetened condensed milk, you will want to make sure to add some sugar to the mix!

How To Substitute

If you’re planning to use heavy cream as a substitute for condensed milk, you can luckily make use of the 1:1 ratio, making it incredibly easy to do. For every cup of condensed milk that you need, simply take a cup of heavy cream.

2. Whole Milk

If you find that you have run out of condensed milk, but you have plenty of whole milk, then you are in luck, because you can actually easily create your own condensed milk, by following the right process. 

Making your own condensed milk from whole milk is actually surprisingly easy, and by following the right process, and adding some of your own sugar, you can very easily create sweetened condensed milk that is unmistakable from the real thing!

How To Substitute

In order to create your own condensed milk, start by measuring out two cups of whole milk, place it atop your stove, and allow it to simmer, on low heat unless it starts thickening and become just like condensed milk.

3. Powdered Milk

If you find that you have run out of not only condensed milk, but also standard whole milk, don’t fret, because you can also make use of powdered milk which you likely have in your pantry, and that is designed to last a very long time. 

Powdered milk makes for a perfect substitute for condensed milk because you can ensure that you always have it around in your kitchen, ready for use when you need a replacement for condensed milk. 

How To Substitute

In order to use powdered milk as a substitute for condensed milk, you will first need to turn it into actual milk. For 1 cup of milk, take 1 and ⅓ cups of powdered milk, and then mix it with ⅓ cup of hot water with a bit of fat. Slowly, the milk will begin to thicken, so keep stirring until it becomes the right consistency.

4. Cream Of Coconut

If you want a vegan alternative to condensed milk, then this is the perfect option. In fact, this is also a fantastic option if you want to inject a little bit of exotic flavor into any recipes you make. 

Cream of coconut is naturally very sweet and is very often used to sweeten up numerous drinks and foods, especially summertime favorites like Pina Coladas.

Luckily, cream of coconut is easy to find in your local grocery store, and can often be found in the world-foods aisle. 

However, you should make sure to only pick up cream of coconut, instead of coconut cream, as they are actually entirely different, and often get confused for one another. 

How To Substitute

Luckily, substituting cream of coconut for condensed milk is very easy, because cream of coconut is already quite thick. Simply substitute it using the 1:1 ratio. So, for every cup of condensed milk, simply add a cup of cream of coconut!

RELATED: 6 Excellent Substitutes For Half And Half Milk

5. Coconut Milk

Similar to cream of coconut, using coconut milk makes for a perfect solution when you find yourself running out of condensed milk.

Once again, you should make sure that coconut milk is appropriate for whatever recipe you are following, as it will naturally make the end result taste very coconutty.

However, this can easily elevate some very standard sweet recipes, to create exotic varieties that will delight your taste buds. 

How To Substitute

Start by taking 2 cups of coconut milk for every cup of condensed milk, and then begin reducing it by slowly stirring it on a low heat on your kitchen stove to thicken and simply mix in ⅔ of a cup of sugar, which will cause the milk to sweeten up a lot, making it a perfect substitute.

6. Almond Milk

Using almond milk as a stand-in for sweetened condensed milk is another fantastic solution, as it is naturally quite thick, and is already very sweet.

As well as this, you can also use it to add a little bit of flavor to your resulting dish. Almond milk has a very creamy and nutty taste that can make certain dishes taste even better.

However, once again you should make sure that it is appropriate, as it may not always mix perfectly with every recipe. 

Almond milk is also incredibly low in calories, despite being so decadently thick, so it can also act as a very healthy substitute! 

How To Substitute

In order to substitute almond milk for sweetened condensed milk, you are first going to need to reduce it to condense.Two cups of almond milk, for every cup of condensed milk into a pan and allowing it to simmer over low heat until it thickens and you will eventually be left with around a cup of milk left over.

7. Cashew Milk

Cashew milk is a popular alternative to sweetened condensed milk, which can be made by soaking cashews overnight in water, blending them in a high-powered blender with water, and straining the mixture.

You may use the same Cashew milk in the same way as sweetened condensed milk.

In some recipes, it is necessary to reduce the amount of sugar to avoid over-sweetening. You may replace the exact amount of sugar with an equal amount of maple syrup.

How To Substitute

Cashew milk is a healthier alternative in a recipe. For example, you may replace 1/4 cup of sweetened condensed milk with 1/4 cup of cashew milk.

8. Evaporated Milk

Evaporated milk is a form that has been removed from water through evaporation. Sweet condensed milk is a type of milk that has been boiled and condensed to form a thick, sweet liquid.

You can substitute sweet condensed milk with evaporated milk to make the same sweet condensed milk you need.

When substituting evaporated milk for sweetened condensed milk, you will need to consider that the cream in sweet condensed milk has to be removed, so you will need to add more cream or half-and-half.

How To Substitute

Swap out the sweetened condensed milk in a 1:1 ratio with evaporated milk.

9. Canned Coconut Milk

You may use Canned Coconut Milk for the sweet condensed milk in this recipe. It is an excellent substitute for condensed milk, and you may easily find it in grocery stores.

One way is to use a can of coconut milk, but if you’re looking for a healthier option, you can make your own.

Canned coconut milk is thicker than carton milk, making it a healthier option. However, before using it, you must mix it with sugar and thicken it.

How To Substitute

Use canned coconut milk with sweetened condensed milk in a 1:1 substitution ratio.

10. Hemp Milk

Hemp Milk is a delicious, creamy, non-dairy milk that is great for various recipes. This vegan milk substitute is made from the hemp plant and can be found in many grocery stores and online.

Although it may not be a popular substitute, you may try using it with other ingredients making the flavor similar to condensed milk. If the taste of your recipe doesn’t matter a lot, then it is also a great option for substitutes for sweetened condensed milk.

Hemp milk is an excellent substitute for traditional dairy milk. The taste of hemp milk is rich and nutty, and it’s good for your health.

How To Substitute

You may use the same quantity of Hemp milk in your recipe. However, keep in mind that the taste of your final product will change by using it.

11. Oat Milk

Oat milk is a milk substitute that is easy to make and is lactose-free. Oat milk has the same texture as cow’s milk and is a healthy alternative to milk. 

The only difference between sweetened condensed milk and Oat milk is that sweetened condensed milk contains sugar, while Oat milk does not.

Oat milk is made by soaking oats in water and then boiling the mixture to extract the soluble fiber, known as beta-glucan. It is then combined with calcium-fortified water and blended with a blender to produce creamy milk that you can use in many recipes.

How To Substitute

Use it in a 1:1 ratio in your recipe. However, change the ingredients to compensate for your product’s taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Can I Use In Place Of Sweetened Condensed Milk?

An easy substitution for sweetened condensed milk is unsweetened coconut milk, which you will find in most grocery stores. It comes in a can and is similar in consistency to condensed milk. To use it, add 1/2 cup of unsweetened coconut milk to 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Can You Substitute Milk For Sweetened Condensed Milk?

No, it won’t be an excellent decision to substitute milk for sweetened condensed milk since it is prepared with some flavoring agents. If you need to replace it, go for evaporated milk with sugar. It will be the best choice which you can opt for.

Can I Use Honey Instead Of Condensed Milk?

Of course, we can use substitute honey for condensed milk. It is a natural sweetener and a healthy option to replace the unhealthy sugar content in your dish. The best thing about honey is that it doesn’t get spoiled like condensed milk.

Can You Substitute Coconut Cream For Sweetened Condensed Milk?

The answer is yes. Coconut cream is a versatile and flavorful dairy product made from the meat of a mature coconut that you can substitute for condensed milk in various recipes. Coconut cream is often used in sweet and savory dishes and gives your dishes a tropical flavor.

Can Yogurt Be A Substitute For Condensed Milk?

Some might wonder if it is possible to substitute condensed milk with yogurt. This question is more challenging to answer than you might think, as the two are very different in taste and texture. For example, condensed milk is much thicker, sweeter, and denser than yogurt. However, one thing that might help is that you can use a combination of the two to create a sauce.

11 Substitutes For Sweetened Condensed Milk For Your Sweet Recipes

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Total time

45

minutes

Sometimes a recipe calls for sweetened condensed milk, and it’s already too late before you realize that you have run out! But what can you use instead?

Ingredients

• Heavy Cream

• Whole Milk

• Powdered Milk

• Cream Of Coconut

• Coconut Milk

• Almond Milk

• Cashew Milk

• Evaporated Milk

• Canned Coconut Milk

• Hemp Milk

• Oat Milk

Directions

• Choose your favorite substitute from the list given above
• Follow the directions given in the recipe after having substituted the ingredient in the correct ratio

Recipe Video

• Author
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Jess Smith

Hi, my name is Jess Smith, and I love cooking in my spare time. Around three years ago, I decided to give up my day job as a teacher to pursue my passion for food. While I have enjoyed sharing tips and tricks on Social Media, I have decided to expand my horizons through this blog.

Through this blog I hope to help others learn the basics and more intricate details of cooking. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to cook a meal, only to realize you are missing one ingredient from your list. This is why I love to write articles chatting readers through some great substitutes that can be used in an emergency.

I hope you will find this blog useful, and that it will help you to develop your culinary skills, to help you cook up a storm!

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