Last Updated on January 6, 2025 by Jennifer Osborn
Condensed milk substitute ideas are essential in any absent-minded baker's pantry.
I'm going to share what you can use instead of condensed milk in your baking and a recipe to make your own using evaporated milk and sugar.
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Condensed milk is cow's milk that has had much of the water removed. Usually you'll find cans of sweetened condensed milk, which has had sugar added, in your local baking aisle
It's so frustrating when you're knee deep in a recipe and realize you left sweetened condensed milk off your shopping list OR grabbed evaporated milk by mistake.
Condensed milk, which is thick and creamy, is an easy way to add sweet flavor and a silky texture to your baked goods.
Using sweetened condensed milk is essential in making Magic Cookie Bars as well as Lemon Bars with Graham Cracker Crust.
Condensed milk is a key component in our family favorite, Nellie and Joe's Key Lime Pie--as well as Easy Lemon Icebox Pie.
If you find yourself stuck without a jar of sweetened condensed milk, there are plenty of solutions.
How Can I Make Condensed Milk?
The easiest solution is to make your own homemade sweetened condensed milk with either a can of evaporated milk and granulated sugar or a combination of whole milk or cream and granulated sugar.
So voila, evaporated milk + sugar, heated for at least 30 minutes will yield sweetened condensed milk for you.
Ingredients to Make Your Own Condensed Milk
Bonus, homemade condensed milk tastes better than store-bought.
But, what if you're also out of evaporated milk? There are still substitutes and some of them dairy-free alternatives to condensed milk.
Condensed Milk Substitutes
Heavy Whipping Cream
Heavy whipping cream has a similarly thick texture to sweetened condensed milk, making it a great option. However, since it is naturally unsweetened, you’ll need to add a bit of sugar for it to be an even match.
Mix together 1 cup of heavy cream with about ¼ cup of sugar for the perfect substitute. You can even add a bit less sugar if you’re looking for an option that’s less sweet.
Dry, Nonfat Milk Powder
Mix a ⅓ of a cup of milk powder, a ⅓ of a cup of hot water and two tablespoons of butter until well-blended. This won't be as rich and creamy but it will do in a pinch.
Canned Coconut Milk
Add one can of unsweetened coconut milk to a saucepan with ¼ cup of sugar and simmer on a low heat for about 30 minutes.
Gently stir until the mixture is thick enough and then let it cool. Coconut milk is a perfect substitution as far as texture, but it may slightly change the flavor of your recipe because it will have a faint coconut flavor.
Almond Milk
Another non-dairy option for condensed milk is almond milk and sugar.
Since almond milk is not as thick as sweetened condensed milk, you’ll need to reduce twice as much almond milk to produce the same result.
To replace one cup of sweetened condensed milk, add 2 cups of almond milk and ½ cup of sugar to a saucepan over a low heat.
You’ll need to heat the mixture for about 30 minutes or until the total liquid has reduced in half.
Almond milk won’t add any additional flavors like coconut milk, but the final texture may not be as creamy.
Storage
Store any unused condensed milk alternatives covered in a refrigerator for up to one week.
Freeze condensed milk for up to three months in a freezer-safe container.
What's the Difference Between Condensed Milk and Evaporated Milk?
Both canned milks are evaporated but condensed milk has added sugar, which results in its sweet, creamy, much thicker texture than evaporated.
Evaporated milk has no added sugar.
Can I Freeze Sweetened, Condensed Milk?
Yes, freeze any leftover condensed milk in a freezer safe container for up to three months.
However, because it has a high amount of sugar, it may not freeze solid.
To use after freezing, thaw overnight in your refrigerator and shake well before using.
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