Substitute sweetened condensed milk for evaporated milk

Substitutes for sweetened condensed milk can be a lifesaver when you run out of it! Healthy, vegan, homemade, or sugar-free, I've got you covered! 

Whether it be due to low stocks at your corner store or a forgotten grocery run, there are many reasons for keeping a couple of alternatives up your sleeve.  In my list of substitutes for sweetened condensed milk below, you will find both simple options and options that can be customized to your individual tastes and dietary restrictions.

• What is sweetened condensed milk
• Condensed milk vs Evaporated milk
• Substitution alternatives
• The best homemade sweetened condensed milk substitute recipe
• Expert tips
• Recipe FAQS
• Conclusions
• Substitutes For Sweetened Condensed Milk (VIDEO)

Thick, creamy, and sticky, it's easy to see why sweet condensed milk is a popular ingredient in many recipes eg. for ice cream recipes. But what is this sugary concoction you ask? Simply put, sweetened condensed milk is just plain old cow's milk with water removed. Once up to 60% of water content is eliminated from whole milk, it forms reduced milk. Sugar is then added and the final mixture is canned. This way, it can even be stored outside a refrigerator.

In fact, the concept of condensed milk was conceived in the mid-1800s as a longer-lasting milk substitute.  Charles Page, one of the forefathers of Nestle established the first condensed milk factory in Switzerland to provide safe, healthy, and portable milk to the military troops. The extended shelf life led to the sales boom of condensed milk and using sweetened condensed nowadays is accessable in almost all countries.

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To understand how to substitute sweetened condensed milk, besides its texture and taste, it is important to take into consideration its nutritional facts. As per Nestle’s La Lechera, a serving (39g) of sweetened condensed milk contains 22g of carbohydrates, 2g of protein, 3.5g of fat, and 100 mg of calcium. So, 56% of the product is sugar (some natural sugar in the milk, and most of it is added sugar), while the fat content is only slightly higher than whole milk (5% vs 3%).

Condensed milk vs Evaporated milk

Although they sound similar, condensed milk and evaporated milk are not the same. While both are technically made by reducing the milk of water, the differentiating factor is sugar. Evaporated milk is effectively sugar free condensed milk so sweetened condensed milk is evaporated milk plus sugar. They can be substituted with each other from a texture point of view, however, one is sweet while the other is not, which you need to take into consideration.

Substitution alternatives

What to look for in a substitute? A good substitute should closely resemble sweetened condensed milk in its sweetness, texture, and color. Low calories, low sugar, and dairy-free substitutes that accommodate different dietary needs are a bonus. However, whenever you chose to modify the initial nutritional elements by eg. adding less sugar, expect the taste and even the texture to become slightly different.

Substitutes for sweetened condensed milk aren't just for emergencies. This creamy, delicious product is made from dairy, which makes it unsuitable for those who have lactose allergies or lead vegan lifestyles.  The high sugar and calorie content of commercial condensed milk is another factor that might stop you from consuming baked goods that contain it. For those who want healthy substitutes for sweetened condensed milk, or are looking to cut down on their sugar intake, homemade sugar-free condensed milk can be a big game-changer. 

Evaporated Milk

Wonder how to make sweetened condensed milk fast? If you're looking for a quick substitute for sweetened condensed, this is your best bet. You can quickly and easily prepare some sweetened condensed by cooking a can of evaporated milk (that is effectively unsweetened condensed milk) with an equal amount of sugar. Combine and bring the mixture to boil over a medium flame, cook for 1-2 minutes for the sugar to dissolve, and your sweetened condensed milk is ready.

Use it in any recipe in exactly the same amount as the condensed milk (1:1). Creamy ice creams this summer, warm pumpkin pies for Halloween, or gooey treacle fudge in winter, this condensed milk replacement is an all-around winner. 

When substituting for sweetened condensed milk using evaporated milk, you can reduce the sugar to literally zero, if don´t mind the nonsweet taste, however, expect a slightly thinner texture in that case. To learn more about the subject, read my article about evaporated milk.

Heavy Cream and Sugar

A staple in the bakery cabinet, heavy cream has a rather thick consistency but it is not as thick as condensed milk so you will need to reduce its volume by cooking.

So, in 2:1 ratio take heavy cream and granulated sugar in a saucepan and let it simmer for about half an hour till it thickens and its volume reduced to about half. Once cooled, use this homemade sweetened condensed milk in the same amount as regular condensed milk (1:1).  

Please note that condensed milk made with heavy cream has a much higher fat content (simply because heavy cream has higher fat than milk) than store-bought condensed milk. To compensate for the calorie plus, you might want to reduce the sugar content.

Powdered Milk

Powdered milk is a great addition to your shopping list if you're traveling and need substitutes for sweetened condensed milk. Rehydrate powdered milk with an equal amount of hot water till it reaches the desired consistency. The final step is to add a small amount of butter to increase the fat content and some sugar to sweeten the mix. Add as much or as little as you wish to achieve for the final usage of the condensed milk.

It can then be used as a substitute for sweetened condensed milk in cheesecake, cookies, custard, and pie at a basic 1:1 substitution for condensed milk while paying attention to the sugar level (it will be less than store-bought condensed milk).

Canned Coconut Milk

Lactose intolerance should never be the reason to bake a cake and not eat it. Canned coconut milk is a vegan substitute for sweetened condensed milk for those avoiding cow milk. Of course, it is also dairy-free. You can safely use it to make a delicious vegan pie, cheesecake, or crunchy cookies. But fair warning, the end result might have a tinge of a coconutty flavor to it.

Coconut milk that comes in cartons is watered down and way less creamy. So, always go for the full-fat option of coconut milk; you'll find it has the closest consistency to condensed milk. Since full fat coconut milk is effectively unsweetened, again you can choose to add sugar based on your preference. Let it simmer over low heat for half an hour till it thickens to the required consistency. Keep stirring the mix to prevent it from bubbling over.  

When it's time to bake, simply switch the amount of sweetened condensed milk in your recipe with an equal amount of the cooled coconut condensed milk (1:1 substitute) and you're good to go!  As a healthier substitute for sweetened condensed milk, this replacement is more than just dairy-free. It also contains important macro-nutrients like magnesium and potassium.

And if you're cutting down on sugar, just switch out the white sugar with a substitute sweetener like coconut sugar or maple sugar. Or, leave out the sugar altogether for a sugar-free sweetened condensed milk option. 

Coconut Cream

Thick as traditional condensed milk, coconut cream is made from the white fleshy meat of coconuts. Another great non dairy substitute for sweetened condensed milk for those on vegan or non-dairy diets, coconut cream is made by blending 4 cups of coconut meat with a cup of water.

The natural sweetness of coconuts makes it a fantastic sugar free substitute for condensed milk. However, if you do wish to sweeten the pot, add some sugar into the mixture and simmer it until the sugar fully dissolves. Replace it for regular condensed milk at a 1:1 exchange. 

Cream of Coconut

This exotic-sounding substitute for sweetened condensed milk is a staple in another infamous tropical treat: piña coladas! And while they do sound very similar, it is not the same as coconut cream. Sweeter and pre-mixed with sugar, cream coconut is less dense than coconut cream.  

This substitute for sweetened condensed milk is wonderfully vegan and can be incorporated into some tropical coconut cheesecake. Swap out the sweetened condensed milk in your recipe with an equal amount of cream of coconut (1:1 substitution).

Nut Milk and Cashews

This can be your number one option for a healthy substitute for sweetened condensed milk. Vegan and sugar-free, this substitute for sweetened condensed milk is precisely what you need for some free-from baking. Plus, since it contains no coconut, it is safe for those with coconut allergies. Blend together 1 portion of cashews (pre-soaked overnight), half a portion of maple syrup, ⅛ teaspoon of sea salt, half a portion of nut milk (preferably almond milk), and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Once smooth, simmer over medium heat for a few minutes while constantly stirring.

Change the thickness of the mixture if needed by adding more milk.  While the taste might be more earthy because it is naturally sweetened, the biggest advantage of this substitute is the lower calorie and sugar content.

The best homemade sweetened condensed milk substitute recipe

To achieve the best sweetened condensed milk substitute, let´s remind ourselves what condensed milk is: Sweetened condensed milk is just plain old cow's milk with water removed. Once up to 60% of water content is eliminated from whole milk, it forms reduced milk. Sugar is then added and the final mixture is canned.

So, if you are looking for a sweetened condensed milk alternative that is the closest to store-bought in terms of texture, taste, and sweetness, go with this super easy recipe that is based on nutritional facts!

Ingredients

1. Whole Milk: As sweetened condensed milk is made of milk, no doubt it is the best substitute even when it is homemade. Vegan milk alternatives, heavy cream, etc., as discussed above can be used as well, but expect a different texture, taste, and nutritional facts such as fat content
2. Granulated sugar: Simple white granulated sugar is perfect for this recipe

How to make condensed milk at home?

To keep the math easy, I will reduce the milk to 50% = half, as per below. So, how to make your own sweetened condensed milk? Follow these easy steps:

1. Place 2 cups / 480g of whole milk into a saucepan over medium heat and cook it until it is reduced by about 50% so to about 240g / 1 cup. This will take about 30 minutes. I like to stir it every now and then and keep an eye on the bottom of the saucepan, as you don´t want to burn the milk
2. Some recipes state to skim and discard the foam on top of the milk while cooking. By the end of the cooking time, I hardly had any foam but yes, it is a good idea if you want your final product silky
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add 120g sugar / 0.5 cup to the mixture
4. Put the saucepan back to the stove and continue simmering the mixture (that is now 240g+120g=360g) now on low heat for another approx. 30 minutes. If the mixture was browning too much, lower the heat.
5. Cook the mixture until it is reduced to about 235g / ¾ cup. Why? The initial 480g of milk has 12g of natural sugar, then we added 120g of granulated sugar = 132g of sugar. To achieve the store-bought texture and flavor we need to have 56% of sugar in our final product. 235g * 56% = 132g of sugar!
6. The homemade sweetened condensed milk will be rather liquid at this point while it is still warm
7. Chill it overnight in the fridge to achieve the desired thick consistency, after which you can use it at a 1:1 exchange in your recipe. Frosting, ice cream, custard, and fudge, it's good to use for them all

💡Top Tip: Some recipes state not to stir the mixture, well, I disagree, I like to stir the mixture at both cooking stages to avoid milk burning. Having said that, keep the heat low enough so it is less chance for milk burning plus it won´t caramelize too much. But, the milk should be simmering in order to reduce its volume.

Expert tips

1. What to look for in substitutes for condensed milk? A good substitute should closely resemble the original product in its sweetness, texture, and color. If unsure, you might want to stick to my homemade sweetened condensed milk recipe that has the closest properties to the original product
2. Low calories, low sugar, and dairy-free substitutes that accommodate different dietary needs, if needed. However, whenever you chose to modify the initial nutritional elements by eg. adding less sugar, expect the taste and even the texture to become slightly different.
3. While preparing the homemade condensed milk recipe, make sure that the mixture is simmering (small bubbles). The milk should never boil (risk to burn), but also a high enough temp is crucial in order to reduce its volume
4. If there is any foam by the end of the cooking time, discard it before chilling the condensed milk
5. If reducing the sugar in the recipe, except the texture to set thinner
6. You can easily flavor this condensed milk recipe by cooking cinnamon sticks or vanilla bean with the milk
7. To avoid burning the milk, it is important to keep a good quality milk pan for cooking these substitutes for sweetened condensed milk or any other cream eg. pastry cream.

Recipe FAQS

What is sweetened condensed milk used for?

From Vietnamese coffee to rice pudding, condensed milk is used across the globe in cooking and baking in many dessert recipes. Since it adds moisture and flavor, it often replaces liquid and sweet components in baking recipes. It is also commonly added to cakes, brownies, cookies, pies, cheesecakes, fudges, candy, truffles, and more thanks to its thick consistency and sweetness. It can even be used to make a butterscoth sauce and no-churn ice cream!

Is condensed milk vegan?

No, condensed milk is not vegan. Since it is prepared from cow milk, grocery store condensed milk contains dairy (unless specified otherwise). 

What is a dairy-free substitute for sweetened condensed milk?

There are plenty of non-dairy replacements for condensed milk. Made from nuts (cashew, macadamia, almond), soy milk, oat milk, or coconuts, these vegan alternatives are safe and tasty condensed milk substitutes. 

Is condensed milk healthy?

Calcium in condensed milk can contribute to up to 8% of the recommended levels per day in just two tablespoons, whereas an equal amount of whole milk contributes to just 3%. The American Heart Association recommends limiting sugar intake to 36g for men and 25g for women per day. A single serving of Nestle's condensed milk contains 22g of sugar, so those with a sweet tooth need to be a little mindful when indulging in this tasty treat.  When it comes to calories, the net calorie content in a single serving of Nestle's condensed milk is 130 calories. This contributes to a significant portion of the recommended 2000 calories per day (Dietary Guidelines for Americans). A carefully monitored use of sweetened condensed milk is recommended for those on special diets. 

Can I use cream instead of condensed milk?

It depends on the recipe, but most probably not. Although both are dairy products, sweetened condensed milk has very different properties compared to cream in terms of sweetness, texture, fat content, etc.

Can I use honey instead of condensed milk?

Most probably not. While both of them are sweet and thick, honey is about twice as sweet and has an extra flavor profile compared to condensed milk. Also, the nutritional properties - that are important in baking - are very different.

What can I substitute for the sugar?

Sweetness depends on the kind of sweetener. But if you want sugar-free sweetened condensed milk, use natural sweeteners like honey.

How many cups are in one can of La Lechera® Sweetened Condensed Milk?

 A 14-ounce can contains 1.25 cups or 10 servings (1 serving contains 39g) per can. 

Can you use condensed milk instead of evaporated milk for pumpkin pie?

Absolutely, I have a wonderful Pumpkin pie with condensed milk recipe that is even creamier and more delicious than the version with evaporated milk! One thing to bear is the sugar content, so if using condensed milk to make pumpkin pie, skip all other sugar.

How to store?

Homemade sweetened condensed milk that has 56% of sugar can be stored refrigerated for 1-2 weeks if kept in an airtight container.

How to freeze?

If you want to make the condensed milk ahead of time and freeze it, put it in a vacuum-sealed bag. It'll remain for a good couple of months

Conclusions

Dense, sweet, and creamy, condensed milk has a permanent place in a baker’s pantry. Substitutes for sweetened condensed milk, however, can offer diverse options and opportunities for those looking to expand their palettes and expertise! I hope this list of substitutes has given you some ideas, and if not, there's always the option to make your own homemade sweetened condensed milk yourself!

Have you tried this recipe?

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• ▢ 480 g Whole milk
• ▢ 120 g Sugar

US customary cup measurement is an indicative figure only. Measure the ingredients with a digital scale by weight (gram). Baking is art but also science which requires precision and accuracy.

• Place milk into a saucepan over medium heat and cook it until it is reduced by about 50% so to about 240g / 1 cup. This will take about 30 minutes

• Stir the mixture every now and then as you don´t want to burn the milk

• Remove the saucepan from the heat and add sugar

• Put the saucepan back to the stove and continue simmering the mixture for another approx. 30 minutes

• If the mixture was browning too much, lower the heat.

• Cook the mixture until it is reduced to about 235g / ¾ cup

• Chill it overnight in the fridge to achieve the desired thick consistency, after which you can use it at a 1:1 exchange in your recipe

• Homemade sweetened condensed milk that has 56% of sugar can be stored refridgerated for 1-2 weeks if kept in an airtight container.

1. While preparing the homemade condensed milk recipe, make sure that the mixture is simmering (small bubbles). The milk should never boil (risk to burn), but also a high enough temp is crutial in order to reduce its volume
2. If there is any foam by the end of the cooking time, discard it before chilling the condensed milk
3. If reducing the sugar in the recipe, except the texture to set thinner
4. You can easily flavor this condensed milk recipe by cooking cinnamon sticks or vanilla bean with the milk
5. To avoid burning the milk, it is important to keep a good quality milk pan for cooking condensed milk or any other cream eg. pastry cream.

Calories: 750kcal | Carbohydrates: 142g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 184mg | Potassium: 722mg | Sugar: 143g | Vitamin A: 778IU | Calcium: 592mg | Iron: 0.1mg

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