Ever been in the middle of a baking project and realized you're flat out of sweetened condensed milk? Here are all the condensed milk substitutes you need to know, including a homemade version.
The Best Sweetened Condensed Milk Substitutes to Use in a Pinch
Updated on Oct. 01, 2024
Sweetened condensed milk is one of the most versatile ingredients you have stashed away in your pantry. From using it in decadent fudge or layered bars to mixing it into cake or brownie batter, sweetened condensed milk has certainly earned its place as a baking staple.
But what do you do if you’ve run out of sweetened condensed milk or you need a dairy-free alternative? Thankfully, there are some options for condensed milk substitutes to get you back to your recipe in no time.
Need to use evaporated milk for your next baking project? Check out these substitutes for evaporated milk.
What is sweetened condensed milk?
First things first, what exactly is sweetened condensed milk? It’s just as the name suggests! Like evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk is canned milk that has been cooked down, removing some of the milk’s water content along the way. At the same time, plenty of sugar is added to the mix, resulting in a thick, sweet liquid. It adds delicious flavor and luscious creaminess to a variety of recipes.
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk
If you’ve run out of sweetened condensed milk, but have everything else your recipe calls for, there’s no need to head to the store. You can make a worthy substitute for condensed milk in a pinch.
Because it’s essentially a boiled-down version of milk, you can make homemade sweetened condensed milk.
Microwave sweetened condensed milk substitute
To make condensed milk in the microwave, whisk 1/2 cup milk and 1/3 cup sugar together in a microwave-safe bowl, and then pop the bowl in the microwave to heat for one to two minutes at a time. Heat the mixture in intervals until it becomes bubbly with a bit of froth, then allow it to cool in the fridge.
With cooling time, it will thicken to a consistency similar to the canned version. This hack may not have the same caramelized flavor or richness, but it can certainly work if you’re in a bind and need a quick solution.
Stovetop sweetened condensed milk substitute
You can make a sweetened condensed milk substitute on the stovetop as well. In a saucepan, whisk together 2 cups milk and 1 cup sugar. Heat the mixture on medium to allow the sugar to dissolve. Reduce the temperature just before the milk begins to boil, and then leave it to simmer on low.
Simmer the mixture until the milk reduces, about 35 minutes. Once reduced, allow the mixture to cool, then place it in the fridge to thicken.
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Other Substitutes for Sweetened Condensed Milk
Canned cream of coconut
Cream of coconut is a great substitute for sweetened condensed milk, giving a hint of tropical flavor. It’s dairy-free and can be substituted cup for cup. The thick consistency of cream of coconut closely resembles sweetened condensed milk, allowing for similar richness in many recipes.
Coconut milk
Simmering a can of full-fat coconut milk with 1/4 cup of sugar will result in another great dairy-free substitute for sweetened condensed milk. Whisk the coconut milk and sugar in a saucepan, bring the mixture to just below boiling and then allow the mixture to simmer for 30 minutes. Stir the mixture often until it thickens, and then allow it to cool.
This will result in a nice, creamy consistency with only a hint of coconut flavor. Get to know the difference between coconut cream versus coconut milk.
Evaporated milk
Because sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk are very similar, evaporated milk can serve as a substitute for condensed milk. You won’t get the same sweet, caramelized flavor with it, but the consistency will be similar when using a cup-for-cup substitution. Just add a bit more sugar to your recipe to make up for the lack of sweetness, if desired.
The Best Recipes to Make with Sweetened Condensed Milk
My mother never wrote down her delightful recipes, so I created this recipe as a holiday tribute to her. They're creamy, sweet and a little tart. Eat with a fork so you can scoop up all the delicious topping ingredients that might tumble off. —Lisa Glassman, Boynton Beach, Florida
Ran out of condensed milk? Try out these condensed milk substitutes instead.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke CakeWhen my family is planning a get-together, I can count on three or four people to ask if I'm bringing this dessert. If you don't have a chocolate cake mix, use a white or yellow one and stir in 3 tablespoons baking cocoa. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas
Coconut Pound CakeTropical flavor shines in this sweet and simple coconut pound cake recipe. Baking it in a fluted pan gives it a sophisticated look, but once the butter and cream cheese for the batter are softened it's a cake you can have in the oven in only about 20 minutes.
Chocolate TrufflesThese chocolate truffles with condensed milk are so quick and easy that you'll have almost no reason not to bring a batch to your next event
Pot of S’moresMom’s easy Dutch-oven version of the popular campout treat is so good and gooey. The hardest part is waiting for this to cool so you can devour it. Yum! —June Dress, Meridian, Idaho
Kahlua FudgeThis five-ingredient recipe makes serving up treats easy and scrumptious. —Laura Hanks, Harleysville, Pennsylvania
Frozen Key Lime DelightIn the middle of summer, nothing hits the spot quite like this sublime Key lime dessert. Cold, creamy and tart, it tastes like sunshine. —Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina
Irish Creme DrinkWe top off holiday celebrations with this creamy beverage. With sweetened condensed milk and ice cream, it's like a liquid dessert!—Fred Schneider, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Pecan Pie BarsCome for the pecan pie-like flavors, stay for the milk chocolate toffee bits. Our pecan pie bars might be tastier than their pie inspiration!
Special Chocolate TreatsI serve these lovely cookies to guests. They freeze well. —Walter Max, Wabasha, Minnesota
Cherry-Coconut Chocolate TorteThis torte reminds me of two favorite treats: chocolate covered cherries and old-fashioned Cherry Mash candy bars. —Dian Hicks Carlson, Omaha, Nebraska
Caramel Pretzel BitesI created this recipe wanting to make my own version of a popular candy store pretzel log dipped in caramel, chocolate and nuts. These bites are smothered with homemade caramel. —Michilene Klaver, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Cake Mix Cookie BarsCake mix cookie bars have a scrumptious chocolate layer between two cookie layers made with cake mix. It's a simple and speedy recipe when you want something baked, and you want it quick.
Cinnamon Apple CheesecakeAn attractive topping of cinnamon-spiced apple slices and a homemade oat-and-walnut crust make this creamy dessert a definite showstopper. —Emily Ann Young, Edmond, Oklahoma
Dulce de LecheHere's how to make dulce de leche with a can of sweetened condensed milk.
Almond Cherry FudgeCooked in the microwave, this fast fudge is a sweet addition to any holiday gathering. I make it when I need a quick treat for a school party or to take to a neighbor. —Shellie Tucker, Hendersonvlle, Tennessee
3-Ingredient Ice CreamWhip together an easy, three-ingredient, creamy dessert in just 15 minutes. Heavy whipping cream, sweetened condensed cream and vanilla extract create a velvety, smooth frozen dessert that's just sweet enough to satisfy any craving. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Lime TartThis lime tart is a prettier version of Key lime pie, complete with a delicious graham cracker crust and tangy whipped topping.
Sweet Potato Cheesecake BrowniesSatisfy your sweet tooth with these decadent sweet potato cheesecake brownie bars. This simple recipe results in an irresistible treat for just about any occasion.
Chocolate Malt CheesecakeMy mother-in-law loved chocolate malts and cheesecakes, too. Can you guess who passed this recipe on to me? Sometimes, I substitute pretzel crumbs for the graham cracker crumbs. They make a surprisingly good crust! —Anita Moffett, Rewey, Wisconsin
Tres Leches CakeExperience the ultimate in creamy, dreamy desserts with this easy-to-make tres leches cake, soaked in a trio of milks and finished with a cloud of whipped cream.
S’mores on a StickMy kids love to take these for treats everywhere. That's lucky for me since they are so easy to make. Beside the sprinkles, try mini candies for toppings.—Ronda Weirich, Plains, Kansas
Pineapple & Cream Cheese Bread PuddingThis bread pudding is easy, convenient, versatile, and delicious. Every time I take it to church or school everyone asks for the recipe because it's the best bread pudding they have ever tasted—I never have any leftovers. This delicious brunch casserole has been requested for family gatherings, holidays, weddings, and birthday parties.—Laura Ellis, Biloxi, Mississippi
Picnic BarsYou'll score points with a crowd when you stir together these delicious fudge-like treats. They're very moist and rich. The chocolate chips and walnuts make a pretty topping. —Frank Bee, Eugene, Oregon
Marshmallow-Almond Key Lime PieSummer is peak season for Key limes—a must for this pie’s distinctive sweet-tart flavor. Unlike other Key lime pies, mine has a smooth marshmallow layer on top. This makes it stand out as a crowd favorite. —Judy Castranova, New Bern, North Carolina
Toffee Pecan BarsCurl up with a hot cup of coffee and one of these treats. The golden topping and flaky crust give way to the heartwarming taste of old-fashioned pecan pie. —Dianna Croskey, Gibsonia, Pennsylvania
Caramel BrowniesSatisfy your sweet tooth with these rich, gooey caramel brownies. Topped with crushed walnut pieces and a hearty swirl of caramel layered throughout, these brownies will be a delight the next time you're craving decadence.
Chocolate-Covered Cherry CookiesAlthough these cookies require a little extra effort, they’re worth it. I make them for every family gathering—and they never last long! —Marie Kinyon, Mason, Michigan
Lemon Icebox PieOur chilled, no-bake lemon icebox pie is the perfect indulgence on a hot summer's day.
S’more CheesecakeThis luscious dessert is just as wonderfully tasty as the campfire snack that inspired it. It's a great way to savor a summer classic anytime of year. Our 4-year-old daughter likes it so much that she's requested it for her next birthday! —Robin Andrews, Cary, North Carolina
