{"id":1605571,"date":"2021-04-05T15:12:41","date_gmt":"2021-04-05T20:12:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?p=1605571"},"modified":"2025-05-06T11:39:30","modified_gmt":"2025-05-06T16:39:30","slug":"sweetened-condensed-milk-substitute","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/sweetened-condensed-milk-substitute\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Sweetened Condensed Milk Substitutes to Use in a Pinch"},"content":{"rendered":"Sweetened condensed milk is one of the most versatile ingredients you have stashed away in your pantry. From using it in decadent fudge<\/a> or layered bars to mixing it into cake or brownie batter<\/a>, sweetened condensed milk has certainly earned its place as a baking staple.\r\n\r\nBut 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.\r\n\r\nNeed to use evaporated milk for your next baking project? Check out these substitutes for evaporated milk<\/a>.\r\n

What is sweetened condensed milk?<\/h2>\r\nFirst things first, what exactly is<\/em> sweetened condensed milk? It's just as the name suggests! Like evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk<\/a> 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.\r\n

How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk<\/h2>\r\nIf 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.\r\n\r\nBecause it's essentially a boiled-down version of milk, you can make homemade sweetened condensed milk<\/a>.\r\n

Microwave sweetened condensed milk substitute<\/h3>\r\nTo 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.\r\n\r\nWith 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.\r\n

Stovetop sweetened condensed milk substitute<\/h3>\r\nYou 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.\r\n\r\nSimmer the mixture until the milk reduces, about 35 minutes. Once reduced, allow the mixture to cool, then place it in the fridge to thicken.\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Shopping Break\" product_name=\"Our Editors Found the Best Baking Subscription Boxes\" short_description=\"Learn a new skill and try new recipes with a baking subscription box. Our editors spent hours testing top-notch clubs that will get you excited to spend more time in the kitchen.\" image=\"1970500\" pr_name=\"TOH\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/baking-subscription-boxes\/?int_campaign=toh_affiliate_recirc&int_source=direct&int_medium=toh.com&int_placement=affiliate_product_card\" pr_display_text=\"See All Our Top Picks\" \/]\r\n

Other Substitutes for Sweetened Condensed Milk<\/h2>\r\n

Canned cream of coconut<\/h3>\r\nCream of coconut<\/a> 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.\r\n

Coconut milk<\/h3>\r\nSimmering a can of full-fat coconut milk<\/a> 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.\r\n\r\nThis 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<\/a>.\r\n

Evaporated milk<\/h3>\r\nBecause sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk<\/a> 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.\r\n\r\n\t\t\t
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The Best Recipes to Make with Sweetened Condensed Milk<\/div>\t\t\t\t
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