The Best Sweetened Condensed Milk Substitutes (2024)

Updated: Jan. 02, 2024

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.

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.

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

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Taste of Home

Pumpkin Delight Magic Bars

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

Get RecipeRan out of condensed milk? Try out these condensed milk substitutes instead.

Taste of Home

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

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Coconut-Layered Pound CakeIf you love chocolate, almonds and coconut, this cake is for you. It comes together in a flash and tastes just like an Almond Joy candy bar! —Linda L. Nichols, Steubenville, Ohio

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Photo: Taste of Home

Chocolate TrufflesYou may be tempted to save these chocolate truffles for a special occasion since these smooth, creamy chocolates are divine. But with just a few ingredients, this truffle recipe is easy to make anytime. —Darlene Wiese-Appleby, Creston, Ohio

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Pot of S'mores Recipe photo by Taste of Home

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

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See Also

Desserts— recipes

Can't Leave Alone BarsI take these quick and easy treats to church meetings, potlucks and housewarming parties. I often make a double batch so we can enjoy some at home. —Kimberly Biel, Java, South Dakota

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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

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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

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Chocolate Caramel FondueIt's easy to keep the ingredients for this rich fondue on hand in case company drops by. I serve it in punch cups, so guests can carry it on a dessert plate alongside whatever fruit, pretzels and other dippers they like. —Cheryl Arnold, Lake Zurich, Illinois

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Best Lime TartThis treat is the perfect balance between tart and sweet, and the almonds in the crust are just wonderful. This is one of my husband’s favorite desserts. Enjoy! —Charis O'Connell, Mohnton, Pennsylvania

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Sweet Potato Cream Cheese BarsIf you're looking for something other than pumpkin, these sweet potato bars are a yummy alternative. Make them ahead—they're even better refrigerated overnight. —Debbie Glassco*ck, Conway, Arkansas

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Chocolate Malt Cheesecake Recipe photo by Taste of Home

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

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TMB Studio

Classic Tres Leches CakeTres leches means "three milks." This cake gets its name because it uses three kinds of milk—evaporated, condensed and cream. This tres leches cake's light and airy texture has made it a classic in Mexican kitchens for generations. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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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

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This 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

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Taste of Home

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

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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

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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

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Caramel Brownies Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Caramel BrowniesI love to cook. My family can't possibly eat all the sweets I whip up, so my co-workers are more than happy to sample them—particularly these rich, chewy caramel brownies that are full of gooey caramel, chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts. —Clara Bakke, Coon Rapids, Minnesota

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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

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Lemonade Icebox Pie Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Lemonade Icebox PieYou will detect a definite lemonade flavor in this refreshing lemon icebox pie. High and fluffy, this dessert has a creamy smooth consistency that we really appreciate. It's the dessert that came to mind immediately when I put together my favorite summer meal. —Cheryl Wilt, Eglon, West Virginia

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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

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FAQs

The Best Sweetened Condensed Milk Substitutes? ›

You can use any type of milk you have on hand, whether it's whole milk, non-fat, or even plant-based milk like soy, almond, or oat. You'll use ¾ of a cup of sugar for 2 cups of milk.

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What is the best substitute for sweetened condensed milk? ›

Almond Milk and Sugar

For a substitute, simmer 2 cups of almond milk over low heat until the liquid reduces to 1 cup. (This is not a one-to-one alternative. You do need 2 cups of almond milk to make one cup of sweetened condensed milk.) To sweeten this up, you can add 2/3 cup of any type of sugar and mix.

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What is a substitute for 14 oz of condensed milk? ›

One 14-ounce can is roughly the same as adding 1 cup of evaporated milk and 1 cup of granulated sugar (more accurate is 7 oz. evaporated milk and 7 oz- which is 1 cup- sugar).

Can you free condensed milk? ›

Condensed milk can be frozen although it will not freeze solid due to its high sugar content. This means it does not need to be thawed after usage although the texture does thicken and becomes more viscous after freezing. Frozen condensed milk should be used within three to six months for better results.

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Is there a lactose-free version of sweetened condensed milk? ›

Nature's Charm Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk, NEW Squeeze Bottle , Dairy and Soy FREE, Vegan, Lactose FREE, Gluten FREE.

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How do I substitute condensed milk for cream? ›

Use it in the same way as you would cream. What quantity should I use? Unsweetened condensed milk can be used in equal quantities to substitute cream or you can use half cream, half condensed milk for most recipes.

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What does sweetened condensed milk do in baking? ›

Underrated but definitely not underused, sweetened condensed milk is as much of a backbone in classic baking as sugar is. The thick syrup contributes both the sweetness of sugar and the benefits of milk without adding too much liquid since condensing milk removes moisture and concentrates the natural sugars.

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Is it better to use sugar or sweetened condensed milk? ›

Using sweetened condensed milk to boost calorie content may be more beneficial than using sugar alone since the product also provides extra protein, fat and some bone-healthy minerals like calcium and phosphorus. You can store sweetened condensed milk for a long time without refrigeration.

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Can I use heavy cream instead of sweetened condensed milk? ›

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.

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What are the ingredients in condensed milk? ›

Whole Milk, Sugar.

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