Today, I've got something super cool to share with you – a fantastic recipe for dairy free sweetened condensed milk! So many dessert recipes call for a can of regular condensed milk, that it's easy to feel left out if you're dairy free.
Homemade sweetened condensed milk is one of the easiest things you can make. It takes just 2 ingredients and a little bit of time to make this vegan alternative. If you're all about the vegan lifestyle, suffer from lactose intolerance or are simply dairy free, this one's for you. Use it in all of your favorite recipes, as a sweetener for coffee or hot chocolate and more!
This non-dairy condensed milk is so easy to make and can be made with your favorite plant milk. It's perfect to use in my gluten free coconut macaroon recipe.
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What to do with dairy free sweetened condensed milk
Vegan condensed milk is a versatile ingredient that opens up a world of possibilities for delicious dairy-free sweet treats. Here are some fantastic ideas of things to make with it:
- Vegan Fudge: Whip up creamy and rich vegan fudge by combining vegan condensed milk with dairy-free chocolate and nuts for an indulgent treat.
- Vegan Ice Cream: Use vegan condensed milk as a base for making your own creamy and dreamy dairy-free ice cream with various flavors like chocolate, strawberry, or cookie dough. Condensed milk is often called for in no churn ice cream recipes.
- Dairy-Free Tres Leches Cake: Transform a classic tres leches cake into a vegan delight by soaking a sponge cake in a mix of vegan condensed milk, coconut milk, and almond milk.
- Vegan Coffee Creamer: Add a spoonful of vegan condensed milk to your favorite plant-based coffee for a sweet and creamy twist to your morning cup.
- Dairy-Free Flan: Create a luscious vegan flan using vegan condensed milk, coconut milk, and agave syrup for a caramelized topping.
- Dairy-Free Pudding: Create creamy vegan pudding with flavors like chocolate, vanilla, or butterscotch using vegan condensed milk as the base.
- Vegan Hot Chocolate: Make a cozy cup of vegan hot chocolate by mixing warm plant-based milk with cocoa powder and vegan condensed milk.
Ingredient Notes
Only two simple ingredients are needed to make this homemade version of sweetened condensed milk.
- Sugar - I've used white sugar here. If you're vegan, you can use a vegan sugar or cane sugar. I haven't tried this recipe with coconut sugar, but I expect it would work fine as a substitute.
- Non-Dairy Milk - The beauty about this recipe is you can use your favorite dairy free milk. So whether you prefer almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk or others, they will all work but the color may vary depending on the type of milk you use. You can also use full-fat coconut milk in a can for a thicker end product.
See recipe card at the bottom of this post for full ingredient list with measurements.
How to make dairy free sweetened condensed milk
This condensed milk recipe is so easy to make. It only requires a saucepan and a little bit of time to get the perfect creamy texture.
STEP 1: Add the plant based milk and sugar to a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
STEP 2: Once the milk mixture begins to simmer, allow it to cook for 45 minutes without stirring. You will notice it reduces in volume and darkens in color. It should thicken up enough to coat the back of a spoon.
STEP 3: Remove the pan from heat and skim the foam off the top with a spoon.
STEP 4: Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a heat proof container and cool to room temperature.
Storage
This homemade sweetened condensed milk can be stored in an airtight container, like a mason jar, in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or frozen for up to 3 months.
If you decide to freeze your condensed milk, make sure to leave some head room for expansion during freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Recipe FAQs
Both are thicker cooked down milk products. Evaporated milk is unsweetened, where condensed milk is a combination of milk and sugar.
Yes, I have tried both sweetened condensed coconut milk and sweetened condensed oat milk. The store-bought vegan condensed milk products are great, but can be hard to find in local stores especially if you're in a smaller town. If you don't want to wait for shipping you can use this easy recipe to make your own.
Other pantry staple recipes to consider:
If you try this recipe, please leave a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 star rating and let me know how you liked it in the comments below.
Recipe
Dairy Free Sweetened Condensed Milk
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Non Dairy Milk
- ⅔ Cup Sugar
Instructions
- Add the milk and sugar to a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.2 Cups Non Dairy Milk, ⅔ Cup Sugar
- Once the milk begins to simmer, cook for 45 minutes without stirring. The mixture should darken and reduce by at least half.
- Remove the pan from heat. Skim the foam from the top of the milk. Transfer to a heat proof container and cool completely.
- Once cooled, store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Notes
Tiffany is the recipe developer, stylist and food photographer behind Well Fed Baker. As a lifelong baker who had to go gluten free and dairy free in 2016, Tiffany strives to share allergen friendly recipes that never feel like they are free from anything.
Natalie Booras says
Be still my non-dairy loving (and needing) heart. I can't wait to try this recipe - since some companies make dairy-free chocolate chips, this recipe may be the key to being able to make 7 layer bars!