Author: This easy vegan sweetened condensed milk is thick, sweet, and creamy, and made with just 2 ingredients! It's a simple homemade dairy-free substitute for traditional sweetened condensed milk and can be used 1:1 in desserts, drinks, and any recipe that calls for it.
Just 2 ingredients and you have sweet, creamy magic! This easy vegan sweetened condensed milk is one of those staple recipes that's so simple, but SO handy to have around. All you need is a can of coconut milk, some sugar, and a little patience. Let it gently simmer until reduced by half, then chill it in the fridge and watch it transform into thick, creamy, glossy sweetened condensed milk. Yum!
Use it as a 1:1 substitute anywhere a recipe calls for sweetened condensed milk: pies, bars, ice cream, fudge, coffee, and so much more. Once you know how easy it is to make your own, you'll find all sorts of reasons to use it!
Why You'll Love Making Your Own Vegan Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Just 2 ingredients: All you really need is full-fat coconut milk and sugar. Vanilla and salt are completely optional.
- Easy to make: Just simmer, reduce, and chill. Most of the cooking time is hands-off.
- Thick, creamy, and rich: It cools into that glossy, creamy consistency you want from sweetened condensed milk.
- A 1:1 substitute: No math needed! Use the same amount anywhere a recipe calls for sweetened condensed milk.
Ingredients for Vegan Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Full-fat canned coconut milk: Full-fat canned coconut milk works because its high fat content mimics the richness of traditional sweetened condensed milk. Most other plant milks don't contain enough fat to achieve the same texture, so coconut milk is key here.
- White sugar: Granulated white sugar gives you the most neutral, classic flavor. You can experiment with brown sugar or coconut sugar, but they'll give your condensed milk a darker color and more caramel-like flavor.
- Vanilla extract (optional): Traditional sweetened condensed milk doesn't usually contain vanilla, but I love adding a little for extra depth of flavor, especially if I'm using it in coffee or desserts.
- Salt (optional): Just a pinch for balance.
How to Make Vegan Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Combine and Simmer: Add the coconut milk and sugar to a small saucepan and whisk to combine. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Reduce: Gently simmer for 35-45 minutes, whisking every 5 minutes or so, until reduced by about half and the mixture coats the back of a spoon. Keep the simmer gentle so it doesn't boil over or scorch.
- Add the Extras: Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and salt, if using. Don't worry if it still looks fairly thin or translucent, t thickens considerably as it cools.
- Cool and Chill: Let cool, then transfer to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate until completely chilled and thickened.
Tips for Perfect Vegan Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Be patient: The cooking time is flexible; what you're really looking for isn't the time on the clock, but the proper reduction. The mixture needs to be reduced by half to get the concentrated sweetness and creamy consistency you're looking for.
- Don't judge the consistency while it's hot: The mixture might seem too thin and transparent when it's hot, but it thickens considerably after cooling and chilling (and it turns white too).
- Keep the simmer gentle: Cranking up the heat might sound like a good idea to expedite the process, but trust me: it isn't! Keep the mixture at a gentle simmer so it reduces gradually. You don't want it to boil over or scorch!
Ways to Use Vegan Sweetened Condensed Milk
Once you have a jar in the fridge, you'll start finding all sorts of excuses to use it! Use it anywhere a recipe calls for sweetened condensed milk, or try:
- In pies, bars, fudge, and no-bake desserts
- Drizzled onto homemade vegan ice cream
- Stirred into hot or iced coffee
- Drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, or French toast
- Spoon it over fresh berries or fruit
- Add a little oomph to chia pudding or overnight oats
- Or just sneak a little spoonful straight from the fridge. I won't tell. 😉
Storage and Freezing
Refrigerator: Store your vegan sweetened condensed milk in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. It thickens when chilled, so give it a good stir before measuring.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then whisk well before using.
If you try this easy vegan sweetened condensed milk recipe, let me know by leaving a comment and rating it. I'd love to see what you made. Share your creation in the It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken Community (this is where we're all hanging out now!) or tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram.
Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull.
(click stars to vote)
Easy Vegan Sweetened Condensed Milk
Servings: cup
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Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 mL) full-fat coconut milk
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, (optional)
- 1 pinch salt, (optional)
Instructions
- Add the coconut milk and sugar to a small saucepan and whisk to combine.
- Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 35 to 45 minutes, whisking every 5 minutes or so and keeping an eye on it so it doesn't boil over.
- Continue simmering until the mixture has reduced by about half and is thick enough to lightly coat the back of a spoon. It will still seem fairly thin and slightly translucent while hot, but it thickens and becomes more opaque as it cools.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and salt, if using. The vanilla may give the mixture a slightly beige color while warm, but it becomes lighter as it cools.
- Let cool, then transfer to a jar or airtight container. Chill in the refrigerator until thickened.
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