Substitute for Condensed Milk: 5 Sweet and Easy Swaps
The best substitute for condensed milk is Evaporated Milk + Sugar at a 1 cup evaporated milk + 1 1/4 cups sugar ratio. It works best for fudge, pies, caramel. There are 4 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Evaporated Milk + Sugar
1 cup evaporated milk + 1 1/4 cups sugar
Heat evaporated milk and sugar over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens slightly. Cool before using.
What are the other substitutes for condensed milk?
Heavy Cream + Sugar (reduced)
2 cups heavy cream + 1 cup sugar, simmered 30 min until reduced by half
Simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until reduced to about 1 cup. Cool before using.
Coconut Condensed Milk
1 cup coconut condensed milk per 1 cup condensed milk
Available in stores, or make it by simmering 1 can coconut milk with 1/2 cup sugar until reduced and thick (about 30 minutes).
Milk Powder + Milk + Sugar
1/2 cup milk powder + 1/3 cup milk + 1/2 cup sugar + 2 tbsp butter
Heat and stir over low heat until smooth and thick. A pantry-friendly solution when you have dry milk on hand.
Cashew Condensed Milk
1 cup per 1 cup condensed milk
Blend 1 cup soaked cashews with 1/2 cup water and 1/3 cup maple syrup until thick and smooth.
What should you know before substituting condensed milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is both a sweetener and a thickener. Its high sugar content prevents it from curdling when mixed with acidic ingredients like lime juice, which is why it works in key lime pie. Do not confuse it with evaporated milk, which is unsweetened.
How do you substitute condensed milk in a recipe?
Sweetened condensed milk is whole milk with about 60% of the water removed and sugar added, resulting in a thick, sticky, intensely sweet product. Used in fudge, caramel, key lime pie, tres leches, and sweetened coffee.
The best substitute for condensed milk depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Evaporated Milk + Sugar (1 cup evaporated milk + 1 1/4 cups sugar), which works well for fudge, pies, caramel.
If you need a different option, Heavy Cream + Sugar (reduced) (2 cups heavy cream + 1 cup sugar, simmered 30 min until reduced by half) is another reliable choice. Simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until reduced to about 1 cup. Cool before using.
When substituting condensed milk, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and FoodSafety.gov. See our testing methodology for details.
What can you use instead of condensed milk in specific recipes?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make condensed milk at home?
Heat 1 cup evaporated milk with 1 1/4 cups sugar over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly. Or simmer 3 cups whole milk with 1 cup sugar until reduced to about 1 1/3 cups, about 40 minutes.
Can I use evaporated milk instead of condensed milk?
Not directly: evaporated milk is unsweetened. To substitute, add 1 1/4 cups sugar to 1 cup evaporated milk and heat until the sugar dissolves. Without added sugar, your recipe will not be sweet enough.
What is a vegan substitute for condensed milk?
Simmer one can of full-fat coconut milk with 1/2 cup sugar for about 30 minutes until thick and reduced. You can also buy pre-made coconut condensed milk at most grocery stores.