Heavy Cream + Sugar (reduced) Substitute for Condensed Milk: Exact Ratio
Looking for a condensed milk substitute? Heavy Cream + Sugar (reduced) works as a direct replacement. Use 2 cups heavy cream + 1 cup sugar, simmered 30 min until reduced by half in any recipe that calls for condensed milk. This swap works best for caramel, fudge, coffee.
Best Substitute
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.
Tips When Replacing Condensed Milk in Recipes
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.
What Is Condensed Milk and Why Substitute It?
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.
Heavy Cream + Sugar (reduced) is one of 5 alternatives you can use instead of condensed milk. For a complete list of condensed milk substitutes with ratios and cooking tips, visit the full condensed milk substitute page.
What Else Can I Use Instead of Condensed Milk?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use heavy cream + sugar (reduced) instead of condensed milk?
Yes, you can use heavy cream + sugar (reduced) as a substitute for condensed milk. Use 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.
How much heavy cream + sugar (reduced) equals condensed milk?
Use 2 cups heavy cream + 1 cup sugar, simmered 30 min until reduced by half to replace condensed milk with heavy cream + sugar (reduced). Works best for caramel, fudge, coffee.
What is the best substitute for condensed milk?
Heavy Cream + Sugar (reduced) is a popular substitute for condensed milk. Use 2 cups heavy cream + 1 cup sugar, simmered 30 min until reduced by half for a 1-to-1 replacement. See all 5 alternatives on our condensed milk substitute page.