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No luck finding Vegan Condensed Milk in stores near you? No problem! Make this homemade version with just 2 easy ingredients. It’s perfectly sweet, easy to make, and has infinite uses.
Table of Contents
Depending on where you live in the world, you might have access to store-bought vegan condensed milk from brands like Nature’s Charm. They’re not as widespread as the regular version, but good news! We’ve cracked the code on making this staple ingredient at home, so you never have to miss out on rich and creamy vegan dessert recipes.
Like our Coconut Whipped Cream, this vegan sweetened condensed milk recipe requires just 2 ingredients and is practically fool-proof! Use it in any recipe that calls for vegan condensed milk, or add it to your morning coffee for a sweet, creamy boost!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Full-fat coconut milk: The best vegan condensed milk recipe should be thick like honey and high in fat. Canned full-fat coconut milk is the best plant-based milk to achieve this high viscosity and natural richness.
- Organic cane sugar: Traditional condensed milk is usually sweetened with cane sugar. This recipe uses the same, but we recommend using organic cane sugar when possible to ensure your condensed coconut milk is vegan. Conventional cane sugars can be processed through animal bone char during bleaching and are not always vegan.
Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete measurements.
Equipment Needed
How to Make Vegan-Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Dissolve the sugar. Add the coconut milk and sugar to a saucepan over low heat. Heat, whisking often, until the sugar has dissolved.
- Bring to a simmer. Once the sugar has dissolved, increase the heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to come to a simmer.
- Simmer for 45 minutes. Let the milk simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the volume of the liquid is reduced by half and has slightly darkened in color. There is no need to stir!
- Cool completely. Allow the vegan condensed milk to cool to room temperature. As it cools, it will continue to thicken in consistency. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Ways to Use Vegan Condensed Milk
We often use condensed milk in our Filipino recipes for its sweet creaminess. Give it a try in one of these favorite vegan recipes
It’s also a great addition to several desserts and beverages, including:
- Vegan Coquito
- Ube Horchata (Vegan)
- Swirled in your favorite Cold Brew Coffee
- Vegan Condensed Milk Caramel
- Vegan Fudge
- Vegan Tres Leches Cake
- Drizzled on ice cream, vegan frozen yogurt, and more!
Recipe FAQs
You might be wondering, what’s the difference between regular condensed milk and this vegan version? Great question! Regular sweetened condensed milk is made with cow’s milk and is, therefore, not vegan. This version not only tastes like the real thing but is also made without any animal products.
For the best results, we highly recommend using canned full-fat coconut milk. It has a much higher fat content compared to plant milks like almond milk, oat milk, cashew milk, soy milk, etc.
If you must use alternative milk, we recommend canned coconut cream or homemade almond milk because you can make it as creamy as you like (increase the nut to water ratio!).
It is not recommended. Using an alternative granulated sugar like brown sugar or coconut sugar will yield condensed milk that is a very dark color.
Liquid sweeteners such as maple syrup or agave will add too much liquid volume and negatively impact the final consistency of the condensed milk. For the right color and thickness, we only recommend granulated white sugar.
The coconut flavor in this vegan alternative is very subtle. If you are adding it to a final dessert, the flavor of the coconut will not be overpowering at all. Some of your vegan guests may not even detect it!
Storage Instructions
This homemade condensed milk will keep in an airtight glass jar, such as a mason jar, in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
More Basic Homemade Recipes You May Enjoy:
Make sure you tag us on Instagram @sweetsimplevegan and @consciouschris and hashtag #sweetsimplevegan if you make this recipe. We love to see your photos!
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Vegan Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 1.5 cups
- Diet: Vegan
Description
No luck finding Vegan Condensed Milk in stores near you? No problem! Make this homemade version with just 2 easy ingredients. It’s perfectly sweet, easy to make, and has infinite uses.
Instructions
- Dissolve the sugar. In a saucepan over low heat, add the non-dairy milk and sugar. Heat, whisking often, until the sugar has dissolved.
- Bring to a simmer. Once the sugar has dissolved, increase the heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to come to a simmer.
- Simmer for 45 minutes. Let the milk simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the volume of the liquid is reduced by half and has slightly darkened in color. There is no need to stir! You’ll know it is ready when the milk has reduced by half and has slightly darkened in color.
- Cool completely. Allow the vegan condensed milk to cool to room temperature. As it cools, it will continue to thicken in consistency. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
- Storage: This homemade condensed milk will keep in an airtightcontainer in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Cook Time: 45 Minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stove-Top
Hello, I’m wondering if I have to add the sugar at all?? I’m lactose intolerant and having access to condensed milk, as well as the sweetened one you’ve provided would be very helpful. Thank you in advance.
Hi Rose, the sugar is part of the recipe and we haven’t tested it out any! You may be able to use a sugar-free alternative like stevia, though!
Great recipe! My daughter loves this!
Hi, just wondering if I can freeze leftovers?
Hi! We haven’t tested freezing it, but it should work! Due to the high sugar content, it may not freeze completely solid, though.