5 Vegan Replacements That Work Like Condensed Milk

Vegan substitute for condensed milk offers dairy-free alternatives that maintain the creamy richness in sweet treats while accommodating plant-based diets.

Many innovative recipes now incorporate nut milks, coconut cream, or soy products to achieve similar thickness and sweetness without animal ingredients.

The silky texture and caramel notes can be replicated through careful reduction techniques and natural sweeteners, making these options nearly indistinguishable from traditional versions.

Home cooks and professional bakers alike have embraced these compassionate alternatives for everything from desserts to coffee drinks.

Plant-derived options typically contain fewer saturated fats than dairy-based condensed milk, with some varieties offering additional nutritional benefits.

The best part about these substitutes is how they allow everyone at the table to enjoy classic recipes regardless of dietary restrictions.

Continue reading to find perfect dairy-free condensed milk alternatives for all your favorite recipes.

Vegan Baking: Why Swap Condensed Milk?

Many people swap condensed milk in vegan baking to fit their lifestyle or dietary needs while still making treats that are creamy, sweet, and delicious:

• Dairy-Free Choice: Vegans avoid all animal products, so using plant-based condensed milk helps keep recipes dairy-free without sacrificing taste or texture.
• Lactose Intolerance: Some people can’t digest lactose, so using a vegan or non-dairy substitute makes baked goods easier on the stomach.
• Lower Saturated Fat: Many vegan condensed milk options use coconut or nut milks, which can be lower in saturated fat than traditional versions.
• Allergy-Friendly: Swapping out condensed milk lets you choose recipes free from allergens like cow’s milk, making it easier to serve friends or family with allergies.
• Control Sweetness: Making your own vegan condensed milk gives you control over how sweet you want your baked goods to be.
• Exploring New Flavors: Vegan condensed milk made from coconut, almond, or oat milk can add subtle, delicious flavor twists to classic recipes.

Delicious Vegan Condensed Milk Substitutes

Vegan condensed milk replacements keep desserts rich, coffee smooth, and sauces sweet. Dairy-free options bring just as much indulgence. Explore the swaps ready for your favorite treats.

Full Fat Coconut Milk & Sweetener

Sweetened condensed milk substitutes are easier to make than most people realize, with full-fat coconut milk and a sweetener being the top recommendation for those seeking alternatives.

This simple two-ingredient solution works wonderfully in most baked goods, where the subtle coconut flavor blends seamlessly into the background of your recipes.

The preparation process involves boiling one can of full-fat coconut milk with 1/3 cup maple syrup or sugar, then simmering for about 45 minutes while whisking every five minutes to prevent spillovers.

Soy Milk Powder & Sugar

Soy milk powder serves as an excellent vegan alternative to condensed milk, delivering an authentic taste despite requiring a few extra ingredients in the mix.

Creating this substitute is remarkably simple - just blend soy powder and white sugar, then add a mixture of hot water, coconut oil, and salt before giving everything a quick minute-long whirl in the blender.

For those with soy sensitivities, rice milk powder works as a comparable replacement, ensuring nobody misses out on this versatile option.

Once cooled, the mixture achieves that perfect thick consistency that mimics traditional condensed milk so well.

Nut Milk And Cashews

Substituting sweetened condensed milk with a healthier alternative brings delicious possibilities to your kitchen without sacrificing taste.

This cashew-based recipe creates a similar consistency but offers nutritional benefits by using natural sweeteners instead of processed sugar, giving it an earthy undertone that blends perfectly into baked goods.

For this simple version, combine one cup cashews, half a cup of almond milk, half a cup of maple syrup, a pinch of salt, and some vanilla extract in your blender until smooth, then simmer the mixture for about five minutes while stirring constantly.

Almond Milk & Sugar

Almond milk stands out as a fantastic substitute for sweetened condensed milk because it delivers similar thickness and sweetness with fewer calories and less fat.

Making this alternative is simple - just simmer two cups of almond milk over low-medium heat until it reduces to about one cup, then stir in 2/3 cup of your preferred sugar until completely dissolved.

Many dessert recipes benefit from this swap, including vegan Vietnamese iced coffee, cookies, pies, caramel, and even cheesecake.

The widespread popularity of almond milk means you can easily find it in nearly any grocery or convenience store these days.

This dairy-free option lets everyone enjoy creamy treats regardless of dietary preferences.

Cream Of Coconut

Cream of coconut stands out as an excellent vegan alternative to sweetened condensed milk, already popular for enhancing drinks like smoothies, Pina Coladas, and Vietnamese iced coffee.

Many delicious desserts such as cheesecake, banana bread, and key lime pie can benefit from this readily available substitute found in most grocery stores.

The substitution ratio is straightforward - simply use the same amount of cream of coconut as the recipe calls for condensed milk.

Just remember to select cream of coconut specifically, not coconut cream, as they're entirely different products despite their similar names.

Your final dish will have a subtle coconut undertone, which adds an interesting flavor dimension to most recipes.

Tips for Making Your Own Vegan Condensed Milk

Making your own vegan condensed milk at home is simple and lets you control the ingredients for a creamy, sweet base that’s perfect for baking or desserts:

• Choose Plant Milk Wisely: Use full-fat coconut, oat, or soy milk for a creamy texture that closely matches regular condensed milk.
• Use Sweeteners That Dissolve Easily: Maple syrup, agave, or regular sugar blend well and give a smooth, glossy finish.
• Simmer Low And Slow: Cook the mixture over low heat and stir often so it thickens without burning or sticking to the pot.
• Add A Pinch Of Salt: A small amount of salt rounds out the flavor and brings balance to the sweetness.
• Blend For Extra Smoothness: After cooking, blend the mixture for a few seconds to get rid of any lumps and make it extra silky.
• Store In The Fridge: Keep your vegan condensed milk in a jar in the fridge for up to a week so you always have some on hand for recipes or coffee.

Vegan Condensed Milk Swaps: Your Questions

1. What’s the best vegan substitute for baking fudge or caramel?

Coconut condensed milk or a homemade blend of almond milk and maple syrup thickened down will work well in these cases.

2. Does oat milk work as a condensed milk alternative?

Yes, if you cook it down with sugar. It produces a creamy texture with a mild flavor that doesn’t overpower other ingredients.

3. Can I use agave or maple syrup as a substitute?

Not directly. These are sweeteners, not replacements for the creamy consistency. Pair them with thick non-dairy milk to replicate condensed milk.

4. What should I avoid when substituting vegan condensed milk?

Avoid watery milk alternatives like rice milk on their own, they're too thin unless cooked down with sugar to thicken properly.

5. Can vegan condensed milk be used in no-bake desserts?

Yes, especially store-bought coconut condensed milk, it sets well and binds ingredients in bars and pies.

6. How do I store homemade vegan condensed milk?

Keep it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to one week. Stir before use as it may thicken more when cold.

7. Will my dessert taste different with vegan condensed milk?

There may be subtle flavor differences (like coconut notes), but most desserts still turn out rich and sweet when using the right swap.