Updated: Jan. 02, 2024
Ever been in the middle of a baking project and realized you're flat out of sweetened condensed milk? Here are all the condensed milk substitutes you need to know, including a homemade version.
Sweetened condensed milk is one of the most versatile ingredients you have stashed away in your pantry. From using it in decadent fudge or layered bars to mixing it into cake or brownie batter, sweetened condensed milk has certainly earned its place as a baking staple.
But what do you do if you’ve run out of sweetened condensed milk or you need a dairy-free alternative? Thankfully, there are some options for condensed milk substitutes to get you back to your recipe in no time.
Need to use evaporated milk for your next baking project? Check out these substitutes for evaporated milk.
What is sweetened condensed milk?
First things first, what exactly is sweetened condensed milk? It’s just as the name suggests! Like evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk is canned milk that has been cooked down, removing some of the milk’s water content along the way. At the same time, plenty of sugar is added to the mix, resulting in a thick, sweet liquid. It adds delicious flavor and luscious creaminess to a variety of recipes.
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk
If you’ve run out of sweetened condensed milk, but have everything else your recipe calls for, there’s no need to head to the store. You can make a worthy substitute for condensed milk in a pinch.
Because it’s essentially a boiled-down version of milk, you can make homemade sweetened condensed milk.
Microwave sweetened condensed milk substitute
To make condensed milk in the microwave, whisk 1/2 cup milk and 1/3 cup sugar together in a microwave-safe bowl, and then pop the bowl in the microwave to heat for one to two minutes at a time. Heat the mixture in intervals until it becomes bubbly with a bit of froth, then allow it to cool in the fridge.
With cooling time, it will thicken to a consistency similar to the canned version. This hack may not have the same caramelized flavor or richness, but it can certainly work if you’re in a bind and need a quick solution.
Stovetop sweetened condensed milk substitute
You can make a sweetened condensed milk substitute on the stovetop as well. In a saucepan, whisk together 2 cups milk and 1 cup sugar. Heat the mixture on medium to allow the sugar to dissolve. Reduce the temperature just before the milk begins to boil, and then leave it to simmer on low.
Simmer the mixture until the milk reduces, about 35 minutes. Once reduced, allow the mixture to cool, then place it in the fridge to thicken.
Other Substitutes for Sweetened Condensed Milk
Canned cream of coconut
Cream of coconut is a great substitute for sweetened condensed milk, giving a hint of tropical flavor. It’s dairy-free and can be substituted cup for cup. The thick consistency of cream of coconut closely resembles sweetened condensed milk, allowing for similar richness in many recipes.
Coconut milk
Simmering a can of full-fat coconut milk with 1/4 cup of sugar will result in another great dairy-free substitute for sweetened condensed milk. Whisk the coconut milk and sugar in a saucepan, bring the mixture to just below boiling and then allow the mixture to simmer for 30 minutes. Stir the mixture often until it thickens, and then allow it to cool.
This will result in a nice, creamy consistency with only a hint of coconut flavor. Get to know the difference between coconut cream versus coconut milk.
Evaporated milk
Because sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk are very similar, evaporated milk can serve as a substitute for condensed milk. You won’t get the same sweet, caramelized flavor with it, but the consistency will be similar when using a cup-for-cup substitution. Just add a bit more sugar to your recipe to make up for the lack of sweetness, if desired.
The Best Recipes to Make with Sweetened Condensed Milk
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Taste of Home
Pumpkin Delight Magic Bars
My mother never wrote down her delightful recipes, so I created this recipe as a holiday tribute to her. They're creamy, sweet and a little tart. Eat with a fork so you can scoop up all the delicious topping ingredients that might tumble off. —Lisa Glassman, Boynton Beach, Florida
Get RecipeRan out of condensed milk? Try out these condensed milk substitutes instead.
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Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke CakeWhen my family is planning a get-together, I can count on three or four people to ask if I'm bringing this dessert. If you don't have a chocolate cake mix, use a white or yellow one and stir in 3 tablespoons baking cocoa. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas
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Coconut-Layered Pound CakeIf you love chocolate, almonds and coconut, this cake is for you. It comes together in a flash and tastes just like an Almond Joy candy bar! —Linda L. Nichols, Steubenville, Ohio
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Photo: Taste of Home
Chocolate TrufflesYou may be tempted to save these chocolate truffles for a special occasion since these smooth, creamy chocolates are divine. But with just a few ingredients, this truffle recipe is easy to make anytime. —Darlene Wiese-Appleby, Creston, Ohio
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Pot of S'mores Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Pot of S'moresMom’s easy Dutch-oven version of the popular campout treat is so good and gooey. The hardest part is waiting for this to cool so you can devour it. Yum! —June Dress, Meridian, Idaho
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Kahlua FudgeThis five-ingredient recipe makes serving up treats easy and scrumptious. —Laura Hanks, Harleysville, Pennsylvania
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Taste of Home
Frozen Key Lime DelightIn the middle of summer, nothing hits the spot quite like this sublime Key lime dessert. Cold, creamy and tart, it tastes like sunshine. —Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina
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Taste of Home
Irish Creme DrinkWe top off holiday celebrations with this creamy beverage. With sweetened condensed milk and ice cream, it's like a liquid dessert!—Fred Schneider, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
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Pecan Pie Bars Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Pecan Pie BarsThese pecan pie bars are rich and delicious - just like pecan pie! They're perfect for taking to potlucks and other gatherings...I always come home with an empty pan. These Kentucky Derby pecan pie bars are the perfect snack while watching the races. —Carolyn Custer, Clifton Park, New York
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Special Chocolate Treats Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Special Chocolate TreatsI serve these lovely cookies to guests. They freeze well. —Walter Max, Wabasha, Minnesota
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Taste of Home
Cherry-Coconut Chocolate TorteThis torte reminds me of two favorite treats: chocolate covered cherries and old-fashioned Cherry Mash candy bars. —Dian Hicks Carlson, Omaha, Nebraska
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Caramel Pretzel BitesI created this recipe wanting to make my own version of a popular candy store pretzel log dipped in caramel, chocolate and nuts. These bites are smothered with homemade caramel. —Michilene Klaver, Grand Rapids, Michigan
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Can't Leave Alone Bars Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Can't Leave Alone BarsI take these quick and easy treats to church meetings, potlucks and housewarming parties. I often make a double batch so we can enjoy some at home. —Kimberly Biel, Java, South Dakota
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Cinnamon Apple CheesecakeAn attractive topping of cinnamon-spiced apple slices and a homemade oat-and-walnut crust make this creamy dessert a definite showstopper. —Emily Ann Young, Edmond, Oklahoma
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Almond Cherry FudgeCooked in the microwave, this fast fudge is a sweet addition to any holiday gathering. I make it when I need a quick treat for a school party or to take to a neighbor. —Shellie Tucker, Hendersonvlle, Tennessee
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Chocolate Caramel Fondue Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Chocolate Caramel FondueIt's easy to keep the ingredients for this rich fondue on hand in case company drops by. I serve it in punch cups, so guests can carry it on a dessert plate alongside whatever fruit, pretzels and other dippers they like. —Cheryl Arnold, Lake Zurich, Illinois
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Best Lime Tart Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Best Lime TartThis treat is the perfect balance between tart and sweet, and the almonds in the crust are just wonderful. This is one of my husband’s favorite desserts. Enjoy! —Charis O'Connell, Mohnton, Pennsylvania
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Sweet Potato Cheesecake Brownies Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Sweet Potato Cheesecake BrowniesIf you're looking for something other than pumpkin, these sweet potato bars are a yummy alternative. Make them ahead—they're even better refrigerated overnight. —Debbie Glassco*ck, Conway, Arkansas
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Chocolate Malt Cheesecake Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Chocolate Malt CheesecakeMy mother-in-law loved chocolate malts—and cheesecakes, too. Can you guess who passed this recipe on to me? Sometimes, I substitute pretzel crumbs for the graham cracker crumbs. They make a surprisingly good crust! —Anita Moffett, Rewey, Wisconsin
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Classic Tres Leches Cake Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Classic Tres Leches CakeTres leches means "three milks." This cake gets its name because it uses three kinds of milk—evaporated, condensed and cream. This tres leches cake's light and airy texture has made it a classic in Mexican kitchens for generations. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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S'mores on a StickMy kids love to take these for treats everywhere. That's lucky for me since they are so easy to make. Beside the sprinkles, try mini candies for toppings.—Ronda Weirich, Plains, Kansas
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This bread pudding is easy, convenient, versatile, and delicious. Every time I take it to church or school everyone asks for the recipe because it's the best bread pudding they have ever tasted—I never have any leftovers. This delicious brunch casserole has been requested for family gatherings, holidays, weddings, and birthday parties.—Laura Ellis, Biloxi, Mississippi
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Taste of Home
Picnic BarsYou'll score points with a crowd when you stir together these delicious fudge-like treats. They're very moist and rich. The chocolate chips and walnuts make a pretty topping. —Frank Bee, Eugene, Oregon
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Marshmallow-Almond Key Lime PieSummer is peak season for Key limes—a must for this pie’s distinctive sweet-tart flavor. Unlike other Key lime pies, mine has a smooth marshmallow layer on top. This makes it stand out as a crowd favorite. —Judy Castranova, New Bern, North Carolina
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Toffee Pecan BarsCurl up with a hot cup of coffee and one of these treats. The golden topping and flaky crust give way to the heartwarming taste of old-fashioned pecan pie. —Dianna Croskey, Gibsonia, Pennsylvania
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Caramel Brownies Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Caramel BrowniesI love to cook. My family can't possibly eat all the sweets I whip up, so my co-workers are more than happy to sample them—particularly these rich, chewy caramel brownies that are full of gooey caramel, chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts. —Clara Bakke, Coon Rapids, Minnesota
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Chocolate-Covered Cherry CookiesAlthough these cookies require a little extra effort, they’re worth it. I make them for every family gathering—and they never last long! —Marie Kinyon, Mason, Michigan
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Easy Key Lime Pie Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Lemonade Icebox PieYou will detect a definite lemonade flavor in this refreshing pie. High and fluffy, this dessert has a creamy smooth consistency. —Cheryl Wilt, Eglon, West Virginia
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S'more CheesecakeThis luscious dessert is just as wonderfully tasty as the campfire snack that inspired it. It's a great way to savor a summer classic anytime of year. Our 4-year-old daughter likes it so much that she's requested it for her next birthday! —Robin Andrews, Cary, North Carolina
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