Out of Condensed milk, one case
Substitutes for condensed milk in baking
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Evaporated milk + sugar
Per 1 cup condensed milk
1 cup evaporated milk + 1 ¼ cups sugar
The best substitutes for condensed milk in baking are Evaporated Milk + Sugar, Heavy Cream + Sugar, Coconut Milk + Sugar, and Milk + Sugar + Butter. Use 1:1 ratio for most substitutes and adjust based on your recipe needs.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- cakes
One casethe full condensed milk card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of 1 cup condensed milk | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Evaporated milk + sugarcakes | 1 cup evaporated milk + 1 ¼ cups sugarWorks | Works |
| 2 | Heavy cream + sugarrich cakes | 1 cup heavy cream + ¾ cup sugarWorks | Works |
| 3 | Coconut milk + sugarvegan cakes | 1 cup coconut milk + 1 cup sugarTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Milk + sugar + buttercakes | 1 cup milk + ½ cup sugar + 2 tbsp butterWorks | Works |
| 5 | Half and half + sugarcakes | 1 cup half and half + 1 cup sugarWorks | Works |
Evaporated milk + sugar
similar taste and texture
Concentrated milk with added sugar that creates the same thick, sweet consistency as condensed milk. Good substitute for most baking applications.
- Best for
- cakes, cookies, pies, desserts, when you need exact consistency
Heat evaporated milk and sugar until dissolved and mixture thickens. Use in same amounts for best results. Most similar to condensed milk in baking.
Heavy cream + sugar
enhanced taste, similar texture
Rich cream with added sugar that provides extra creaminess and sweetness. Good substitute for rich baked goods.
- Best for
- rich cakes, cookies, pies, desserts, when you want extra creaminess
Simmer until reduced by half and thickened. Use in same amounts for best results. Richer than condensed milk in baking.
Coconut milk + sugar
different taste, similar texture
Plant-based milk with added sugar that provides similar creaminess with coconut flavor. Good substitute for vegan baking.
- Best for
- vegan cakes, dairy-free cookies, tropical pies, desserts, baking
Simmer until reduced and thickened. Use in same amounts for best results. Adds subtle coconut flavor to baked goods.
Milk + sugar + butter
similar taste and texture
Regular milk with added sugar and butter that creates similar sweetness and richness. Good substitute for most baking applications.
- Best for
- cakes, cookies, pies, desserts, when you want simple alternative
Heat milk, sugar, and butter until thickened. Use in same amounts for best results. Good for most baking recipes.
Half and half + sugar
similar taste and texture
Half milk and half cream with added sugar that provides similar creaminess and sweetness. Good substitute for most baking applications.
- Best for
- cakes, cookies, pies, desserts, when you want moderate richness
Heat half and half and sugar until thickened. Use in same amounts for best results. Good balance of richness in baking.
How it behaves in this recipe
Condensed milk is used for its sweetness and thick consistency in baking. The best substitutes depend on whether you need them for cakes (evaporated milk + sugar) or cookies (heavy cream + sugar).
Tips for substituting condensed milk
7 tips- Condensed milk substitutes can be used in the same way as condensed milk in most baking recipes
- For cakes, evaporated milk + sugar works best as a substitute
- For cookies, heavy cream + sugar works best as a substitute
- For pies, coconut milk + sugar works best as a substitute
- Condensed milk substitutes add sweetness and creaminess to baked goods
- Store condensed milk substitutes in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
- For best results, taste and adjust sweetness when using condensed milk substitutes in baking
Notes on condensed milk
- For a unique twist, try using a combination of milk and honey for a different sweetness profile
- Sweetened condensed coconut milk can work as a substitute when you want coconut flavor
- For a completely different approach, try using sweetened condensed soy milk for a plant-based alternative
- Consider making your own condensed milk by simmering milk and sugar until reduced by half
Questions
5 questionsWhat can I substitute for condensed milk in baking?
The best substitutes for condensed milk in baking are evaporated milk + sugar (1:1 ratio), heavy cream + sugar (1:1 ratio), coconut milk + sugar (1:1 ratio), or milk + sugar + butter (1:1 ratio). Choose based on your recipe needs.
Can I use evaporated milk instead of condensed milk in baking?
Yes, evaporated milk can be used instead of condensed milk in baking, but you need to add sugar. Use 1 cup evaporated milk + 1 ¼ cups sugar for every 1 cup of condensed milk.
What's the best substitute for condensed milk in cakes?
Evaporated milk + sugar is the best substitute for condensed milk in cakes. It has the most similar consistency and sweetness to condensed milk.
Can I use heavy cream instead of condensed milk in baking?
Yes, heavy cream can be used instead of condensed milk in baking, but you need to add sugar and reduce it. Use 1 cup heavy cream + ¾ cup sugar, simmered until reduced by half.
What's the best substitute for condensed milk in cookies?
Heavy cream + sugar is the best substitute for condensed milk in cookies. It provides extra richness and creaminess that works well in cookie recipes.