Out of Condensed milk, one case
Dairy-free substitutes for condensed milk
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Coconut milk + sugar
1 cup coconut milk + 1 cup sugar for every 1 cup condensed milk
The best dairy-free substitutes for condensed milk are Coconut Milk + Sugar, Almond Milk + Sugar, Oat Milk + Sugar, and Cashew Milk + Sugar. Use 1:1 ratio for most substitutes and adjust based on your taste preferences.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- dairy-free baking
One casethe full condensed milk card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of 1 cup condensed milk | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coconut milk + sugardairy-free baking | 1 cup coconut milk + 1 cup sugarTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Almond milk + sugardairy-free baking | 1 cup almond milk + 1 cup sugarTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Oat milk + sugardairy-free baking | 1 cup oat milk + 1 cup sugarTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Cashew milk + sugardairy-free baking | 1 cup cashew milk + 1 cup sugarTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Soy milk + sugardairy-free baking | 1 cup soy milk + 1 cup sugarTweak it | Tweak it |
Coconut milk + sugar
different taste, similar texture
Plant-based milk with added sugar that provides similar creaminess with coconut flavor. Good substitute for dairy-free recipes.
- Best for
- dairy-free baking, lactose-free desserts, tropical flavors, cooking, baking
Simmer until reduced and thickened. Use in same amounts for best results. Adds subtle coconut flavor. Most similar to condensed milk.
Almond milk + sugar
different taste, similar texture
Plant-based milk with added sugar that provides similar sweetness with nutty flavor. Good substitute for dairy-free recipes.
- Best for
- dairy-free baking, lactose-free desserts, when you want nutty flavor, cooking, baking
Simmer until reduced and thickened. Use in same amounts for best results. Adds subtle almond flavor.
Oat milk + sugar
different taste, similar texture
Plant-based milk with added sugar that provides similar creaminess with oat flavor. Good substitute for dairy-free recipes.
- Best for
- dairy-free baking, lactose-free desserts, when you want oat flavor, cooking, baking
Simmer until reduced and thickened. Use in same amounts for best results. Adds subtle oat flavor.
Cashew milk + sugar
different taste, similar texture
Plant-based milk with added sugar that provides similar creaminess with cashew flavor. Good substitute for dairy-free recipes.
- Best for
- dairy-free baking, lactose-free desserts, when you want cashew flavor, cooking, baking
Simmer until reduced and thickened. Use in same amounts for best results. Adds subtle cashew flavor.
Soy milk + sugar
different taste, similar texture
Plant-based milk with added sugar that provides similar creaminess with soy flavor. Good substitute for dairy-free recipes.
- Best for
- dairy-free baking, lactose-free desserts, when you want soy flavor, cooking, baking
Simmer until reduced and thickened. Use in same amounts for best results. Adds subtle soy flavor.
How it behaves in this recipe
Condensed milk is used for its sweetness and thick consistency in baking and cooking. The best dairy-free substitutes depend on whether you need them for baking (coconut milk + sugar) or specific flavors (almond milk + sugar, oat milk + sugar).
Tips for substituting condensed milk
7 tips- Dairy-free condensed milk substitutes can be used in the same way as condensed milk in most recipes
- For baking, coconut milk + sugar works best as a substitute
- Dairy-free substitutes add sweetness and creaminess without lactose
- Use dairy-free substitutes in baking, desserts, and cooking for lactose-free alternatives
- Dairy-free substitutes can enhance the flavor of desserts and beverages
- Store dairy-free substitutes in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
- For best results, taste and adjust sweetness when using dairy-free substitutes
Notes on condensed milk
- For a unique twist, try using a combination of coconut milk and almond milk for a more complex flavor
- 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 dairy-free condensed milk by simmering plant-based milk and sugar until reduced by half
Questions
5 questionsWhat can I substitute for condensed milk on a dairy-free diet?
The best dairy-free substitutes for condensed milk are coconut milk + sugar (1:1 ratio), almond milk + sugar (1:1 ratio), oat milk + sugar (1:1 ratio), or cashew milk + sugar (1:1 ratio). Choose based on your taste preferences.
Can I use coconut milk instead of condensed milk?
Yes, coconut milk can be used instead of condensed milk, but you need to add sugar. Use 1 cup coconut milk + 1 cup sugar, simmered until reduced and thickened.
What's the best dairy-free substitute for condensed milk in baking?
Coconut milk + sugar is the best dairy-free substitute for condensed milk in baking. It has the most similar consistency and creaminess to condensed milk.
Can I use almond milk instead of condensed milk?
Yes, almond milk can be used instead of condensed milk, but you need to add sugar. Use 1 cup almond milk + 1 cup sugar, simmered until reduced and thickened.
What's the difference between condensed milk and dairy-free substitutes?
Condensed milk is made from dairy milk, while dairy-free substitutes are made from plant-based milks. Dairy-free substitutes have different flavors but similar sweetness and creaminess.