Sweetened condensed milk substitutes
Sweetened condensed milk substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Evaporated milk + sugar
Same amount as the sweetened condensed milk
Plus ½ cup sugar per cup
Similar combination with different preparation.
The best substitutes for sweetened condensed milk are evaporated milk with sugar, heavy cream with sugar, or coconut cream, depending on the use.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- baking
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of sweetened condensed milk | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Evaporated milk + sugarbaking | Same amountPlus ½ cup sugar per cupWorks | Works |
| 2 | Heavy cream + sugarbaking | Same amountPlus ½ cup sugar per cupTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Coconut creambaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Milk + sugar + butterbaking | Same amountPlus ½ cup sugar + 2 tbsp butter per cupWorks | Works |
| 5 | Half and half + sugarbaking | Same amountPlus ½ cup sugar per cupTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Cream of coconutbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Evaporated milk + sugar
similar taste and texture
Similar combination with different preparation.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, sauces, beverages
Different preparation, similar flavor.
Heavy cream + sugar
different taste, similar texture
Similar combination with different preparation.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, sauces, beverages
Different preparation, similar flavor.
Coconut cream
different taste, similar texture
Similar cream with different source.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, sauces, beverages
Different source, similar texture.
Milk + sugar + butter
similar taste and texture
Similar combination with different preparation.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, sauces, beverages
Different preparation, similar flavor.
Half and half + sugar
different taste, similar texture
Similar combination with different preparation.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, sauces, beverages
Different preparation, similar flavor.
Cream of coconut
different taste, similar texture
Similar cream with different source.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, sauces, beverages
Different source, similar texture.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use evaporated milk with sugar instead of sweetened condensed milk?
Yes, evaporated milk with sugar is a good substitute for sweetened condensed milk. It provides similar flavor and can be used in most recipes.
What's the difference between sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk with sugar?
Sweetened condensed milk is pre-sweetened, while evaporated milk with sugar is mixed separately. Both have thick, sweet flavor but different preparations.
Can I use heavy cream with sugar instead of sweetened condensed milk?
Yes, heavy cream with sugar can work as a substitute, though it has a different flavor. It provides similar texture and can be used in most recipes.
Why is sweetened condensed milk so popular in baking?
Sweetened condensed milk is popular because it adds thick, sweet flavor and is good for making fudge, ice cream, and other desserts.
Tips for substituting sweetened condensed milk
6 tips- Sweetened condensed milk adds thick, sweet flavor to dishes
- Sweetened condensed milk can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
- Sweetened condensed milk pairs well with chocolate, fruits, and spices
- Sweetened condensed milk works well in baking and desserts
- Sweetened condensed milk can be used to make fudge and ice cream
- Store sweetened condensed milk in the refrigerator