Dairy
Find the best dairy-free substitutes for sweetened condensed milk. Perfect for lactose intolerance, dairy allergies, and dairy-free diets with proper ratios and techniques.
Quick Answer
The best dairy-free substitutes for sweetened condensed milk are coconut cream with sugar, oat milk with sugar and cornstarch, or almond milk with sugar and coconut oil. These provide the same sweetness and creaminess without dairy.
Best Substitutes
Coconut Cream + Sugar
1:1 (1 cup coconut cream + 1/2 cup sugar per cup)Coconut cream with sugar is the closest dairy-free alternative to sweetened condensed milk. It provides the same thick, rich texture and sweetness without any dairy products.
Best for:
Use full-fat coconut cream for best results. Mix with sugar and heat gently until sugar dissolves completely. This creates the same consistency as traditional sweetened condensed milk.
Oat Milk + Sugar + Cornstarch
1:1 (1 cup oat milk + 1/2 cup sugar + 1 tbsp cornstarch per cup)Oat milk with sugar and cornstarch creates a thick, sweet dairy-free alternative. The cornstarch helps achieve the proper condensed milk consistency without dairy.
Best for:
Heat oat milk with sugar and cornstarch while whisking constantly until thickened. This method works well for those who prefer a neutral flavor over coconut.
Almond Milk + Sugar + Coconut Oil
1:1 (1 cup almond milk + 1/2 cup sugar + 2 tbsp coconut oil per cup)Almond milk with sugar and coconut oil provides a dairy-free alternative with good richness. The coconut oil adds the necessary fat content to mimic sweetened condensed milk.
Best for:
Heat almond milk with sugar and coconut oil until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens slightly. This works well for those who can't have coconut cream.
Rice Milk + Sugar + Arrowroot Powder
1:1 (1 cup rice milk + 1/2 cup sugar + 1 tbsp arrowroot powder per cup)Rice milk with sugar and arrowroot powder creates a smooth, dairy-free alternative. Arrowroot powder provides a cleaner thickening than cornstarch.
Best for:
Heat rice milk with sugar and arrowroot powder while whisking until thickened. This is ideal for those with multiple food allergies or sensitivities.
Soy Milk + Sugar + Soy Creamer
1:1 (1 cup soy milk + 1/2 cup sugar + 2 tbsp soy creamer per cup)Soy milk with sugar and soy creamer provides a dairy-free alternative with good protein content. This works well for those who prefer soy-based products.
Best for:
Heat soy milk with sugar and soy creamer until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens. This provides a good protein content similar to dairy milk.
Cooking Tips
- 💡Always use full-fat dairy-free alternatives for the best texture and richness
- 💡Heat dairy-free substitutes gently to avoid curdling or separation
- 💡Store homemade dairy-free condensed milk in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
- 💡For baking, ensure your dairy-free substitute is at room temperature before using
- 💡Add a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness in dairy-free condensed milk substitutes
- 💡For coffee creamer, coconut cream + sugar works exceptionally well
- 💡Dairy-free condensed milk substitutes work great in fudge, ice cream, and caramel recipes
- 💡If using nut-based milks, ensure they're well-strained for smooth texture
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between dairy-free and vegan condensed milk substitutes?
Dairy-free substitutes avoid all dairy products but may still contain other animal products. Vegan substitutes avoid all animal products. For most people, they're the same, but vegans also avoid honey and other animal-derived ingredients.
Can I use dairy-free condensed milk in all the same recipes?
Yes, dairy-free condensed milk substitutes work in most recipes that call for traditional sweetened condensed milk, including baking, desserts, and beverages.
Which dairy-free substitute tastes most like real condensed milk?
Coconut cream + sugar is the closest in taste and texture to traditional sweetened condensed milk, though it has a subtle coconut flavor.
How do I make dairy-free condensed milk thicker?
Add more cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or reduce the liquid by simmering longer. You can also use less liquid milk and more cream or oil for thickness.
Can I freeze dairy-free condensed milk substitutes?
Yes, you can freeze dairy-free condensed milk substitutes for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and stir well before using, as some separation may occur.
Summary
Find the best dairy-free substitutes for sweetened condensed milk. Learn how to make lactose-free alternatives with coconut cream, oat milk, and other dairy-free options for baking and desserts.