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Sweetened Condensed Milk Substitute for Baking

Find the best sweetened condensed milk substitutes specifically for baking. Learn proper ratios, techniques, and tips for cookies, cakes, fudge, and other baked goods.

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Quick Answer

For baking, the best sweetened condensed milk substitutes are evaporated milk with sugar (1:1 + 1/2 cup sugar), heavy cream with sugar, or coconut cream with sugar. These provide the right texture and sweetness for baked goods.

Best Substitutes

Evaporated Milk + Sugar

1:1 (1 cup evaporated milk + 1/2 cup sugar per cup)

Evaporated milk with sugar is the closest substitute for sweetened condensed milk in baking. It provides the same concentrated milk flavor and sweetness that works perfectly in cookies, cakes, and fudge.

Best for:

cookiescakesfudgebarscheesecakestartsmost baking recipes

Mix 1 cup evaporated milk with 1/2 cup sugar. Heat gently to dissolve sugar completely. This creates the same sweetness and creaminess as sweetened condensed milk for baking.

Heavy Cream + Sugar

1:1 (1 cup heavy cream + 1/2 cup sugar per cup)

Heavy cream with sugar provides rich, creamy texture perfect for baking. It adds extra richness to baked goods and works especially well in fudge and caramel-based desserts.

Best for:

fudgecaramel dessertsrich cakestrufflesice creamcheesecakes

Mix 1 cup heavy cream with 1/2 cup sugar. This creates a richer alternative that works well in decadent baked goods and desserts.

Milk + Sugar + Butter

1:1 (1 cup milk + 1/2 cup sugar + 2 tbsp butter per cup)

Milk with sugar and butter provides a good balance for baking. The butter adds richness while the milk provides the dairy base that works well in most baked goods.

Best for:

cookiescakesmuffinsquick breadsgeneral baking

Heat 1 cup milk with 1/2 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons butter until sugar dissolves. This creates a balanced substitute for most baking applications.

Coconut Cream + Sugar

1:1 (1 cup coconut cream + 1/2 cup sugar per cup)

Coconut cream with sugar works well in baking, especially for dairy-free or vegan recipes. It provides good texture and sweetness with a subtle coconut flavor.

Best for:

vegan bakingdairy-free dessertstropical-flavored baked goodscoconut-based recipes

Use full-fat coconut cream for best results. Mix with sugar and heat gently until sugar dissolves. This works well in most baking recipes.

Half and Half + Sugar

1:1 (1 cup half and half + 1/2 cup sugar per cup)

Half and half with sugar provides a balanced alternative for baking. It's not as rich as heavy cream but richer than regular milk, making it versatile for many baked goods.

Best for:

cookiescakesmuffinsbarsgeneral bakingbalanced recipes

Mix 1 cup half and half with 1/2 cup sugar. This creates a balanced substitute that works well in most baking applications without being too rich.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡For baking, ensure your substitute is at room temperature before adding to other ingredients
  • 💡When making fudge, evaporated milk + sugar works best for the traditional texture and flavor
  • 💡For cookies and cakes, evaporated milk + sugar provides the most authentic taste
  • 💡Heavy cream + sugar is perfect for rich desserts like cheesecakes and truffles
  • 💡Coconut cream + sugar works well in vegan baking but may add subtle coconut flavor
  • 💡Always dissolve sugar completely in your substitute before using in baking
  • 💡For no-bake desserts, any of these substitutes work well
  • 💡Store homemade baking substitutes in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before using

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use sweetened condensed milk substitutes in all baking recipes?

Yes, these substitutes work in most baking recipes that call for sweetened condensed milk, including cookies, cakes, fudge, bars, and cheesecakes.

Which substitute works best for fudge?

Evaporated milk + sugar works best for fudge because it provides the traditional texture and flavor. Heavy cream + sugar also works well for richer fudge.

Do I need to adjust baking times when using substitutes?

Generally no, but monitor your baked goods closely. Some substitutes may affect texture slightly, so check for doneness a few minutes early.

Can I use these substitutes in no-bake desserts?

Yes, all of these substitutes work well in no-bake desserts like bars, truffles, and ice cream. Just ensure they're properly mixed and at the right temperature.

Which substitute is best for cookies?

Evaporated milk + sugar works best for cookies because it provides the most authentic taste and texture. Milk + sugar + butter is also a good option.

Summary

Find the best sweetened condensed milk substitutes for baking. Learn proper ratios and techniques for cookies, cakes, fudge, and other baked goods with evaporated milk, heavy cream, and other alternatives.