Out of Sweetened condensed milk, one case
Vegan sweetened condensed milk substitute
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Coconut cream + sugar
1 cup coconut cream + ½ cup sugar for every cup of sweetened condensed milk
The best vegan substitutes for sweetened condensed milk are coconut cream with sugar, cashew cream with sugar, or store-bought vegan condensed milk alternatives like Nature's Charm or Let's Do Organic.
- Best for —
- vegan baking
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of 1 cup sweetened condensed milk | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coconut cream + sugarvegan baking | 1 cup coconut cream + ½ cup sugar | No verdict on record |
| 2 | Cashew cream + sugarneutral-flavored desserts | 1 cup cashew cream + ½ cup sugarWorks | Works |
| 3 | Oat milk + sugar + cornstarchvegan baking | 1 cup oat milk + ½ cup sugar + 1 tbsp cornstarchWorks | Works |
| 4 | Almond milk + sugar + coconut oilvegan baking | 1 cup almond milk + ½ cup sugar + 2 tbsp coconut oil | No verdict on record |
| 5 | Store-bought vegan condensed milkconvenience | Same amountWorks | Works |
Coconut cream + sugar
slightly different · similar texture
Coconut cream with sugar provides the same thick, sweet consistency as sweetened condensed milk. Good for vegan baking, desserts, and beverages where you need dairy-free richness.
- Best for
- vegan baking, dairy-free desserts, vegan ice cream, vegan fudge, coffee creamer
Mix 1 cup full-fat coconut cream with ½ cup sugar. Heat gently to dissolve sugar completely. This creates the same sweetness and creaminess as traditional sweetened condensed milk.
Cashew cream + sugar
similar taste and texture
Cashew cream with sugar provides a neutral, creamy base that mimics sweetened condensed milk well. Great for recipes where you don't want coconut flavor.
- Best for
- neutral-flavored desserts, vegan baking, dairy-free sauces, vegan ice cream base
Soak 1 cup raw cashews for 4 hours, blend with ½ cup water until smooth, then add ½ cup sugar. Heat gently to dissolve sugar completely.
Oat milk + sugar + cornstarch
similar taste and texture
Oat milk with sugar and cornstarch creates a thick, sweet alternative that works well in most recipes. The cornstarch helps achieve the proper consistency.
- Best for
- vegan baking, dairy-free desserts, vegan beverages, quick substitutes
Mix 1 cup oat milk with ½ cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Heat gently while whisking until thickened to condensed milk consistency.
Almond milk + sugar + coconut oil
slightly different · similar texture
Almond milk with sugar and coconut oil provides richness and sweetness. The coconut oil adds the fat content needed to mimic sweetened condensed milk.
- Best for
- vegan baking, dairy-free desserts, vegan sauces, nutty-flavored recipes
Heat 1 cup almond milk with ½ cup sugar and 2 tablespoons coconut oil. Whisk until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens slightly.
Store-bought vegan condensed milk
similar taste and texture
Commercial vegan condensed milk alternatives like Nature's Charm or Let's Do Organic provide the most authentic taste and texture. Good for when you want convenience.
- Best for
- convenience, authentic taste, all vegan recipes, professional baking
Use directly as a 1:1 replacement. Available at health food stores and online. Check labels for added ingredients and sweetness levels.
How it behaves in this recipe
Vegan sweetened condensed milk substitutes need to provide both the rich, creamy texture and intense sweetness of traditional condensed milk while being completely dairy-free. The best substitutes use plant-based creams or milks combined with sugar and sometimes thickeners to achieve the proper consistency and mouthfeel.
Tips for substituting sweetened condensed milk
8 tips- For best results, use full-fat coconut cream rather than coconut milk for richer texture
- When making cashew cream, soak cashews for at least 4 hours for the smoothest consistency
- Heat vegan substitutes gently to avoid curdling or separating
- Store homemade vegan condensed milk in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
- For baking, ensure your vegan substitute is at room temperature before using
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness in vegan condensed milk substitutes
- For coffee creamer, coconut cream + sugar works exceptionally well
- Vegan condensed milk substitutes work great in fudge, ice cream, and caramel recipes
Notes on sweetened condensed milk
- Use coconut cream + sugar for tropical-flavored desserts and beverages
- Use cashew cream + sugar for neutral-flavored recipes and professional baking
- Use oat milk + sugar + cornstarch for quick, accessible alternatives
- Use store-bought vegan condensed milk for convenience and consistency
- For coffee creamer, coconut cream + sugar provides the best flavor and texture
Questions
5 questionsCan I use coconut milk instead of coconut cream for vegan condensed milk?
Coconut cream is better than coconut milk because it's thicker and richer. If using coconut milk, reduce it by half first to concentrate it, then add sugar.
How long does homemade vegan condensed milk last?
Homemade vegan condensed milk substitutes last 5-7 days in the refrigerator. Store in an airtight container and stir before using if separation occurs.
Can I use vegan condensed milk in all the same recipes?
Yes, vegan condensed milk substitutes work in most recipes that call for traditional sweetened condensed milk, including baking, desserts, and beverages.
What's the best vegan substitute for making fudge?
Coconut cream + sugar works best for vegan fudge because it has the right fat content and consistency. Cashew cream + sugar is also excellent for a neutral flavor.
Can I make vegan condensed milk without sugar?
Yes, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or other liquid sweeteners, but you may need to adjust the liquid content and cooking time to achieve the right consistency.