This is the best coconut condensed milk recipe! Easy to make this homemade condensed milk is made with just 2 ingredients including coconut milk and cane sugar. It's also dairy free and vegan. You can use this non dairy condensed milk for so many recipes including cookies, brownies, caramel and dessert balls. Â
Why you will love this recipe:
- It tastes amazing! This homemade dairy free condensed milk is so rich and sweet.
- It's so quick and easy to make and it can be used in so many of your favorite recipes including cookies, brownies, caramel and dessert balls.
- You only need 2 ingredients you likely already have in your pantry - coconut milk and cane sugar.
- This vegan sweetened condensed milk is great if you are lactose-free or want a healthier alternative to store-bought sweetened condensed milk.
- This dairy-free condensed milk is a decadent treat inside holiday desserts, coffee drinks, or drizzled-over brownies.
Key ingredients and substitutions:
- Coconut milk - coconut milk is the base of this recipe. Make sure to use full-fat coconut milk, because light or low-fat coconut milk has too much water in it and won't create the thick and creamy condensed milk that you are looking for.
- Cane sugar or coconut sugar - to sweeten the coconut milk. Cane sugar will give a light caramel colour and coconut sugar will make it a little darker. You could also use white sugar if that's all you have on hand. This recipe is flexible!
- Sea salt (optional) - to help balance out the sweetness. This is optional, so feel free to leave it out!
- Vanilla extract (optional) - this ingredient is also optional but it adds a nice flavour to this vegan condensed milk.
What is cane sugar?
Cane sugar is a natural sugar made from the sugar cane plant. To make it, cane juice is evaporated and then crystallized to create a granulated sweetener. Cane sugar can be unrefined, raw, or refined, and this refers to how much molasses is left in the sugar and how much it was processed.
What is the difference between cane sugar and white sugar?
Cane sugar is made exclusively from sugar cane, while white sugar can be made from either sugar cane, sugar beets, or a combination of the two.
The biggest difference between these sugars is that natural cane sugar is less processed than white sugar. Because of this, the crystals are slightly larger in size and have a light golden color.
How to make homemade coconut condensed milk:
Step one:
First, add the coconut milk and cane sugar to a medium-sized saucepan set over medium-high heat. Stir, and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step two:
Next, turn down the heat and let the mixture simmer for 55 - 60 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent the sugar from sticking to the bottom and sides of the pot and the milk from clumping.
Step three:
Then simmer the sweetened condensed coconut milk until it has reduced by half and the colour has darkened slightly.
Step four:
Now allow the condensed milk to cool completely, then it's ready to use in your favourite recipes!
Chef's tips and variations:
- Be sure to use full fat coconut milk and not light coconut milk for this recipe. Light coconut milk is too watery.
- To cool the condensed milk more quickly, place the pot in the fridge after the coconut milk is done cooking. Just be sure to put it on a hot pad so as not to damage your fridge shelves.
- Instead of cane sugar you can use coconut sugar but it will make the condensed milk a darker color.
What to use condensed milk for:
- Use it to make cookies, brownies, scones, pies and other baked goods.
- Make caramels, fudge, or use it inside pumpkin pie.
- Use it to make key lime pie!
- Add a spoonful to your coffee for a rich and decadent treat.
- Make it into a caramel sauce to drizzle over brownies, cookies, dessert balls, or ice cream.
How to store:
Store any leftover condensed milk in an airtight container for up to 7 days in the fridge.
Frequently asked questions:
No. Regular condensed milk is made with dairy milk and coconut condensed milk is made with coconut milk. This is a dairy-free condensed milk alternative.Â
Absolutely! Non-dairy condensed milk can be used in any recipe calling for regular condensed milk.Â
A little. It has a rich and creamy texture with hits of coconut flavour.
Condensed coconut milk is made by cooking coconut milk with sugar until it reduces in volume and thickens, while evaporated coconut milk is just coconut milk cooked until most of its water content has evaporated and the milk has reduced in volume. It is often used as a substitute for regular milk in many recipes.Â
No. While condensed milk does have a similar texture to heavy cream, they are not the same. Condensed milk is made from either dairy or nondairy milk and cooked with sugar until it thickens. Heavy cream is a high-fat dairy cream with no added sugar.Â
Other recipes you will love:
- Dairy-free brownies with caramel
- Baked cinnamon apples with caramel
- Peanut Butter Bliss Balls
- Peanut butter pretzel bars
- Chocolate raspberry cups
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Coconut Condensed Milk
Ingredients
- 3 cups full fat coconut milk
- 1 cup organic cane sugar
Optional additions
- pinch sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add the coconut milk and sugar to a sauce pan and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, turn down the heat and let it simmer for approximately 55-60 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the sugar from sticking to the pot and the milk from clumping.
- You will know it's done when it has reduced in volume by about half and has slightly darkened in colour.
- Let the condensed milk cool completely and then use as you wish.
Notes
- This recipe yields ~2 cups of condensed milk.
- Nutritional values are an estimate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients used.Â
- The colour of the condensed milk will vary depending on the type of sugar you use - it can be slightly darker or lighter.
- Store this condensed milk in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.Â
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