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BLANK » Recipe Index » Extras

Dairy Free Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe

August 19, 2024 by Charla 32 Comments

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Two ingredient vegan condensed milk

Learn how to make this easy plant based friendly condensed milk. This multi purpose one pot sweetener is super easy to prepare using 2 ingredients coconut milk and a granulated sweetener of your choice.

 
Condensed milk dripping from a spoon

After submitting my Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge recipe, ya didn't think I'd leave you hanging? huh? No that's not my style, I'm a recipe teaser but one who is true to her word.

As previously mentioned I would disclose my vegan condensed milk recipe and here is it - smooth, creamy and totally foolproof!!

There are a lot of recipes floating around the web that call for full fat coconut milk from a can.

I don't have a problem with using the canned stuff as opposed to my homemade version so long as it isn't ladened with pesky additives and preservatives.

Coming from a Caribbean background, condensed milk plays a crucial role in our recipes. Anything from desserts, sweet treats to porridge in the mornings.

As you can imagine finding a vegan substitute for condensed milk is a really big deal for me.

I scoured the internet looking for a homemade recipe, one that is foolproof and not too complex.

Then I came across making vegan style condensed using 2 ingredients some full fat coconut milk and granulated sweetener.

With a little bit of patience and perseverance condensed milk made from coconut milk is birthed.

I was elated, I thought about ALL the recipes I could use it in and how excited I would be for my readers to try it aswell.

The use of condensed milk

  • Desserts
  • Sweet treats i.e fudge, caramel
  • Porridge
  • Tea or any hot or cold beverages

Ingredients you will need

Ingredients needed to make dairy free sweetened condensed milk recipe
  • Full fat coconut milk: Be sure to use 100% full fat, not light, preferably with no extra ingredients i.e additives or preservatives.
  • Raw cane sugar: I no longer use coconut sugar for this recipe because the results can be very dark, so my go to is light coloured raw cane sugar.

The steps

Steps1-4 making the condensed milk
  • Start off by pouring the coconut milk into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Be sure to keep a watchful eye so the milk doesn't burn or bubble over
  • Once boiled, reduce the heat to low and pour in the raw cane sugar - whisk thoroughly
  • Allow the saucepan to simmer for 40 minutes - throughout this time, stir the mixture constantly
  • Once the condensed milk has reduced in volume to about ⅓ and slightly thick (it should stick to the back off a spoon, set aside until cool.
  • Transfer to a mason jar and leave to get completely cold in the refrigerator. The mixture will thicken more with time.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to use organic ingredients?

No, you don't. While I do understand the pro's of using organic ingredients. This can be quite costly, so regular full fat coconut milk preferably without additional ingredients works well.

Where can you buy vegan style condensed milk?

Yes, there are various brands that are sold via Amazon or in health food stores. I used a British brand call Biona, for this recipe.

Can you use homemade coconut milk instead?

No. Unfortunately, homemade coconut milk won't suffice simply because it isn't as concentrated as canned full fat. I tried in vain with my homemade coconut milk only to be defeated, believe me the results were humourous.

How long does the condensed milk last?

Store in a mason jar and keep refrigerated for up to a week.

Why hasn't my condensed milk thicken up?

If the coconut milk has lots of additional ingredients it can compromise the texture.

Also, if your condensed milk still hasn't thicken up, you may need to return it to the stove for a 15-20 minutes for further reduction.

To save the recipe add more sugar and simmer for longer (while checking)

Notes and tips

  • As the condensed milk is forming the amount of liquid in the pan will be around ⅓ and this is normal.
  • Keep the condensed milk refrigerated when cool in a sterilised mason jar for 5-7 days.
  • You can use coconut sugar instead.
  • You should be left with about ½ cups worth of condensed milk.
  • For those of you who don't care for the slight taste in coconut, try my Vegan Condensed Milk made with almond milk instead.
  • Make sure you are constantly stirring the condensed milk throughout the given time, don't leave it unattended.
  • The condensed milk will thicken up completely once it is completely COLD.
  • Patience is key here, it will take up to 40 minutes for the condensed milk to form, don't rush this process or remove the milk from the stove too early.
  • Depending on what sweetener you use may have an impact on the colour. For example coconut sugar tends to result in a dark hue which is perfectly normal.
condensed milk in a mason jar with a teaspoon

Recipe Suggestions

  • Akasan (Haitian Cornmeal Drink)
  • Jamaican Hot Chocolate
  • Coquito Drink
  • Crustless Pumpkin Pie With Condensed Milk
  • Yellow Plantain Porridge
  • Hominy Corn Porridge
  • Soursop Punch
  • Jamaican Rice Porridge
  • Green Banana Porridge
  • Jamaican Peanut Porridge
  • Roasted Almond Porridge

**Don't forget to comment below and star rate if you have tried my recipes. Let's be friends and engage on Facebook and Instagram I also like to pin on Pinterest, where you can find more amazing recipes.**

milk dripping from teaspoon

Dairy Free Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe

Learn how to make this easy plant based friendly condensed milk. This multi purpose one pot sweetener is super easy to prepare using 2 ingredients coconut milk and a granulated sweetener of your choice.
5 from 4 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Extras
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes minutes
Servings: 1 jar
Calories: 66kcal
Author: Charla

Ingredients

  • 1 can of organic coconut milk optional or additive free full fat coconut milk (400ml/14oz)
  • ¼ cup of organic coconut palm sugar (40g) organic cane sugar works too

Instructions

  • Start off by pouring the coconut milk into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Be sure to keep a watchful eye so the milk doesn't burn or bubble over
  • Once boiled, reduce the heat to low and pour in the raw cane sugar - whisk thoroughly
  • Allow the saucepan to simmer for 40 minutes - throughout this time, stir the mixture constantly.
  • Once the condensed milk has reduced in volume to about ⅓ and slightly thick (it should stick to the back off a spoon, set aside until cool.
  • Transfer to a mason jar and leave to get completely cold in the refrigerator. The mixture will thicken more with time.

Notes

    • As the condensed milk is forming the amount of liquid in the pan will be around ⅓ and this is normal.
    • Keep the condensed milk refrigerated when cool in a sterilised mason jar for 5-7 days.
    • You can use coconut sugar instead.
    • You should be left with about ½ cups worth of condensed milk.
    • For those of you who don't care for the slight taste in coconut, try my Vegan Condensed Milk made with almond milk instead.
    • Make sure you are constantly stirring the condensed milk throughout the given time, don't leave it unattended.
    • The condensed milk will thicken up completely once it is completely COLD.
    • Patience is key here, it will take up to 40 minutes for the condensed milk to form, don't rush this process or remove the milk from the stove too early.
    • Depending on what sweetener you use may have an impact on the colour. For example coconut sugar tends to result in a dark hue which is perfectly normal.

Nutrition

Calories: 66kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 39mg | Sugar: 13g
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @ThatGirlCooksHealthy or tag #ThatGirlCooksHealthy!

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About Charla

I'm Charla. Caribbean foodie & Certified Health Coach. Welcome to the heaven of gluten and dairy free recipes as well as modernised healthier alternatives to some of your favourite Caribbean recipes.

Comments

  1. Lion says

    November 12, 2022 at 10:31 am

    Thanks for the great recipe. Tried it worked well. Any advice about storing, I guess fridge is best?

    Reply
    • Charla says

      November 13, 2022 at 10:47 am

      Hi there, Great! Yes, please keep it refrigerated for up to a week in a glass jar.

      Reply
  2. Sanaiyah says

    December 16, 2021 at 10:10 pm

    5 stars
    Hi can I use regular white sugar instead of coconut sugar

    Reply
    • Charla says

      December 16, 2021 at 10:13 pm

      It should workout just fine.

      Reply
  3. Persiasblossom says

    January 13, 2021 at 12:11 am

    If I were to use maple syrup in place of the coconut augar, would I use the same amount?

    Reply
    • Charla says

      January 13, 2021 at 2:00 pm

      Good question! I have just updated to recipe post to say you will need to increase the amount to 1/3 cup if using a liquid sweetener.

      Reply
  4. Max says

    August 30, 2020 at 3:24 am

    Hi,
    I made it. however it didn’t come out thick and the next day it separated with brown water on the bottom and milk on top. Did you use coconut cream or coconut milk. I use Trader joes Full fat coconut milk but unfortunately it didnt work out.

    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Charla says

      August 30, 2020 at 6:48 am

      Hi Max, I used coconut milk has pictured. If it didn't thicken up at some point then yes it will separate. You can salvage the recipe by re-heating it and trying again. How long did you simmer it on the stove top for? Sounds like it needs to simmer for longer.

      Reply
      • Max says

        September 07, 2020 at 2:35 am

        I simmered it for 40 mins. I bought another brand of coconut milk. I will try this week and will keep you posted.
        Thank you for your response.

        Reply
        • Leslie says

          November 09, 2020 at 3:30 pm

          Hi Max, I have been reading so many negative reviews about Trader Joes coconut milk. Some have said that how they make it has changed. Make sure that when you get the canned FF milk that there are no additives such as Guar gum etc. Check a good Latino market if one is near you if not you can look for Aroy-D coconut milk, Amazon sells it. There is also Savoy Coconut Milk. Good luck.

          Reply
          • Abby says

            July 24, 2023 at 7:50 pm

            Aroy d has additives while Trader Joe’s doesn’t just saying. It has E345 but deceptively labels it so it appears to have none. If you look on the can it’ll say ingredients: 100% coconut milk, which isn’t accurate bc coocnut milk isn’t an ingredient. If you looks below it tho then it’ll list the actual ingredients usually hidden under a sticker. Trader Joe’s is just coconut and water. My favorite is Thai kitchen tho bc I feel Trader Joe’s has an off taste sometimes.

          • Charla says

            July 25, 2023 at 10:09 am

            Thanks for sharing that with us Abby.

  5. Linda says

    May 21, 2019 at 2:49 pm

    I wonder if one could use a mixture of stevia and coconut sugar as the sweeteners to cut down on carbs instead of just coconut sugar?

    Reply
    • Charla says

      May 21, 2019 at 2:55 pm

      Yes. that should be able to work. The coconut sugar is used as a diabetic friendly alternative but if you are concerned about carbs a mixture of both should still yield that thick and creamy consistency of condensed milk.

      Reply
  6. Salt valley says

    May 08, 2019 at 8:20 am

    Thanks for sharing such a wonderful recipe.

    Reply
    • Charla says

      May 08, 2019 at 11:57 am

      You are welcome

      Reply
  7. Gisela says

    October 29, 2016 at 7:22 am

    Definitely want to make this, do you know if is possible to make it on a slowcooker?

    Reply
    • Charla says

      October 29, 2016 at 10:23 am

      Thanks Gisela! Unfortunately a slow cooker wouldn't be practical for this recipe.

      Reply
  8. Jackie M says

    October 26, 2016 at 3:47 pm

    5 stars
    Thank you for this recipe as well as the porridge recipe! I will try this tonight! Cornmeal porridge is my favorite (grew up consuming it) and like you I was trying to make it more accommodating to my dietary needs--no refined sugar diet and sweeteners that fall in the low glycemic index .

    Reply
    • Charla says

      October 26, 2016 at 3:56 pm

      Hi Jackie, it seems that a lot of Caribbean recipes are heavily reliant on condensed milk which results in limitations for those with dietary specific requirements like yourself. My organic condensed coconut milk is a great alternative with a low GI Index too.

      Reply
  9. Olivia says

    April 03, 2016 at 8:16 am

    How many ml/cups is one can of coconut milk?

    Reply
    • Charla says

      April 03, 2016 at 2:29 pm

      It should be roughly 2 cups of coconut milk.

      Reply
  10. renee says

    April 19, 2015 at 3:38 pm

    Hey girl,

    I made this yesterday evening and although it tastes awesome once put in the fridge it's become grainy is this ok when I put it on a spin it liquidised quite quickly. Mines is also much darker in colour than yours. Do you have any suggestions came across you blog on a whim all I can say is its amazing will be trying many recipes from here. Thank you Renee

    Reply
    • Charla says

      April 19, 2015 at 3:54 pm

      Hi Renee, thanks for stopping by. Yes, it's normal for the condensed milk to be darker in appearance.
      Let me know if you need anymore assistance.

      Reply
      • renee says

        April 21, 2015 at 7:02 am

        Thank you for your speedy response i just had the issue with it being much darker than yours, the texture is ok when it is at room temp it's just after being in the fridge I want sure what to expect. X

        Reply
        • Charla says

          April 21, 2015 at 7:37 am

          You're welcome Renee. No it's definitely normal and I make this often and the colour varies for me too depending on what sweetener I use, so nothing to worry about there.

          Reply
  11. Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says

    September 14, 2014 at 7:59 pm

    Ooooh, I love it. Definitely trying it.

    Reply
    • Charla says

      September 14, 2014 at 8:08 pm

      Thanks, I hope you like it too.

      Reply
  12. Immaculate says

    September 12, 2014 at 5:21 pm

    Always wanted to make coconut milk condensed milk. Never knew it is this so easy to make . Thanks Charla

    Reply
    • Charla says

      September 12, 2014 at 6:17 pm

      Hey Imma, yes it's like a mystery has been solved - yes simple indeed.

      Reply
      • Yolanda says

        September 18, 2024 at 5:06 pm

        Could I make something similar to dulce de leche from this? I guess it has to be cooked longer

        Reply
        • Charla says

          September 18, 2024 at 5:24 pm

          Hi Yolanda, yes a lot of my recipes use this and my almond milk version of condensed milk to make dulce de leche. You do need to simmer it for a longer period of time.

          Reply
5 from 4 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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a picture of Charla

Hey, I'm Charla!

I'm an avid Caribbean foodie. Welcome to the haven of gluten and dairy free recipes as well as modernised healthier alternatives to some of your favourite Caribbean recipes.

About me

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