Sweetened condensed milk is one of the most versatile ingredients you have stashed away in your pantry. From using it in decadent fudge or layered bars to mixing it into cake or brownie batter, sweetened condensed milk has certainly earned its place as a baking staple.
But what do you do if you’ve run out of sweetened condensed milk, or you need a dairy-free alternative? Thankfully, there are some options for condensed milk substitutes to get you back to your recipe in no time.
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What is sweetened condensed milk?
First things first, what exactly is sweetened condensed milk? Really, it’s just as the name suggests. Similar to evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk is a canned milk that has been cooked down, removing some of the milk’s water content along the way. At the same time, plenty of sugar is added to the mix, resulting in a thick, sweet liquid. It adds delicious flavor and luscious creaminess to a huge variety of recipes.
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk
If you’ve run out of sweetened condensed milk, but have everything else your recipe calls for, there may be no need to head to the store. You can make a worthy substitute in a pinch.
Because it’s essentially a boiled-down version of milk, you can make homemade sweetened condensed milk.
Microwave Sweetened Condensed Milk Substitute
To make condensed milk in the microwave, simply whisk ½ cup milk and 1/3 cup sugar together in a microwave-safe bowl, and then pop the bowl in the microwave to heat for 1-2 minutes at a time. Heat the mixture in intervals until it becomes bubbly, with a bit of froth, and then allow it to cool in the fridge. With cooling time, it will thicken to a consistency similar to the canned version. This hack may not result in the same caramelized flavor or richness, but it can certainly work if you’re in a bind and need a quick solution.
Stovetop Sweetened Condensed Milk Substitute
You can make a sweetened condensed milk substitute on the stovetop as well. In a saucepan, whisk together 2 cups milk and 1 cup sugar. Heat the mixture on medium to allow the sugar to dissolve. Reduce the temperature just before the milk begins to boil, and then leave it to simmer on low. Simmer the mixture until the milk reduces, which will take about 35 minutes. Once reduced, allow the mixture to cool, and then place it in the fridge to thicken.
Other Substitutes for Sweetened Condensed Milk
Canned Cream of Coconut
Cream of coconut is a great substitute for sweetened condensed milk, leaving you with a hint of tropical flavor. It’s dairy-free and can be substituted cup for cup. The thick consistency of cream of coconut closely resembles sweetened condensed milk, allowing for similar richness in many recipes.
Coconut Milk
Simmering a can of full-fat coconut milk with ¼ cup of sugar will result in another great dairy-free substitute for sweetened condensed milk. Whisk the coconut milk and sugar in a saucepan, bring the mixture to just below boiling and then allow the mixture to simmer for 30 minutes. Stir the mixture often until it thickens, and then allow it to cool. This will result in a nice, creamy consistency with only a hint of coconut flavor.
Evaporated Milk
Because sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk are very similar, evaporated milk can serve as a substitute. You won’t get the same sweet, caramelized flavor with it, but the consistency will be similar when using a cup for cup substitution. Just add a bit more sugar in your recipe to make up for the lack of sweetness, if desired.
Chickpea & Potato Curry
I make chana masala, the classic Indian chickpea curry, in my slow cooker. Browning the onion, ginger and garlic first really makes the sauce amazing. —Anjana Devasahayam, San Antonio, Texas
Learn how to make paneer at home, too!
Brown Rice Mulligatawny
My friends tell me this is one of the best soups they’ve ever had. One even said it’s “perfect.” No one guesses that it’s healthy!—Sarah Ott, Blanchardville, Wisconsin.
Take a peek at these amazing traditional Indian main dishes.
Tandoori-Style Chicken with Cucumber Melon Relish
We all need a quick meal that’s deliciously healthy. I marinate the chicken before I leave for work, and when I get home, I grill the chicken and make the relish. My husband loves the spicy flavor. To amp up the heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida
Coconut-Ginger Chickpeas & Tomatoes
This is my go-to quick dish. When you add tomatoes, you can also toss in some chopped green peppers (jalapenos, if you like heat) to make it even more colorful. —Mala Udayamurthy, San Jose, California
(For a classic Indian meal, serve kheer (Indian rice pudding) for dessert. Here’s how to make kheer.)
Slow-Cooked Curry Chicken
Our three children love the spicy flavors found in this Crock-Pot chicken curry. Add more or less curry depending on your taste preferences. —Helen Toulantis, Wantagh, New York
Coconut Red Curry Stew
This is a fragrant and flavorful dish that’s packed with nutritious goodness. I like to enjoy it with sticky rice. —Marly Chaland, Maple, Ontario
Coconut Curry Cauliflower Soup
When I’m in need of comfort food, I stir up a velvety batch of this Asian-spiced soup. Then I finish it with a sprinkle of cilantro over the top. —Elizabeth DeHart, West Jordan, Utah
Slow-Cooker Chai Tea
A wonderful sweet and spicy aroma wafts from the slow cooker as this pleasantly flavored chai tea cooks. —Crystal Jo Burns, Iliff, Colorado
Indian Spiced Chickpea Wraps
Raita, an Indian condiment made with yogurt, elevates this vegetarian dish to a satisfying gourmet wrap. If you’re in the mood to experiment, try diced mango or cucumber for the pineapple and add fresh herbs like cilantro or mint. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia
Chapati Breads
My daughter and I prepare this Indian flatbread frequently. It is so fun to make and goes well with any spiced dish. We use the extras to make sandwich wraps. —Joyce McCarthy, Sussex, Wisconsin
Chicken Tikka Masala
This Indian-style chicken tikka masala recipe has flavors that keep me coming back for more—a simple dish spiced with garam masala, cumin and gingerroot that’s simply amazing. —Jaclyn Bell, Logan, Utah
Mango Chutney Chicken Curry
My father dreamed up this curry and chutney combination. Now my family cooks it on road trips—in rain and sun, in the mountains, even on the beach. Adjust the curry for taste and heat. —Dina Moreno, Seattle, Washington
Curry Chicken Stew
My Grandma Inky grew up in India and passed down this recipe to my mother, who then passed it down to me. The recipe brings back fond memories of the family gathered around the table, enjoying this delicious meal and catching up on one another’s day. I tweaked the ingredients a bit to fit my toddler’s taste buds, but it’s just as scrumptious as Grandma’s own. —Teresa Flowers, Sacramento, California
Roasted Curried Chickpeas and Cauliflower
When there’s not much time to cook, try roasting potatoes and cauliflower with chickpeas for a warm-you-up dinner. It’s a filling meal on its own, but you can add chicken or tofu to the sheet pan if you like. —Pam Correll, Brockport, Pennsylvania
Turkey Curry with Rice
When I have leftover turkey and a hankering for non-holiday food, I make turkey curry with carrots, cauliflower and mango chutney to spoon over rice. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Curried Sweet Potato Wedges
Sweet potatoes roasted with curry and smoked paprika delight everybody at our table. The mango chutney makes a tangy dip. —Simi Jois, Streamwood, Illinois
Try these crispy air-fryer Indian recipes, too.
Tandoori Chicken Thighs
I spent time in India and love reminders of this vibrant culture, so this tandoori chicken makes me happy. Served with warmed naan bread and a cool tomato and cucumber salad, it’s a whole meal. —Claire Elston, Spokane, Washington
Slow Cooker Curry Chicken
My husband travels for business and discovered that he likes Indian cuisine. Chicken curry with apricots has all the delicious flavors we love to enjoy. —Katie Schultz, Temple, Georgia
Curry Rice Pilaf
Salted cashews add a nice crunch to this simple rice dish flavored with curry and turmeric.
Cauliflower & Tofu Curry
Cauliflower, garbanzo beans and tofu are subtle on their own, but together they make an awesome base for curry. We have this recipe weekly because one of us is always craving it. —Patrick McGilvray, Cincinnati, Ohio
Spicy Peanut Soup
After enjoying a spicy peanut soup at a little cafe, I knew I had to try to duplicate it at home. I think my version comes pretty close. It’s the best way I know to chase away winter’s chill. —Lisa Meredith, Eagan, Minnesota
Curry-Kissed Coconut Fudge
If you love Thai flavors and love fudge, then you’ll adore this creamy coconut fudge sprinkled with a hint of sweet curry powder. —Sarah Meuser, New Milford, Connecticut
Tandoori Spiced Chicken Pita Pizza with Greek Yogurt and Cilantro
My family and I are big picnickers, and I’m always looking for new dishes to try in the great outdoors. The amazing flavors at our favorite Indian restaurant inspired these mini pizzas. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Warm Spiced Chai
My wife loves chai, but I have never been satisfied with any of the store-bought mixes, so I created my own. —Justin Weber, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutty Chicken Strips
I enjoy cooking for my parents and two brothers. I usually prepare things that are a little out of the ordinary. These strips, seasoned with curry, are great for a family game night. —Betsy Baertlein, Mazeppa, Minnesota
25/25 SLIDES
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