Dairy-Free Condensed Milk

This recipe is for all the coconut enthusiasts! If you love using condensed milk in recipes but want to avoid dairy, this dairy-free condensed milk recipe is the perfect alternative!

What Is Dairy-Free Condensed Milk?

Dairy-free condensed milk is a pantry ingredient that is perfect to keep on hand for all of your baking needs and more.

Condensed milk is a thick glue-like substance that is often found sweetened and unsweetened.

Most cooks tend to use it to sweeten baked goods, coffee, teas and in some cases, tropical cocktails.

This recipe uses full-fat coconut milk, which gives a luscious and creamy dairy-free version of this viscous concoction. 

Dairy-Free Condensed Milk Ingredients

Making our non-dairy condensed milk recipeis very simple since it only requires a couple of ingredients:

• Full-fat coconut milk
• Sugar

How To Make The Best Dairy-Free Condensed Milk At Home

So why and how is the milk condensed?

In general, condensed milk is made by heating regular milk to remove most of the water from it.

This process “condenses” or thickens the milk and gives it a more concentrated flavor.

Before heating the milk, you can add some sugar for extra sweetness and to help it thicken even further. 

This rich mixture can now be used to provide a creamy, sweet, and milky flavor to any recipe that you add it to.

It’s an ideal option, especially if you prefer not to water down your recipe with the excess liquid that you’ll get from regular milk.

The best dairy-free condensed milk is made from full-fat coconut milk.

The high-fat content yields a more buttery and smooth condensed milk. Not to mention the coconut flavor is very versatile and works beautifully in most recipes.

Be sure to simmer the mixture at a low temperature to prevent it from burning or scalding, which would cause an unpleasant taste.

Step 1: Pour the coconut milk into a sauce pan.

Step 2: Add sugar to the coconut milk and bring to a boil.

Step 3: Once it start to boil, reduce the heat and simmer over low heat for 40-45 minutes.

The milk should reduce and thicken. Then turn off the heat and let it cool.

Substitutions & Alternatives 

Coconut Milk

Feel free to use any dairy-free milk of your choice such as almond milk or soy milk. Check out our list of the best coconut milk substitutes for more options.

Although these options won’t have a high-fat content like coconut milk, they still make a great alternative. 

Sugar

You can substitute cane sugar with maple syrup, honey or agave syrup.

Please note that you may have to simmer it for a bit longer to achieve the thickness of condensed milk.

How To Store Dairy-Free Condensed Milk 

Here’s how to keep your dairy-free condensed milk fresh and ready for all of your culinary adventures. 

Transfer the cooled dairy-free condensed milk into an airtight container – preferably a glass jar – and place it in the refrigerator. It can keep fresh for up to two weeks when stored this way. 

Remember to give it a good stir before using to loosen the consistency and redistribute the flavors.

What To Serve With Dairy-Free Condensed Milk

You can use your dairy-free condensed milk in a number of ways.

Embrace the tropical vibes and use it in your favorite tropical desserts like dreamy coconut puddings, coconut cakes and even dairy-free ice cream.

Of course, you can use it in baked treats like coconut macaroons and as a filling for pastries and pies. 

Get creative and add a couple of spoonfuls to your cocktails, from creamy pina coladas to coconut-infused martinis.

The options are endless and you may want to double this recipe to keep a couple of jars on hand.