Vegan condensed milk can be enjoyed as a substitute for sweetened condensed milk, or make the sugar free option to use in making healthy recipes. This recipe is dairy free and easy to make with 3 ingredients!
Dairy free sauce swap
You see, when you live a dairy free or vegan lifestyle, like many of you in the Cotter Crunch Facebook community, it can be frustrating to find ways to bake traditional dessert recipes without making drastic changes.
But you know me… or at least, I hope you do! I like to create recipes to help you out with those baking challenges. Because, let’s face it; we ALL deserve to eat dessert! And let’s not forget our friends and family with food allergies and food intolerances. Yes, they deserve it too! Which means you just might need this recipe when baking for THEM.
One of the most common pantry staples that is required for holiday baking is sweetened condensed milk.
So, I consider it my job and pleasure to bring you this recipe for vegan condensed milk. Sugar free You’re welcome!
Are condensed milk and sweetened condensed milk the same thing?
In case you are wondering…
Yes, they are different names for the same product. I guess some people just don’t like saying the word “sweetened”.
Anyway, condensed milk is made by thickening evaporated milk by adding sugar to it. And in case you’re curious, evaporated milk is milk after the excess water content is removed (via mechanical evaporation).
How to make vegan condensed milk
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- full fat coconut cream or coconut milk
- agave nectar or powdered sugar substitute, such as monk fruit or Swerve
- vanilla extract
- sea salt
- xanthan gum (optional, for sugar free vegan condensed milk)
NOTE:
There is a sugar-free option for this recipe and it requires the use of xanthan gum. If you have never used it, don’t worry… it’s a natural thickener. Because it’s keto-friendly, you’ll often see it in low carb recipes.
Recipe Tips
There’s not much to explain here. The process of making homemade condensed milk is super simple.
There are just two steps involved. Or, if you make the sugar free version there is a third step.
- MIX INGREDIENTS: Add coconut milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt to a small saucepan and whisk them together to combine.
- COOK AND COOL: Bring the contents to a boil and then simmer on low for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring every 5-10 minutes. It will thicken as it cools.
- SUGAR FREE OPTION: After 30 minutes, remove the pan from the burner and quickly whisk in ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum. Then let it cool.
This batch has lasted me 2+ weeks in the fridge, covered! Love it!
Where Can You Use Vegan Condensed Milk in Recipes?
Don’t worry, I got you covered.
- Stir it in iced coffee or turkish coffee
- Stir into a cake or drizzle over muffins
- Make a delicious vegan shake or in homemade vegan ice cream!
- BRAZILIAN style lemonade/Limeade recipe. It’s vegan and sugar free.
For more ideas check out Bon Appetite’s “What to do with a Leftover Can of Sweetened Condensed Milk”
Vegan Condensed Milk (Sweetened or Sugar Free)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: ~ 1 cup
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Vegan condensed milk can be enjoyed as sweetened condensed milk, or make the sugar free option. Note that the sugar free option has xanthan gum. Which is a thickener, but a natural one.
Ingredients
- 1 can full fat coconut cream or milk (~ 400 mL)
- ½ to ⅔ cup agave nectar or ⅓ cup powdered sugar substitute (monk fruit or Swerve)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum, (for sugar-free version)
Instructions
- Combine coconut milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a small sauce pan over medium-high heat. Whisk to combine and then bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer on low for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring every 5-10 minutes. It will thicken once cooled.
- Sugar free option – remove from heat after 30 minutes. Quickly whisk in ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum and then let it cool.
Notes
Store in fridge, covered, for up to 3 weeks.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: drink
- Method: stove
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon with agave sweetener
- Calories: 69
- Sugar: 4.7 g
- Sodium: 13.1 mg
- Fat: 5.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 5.9 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Do we use Coconut Cream, or Milk? Cream being the thick solidified suff and milk being the watery stuff. Thanks
Either one. As long as it’s not in the fridge first. I used coconut cream and whisked out any clumps first. I’ll send you a clip of what it looked like!
I just found you so it’s too early to comment.
I love this! Such a healthier alternative- and the use of xanthan gum is perfect!
I’ve used this in several desserts that call for sweetened condensed milk such as gooey cake bars, and they came out perfect!
Yaaay! Thanks for letting me know Krystle!
This is so easy!! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!
You’re welcome!
This is a great replacement for condensed milk! It works for so many recipes!
Thank you! Glad you’re enjoying using it!
I love this idea! I can’t wait to make this recipe! So much better than store bought!
Thanks, Beth! Hope you enjoy using it!
I have been looking for a vegan alternative for ages! Thank you so much for this delicious recipe.
Glad to help! You’re welcome!