Vegan substitute for Condensed milk
Sweetened condensed milk is milk reduced with sugar. Coconut and oat versions reduce the same way and set fudge and tarts identically.
Options, ratios and best uses
Coconut condensed milk
1:1Sold ready-made, or simmer coconut milk with sugar 30 minutes.
Best for: fudge, banoffee, tres leches
Oat condensed milk
1:1Neutral flavour; reduce by half with sugar.
Best for: coffee, desserts
Cashew condensed milk
1:1Blend cashews, sugar and water, then simmer.
Best for: rich desserts
Tips
- Stir constantly while reducing to prevent catching
- Cool fully before judging thickness
- Add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness
Avoid
- Boiling hard — it caramelises unevenly
- Using light coconut milk
Questions people ask
Can I make caramel from it?
Yes — simmer coconut condensed milk longer for a dulce-de-leche texture.
Does it set fudge properly?
Coconut versions set firm; oat versions stay slightly softer.