Vegan condensed milk is a great dairy-free alternative to traditional sweetened condensed milk. It’s easy to make and can be used in a variety of recipes, from desserts to drinks. Here’s a simple recipe for homemade vegan condensed milk using coconut milk or other plant-based milk.
Vegan Condensed Milk Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk (or 1 1/2 cups any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar for a more natural alternative)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine the Ingredients:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the coconut milk (or plant-based milk of your choice) and sugar.
- Simmer the Mixture:
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Once the mixture is smooth, bring it to a simmer (not a boil). Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. The mixture should reduce by about half and thicken into a syrupy consistency.
- Check Consistency:
- The condensed milk should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it’s still too thin, continue to simmer it for a few more minutes, stirring regularly.
- Optional Flavoring:
- Add vanilla extract for extra flavor if desired, and stir well.
- Cool and Store:
- Once your vegan condensed milk has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat and let it cool.
- Pour the cooled condensed milk into a jar or airtight container and refrigerate. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
Tips:
- Sweetener Options: You can use maple syrup, agave syrup, or date syrup for a natural sweetener, but keep in mind it may alter the flavor slightly.
- Storage: The vegan condensed milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If it gets too thick after cooling, you can warm it up slightly or stir in a little more plant-based milk to adjust the consistency.
- For Thicker Condensed Milk: If you want a richer, thicker condensed milk, you can use full-fat coconut milk or cook it longer to allow more evaporation.
This vegan condensed milk is perfect for making dairy-free desserts like pies, fudge, or even as a sweetener in coffee and tea. Enjoy!
