If you’re needing vegan condensed milk for a recipe and don’t like the idea of standing over a stove, stirring away for hours (or at least it feels that long) – then this ‘instant’ sweetened condensed milk may be perfect for you. All you need is just 3 ingredients and a few minutes of your time to whip up a creamy, thick, (optionally) sugar-free condensed milk!
What is condensed milk (vs. evaporated milk)?
The two products are actually the same, except that evaporated milk is ‘unsweetened condensed milk’ and condensed milk is usually sweetened. Both products traditionally start with a base of cow’s milk that goes through a process to remove 60% of the water for a more concentrated (condensed) product. At home, this usually means simmering it gently over the stove for hours. The result is evaporated milk that looks similar to standard milk but is slightly thicker and with a creamier flavor. ‘Sweetened condensed milk’ is then simply evaporated milk with lots of sugar added to it, giving it a thick syrupy texture. When it comes to uses, evaporated milk is usually used in place of half-and-half and heavy cream within recipes like mashed potatoes and mac n’ cheese – not to mention as a creamer within coffee and tea or for milkshakes. Whereas sweetened condensed milk is usually used within sweet sauces, pies, fudge, truffles, etc.
5-minute ‘Instant’ Vegan Condensed Milk
Unlike traditional condensed milk, this vegan condensed milk not only skips the dairy, but it skips the entire heating process of evaporation. Instead, you simply combine soy milk powder with water, a healthy fat (tahini), and sweetener for ‘instant’ soy condensed milk! If you’re not already 100% sold on this, then you should also know that, when making this from home, you can make it as 100% sugar-free condensed milk, using a sugar alternative instead and saving yourself HUNDREDS of calories! Because of the crazy sugar content, up until now, I’ve avoided recipes with condensed milk – instead, going for treats like these keto truffles, black bean brownies, and no-bake peanut butter truffles. Now I can’t wait to dive into my list of ideas!
The Ingredients
Soy Milk Powder: I have only tried this method for vegan condensed milk with soy milk powder. However, it’s likely the process would work just as well with rice milk powder or coconut milk powder – though, the water quantity may need to be adjusted slightly. Powdered sugar (icing sugar): I made this as sugar-free condensed milk by using powdered Xylitol. Simply process it in an electric coffee/spice grinder into a fine powder. You could also use powdered Erythritol to make keto condensed milk or other powdered sugars (low-carb or not). To make vegan evaporated milk (unsweetened), simply omit the sugar entirely. Warm Water: To rehydrate the milk powder. Tahini: Or cashew butter – will create creamier results. You could also use coconut oil. Salt: Just a pinch to combat the sweetness and enhance the flavor of the dairy-free condensed milk.
For the full ingredients list, measurements, complete recipe method, and nutritional information, read the recipe card below.
How To Make Vegan Condensed Milk
There are just two simple steps for preparing this homemade condensed milk:
Add the soy milk powder, icing sugar, and a pinch of salt to a medium bowl. Combine with a whisk or blend in a high-speed blender for a few seconds. Add the water and mix well. Then finally add the tahini (or substitute) and give a final good mix- your vegan condensed milk is ready!
If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add a little more water, one teaspoon at a time. The thickness will also depend on which sugar you use, i.e., regular icing sugar, powdered Xylitol, etc.
Method 2: Slow Simmer
I have also tried a method combining a can of coconut milk (15 oz) with 100 g powdered Xylitol. Mix well, pour into a pan, and then heat over low heat for 45 minutes until it reduces to a thicker consistency. I wasn’t a fan of how translucent the results were combining the coconut milk with the Xylitol. However, it may produce more aesthetic results with regular powdered sugar.
How To Store?
Since this dairy-free condensed milk takes just minutes to prepare, I like to prepare it as needed for recipes. However, if you have any leftovers, then store them covered in the fridge!
Recipe Notes & Variations
For simple ‘instant’ vegan evaporated milk, you can omit the sugar entirely. By adding a lower amount of water to the milk powder, you’ll still end up with a more concentrated soy condensed milk without the sugar! Different brands of soy milk powder (and other milk powders) will vary in results and density. For this reason, you may need to add a little bit of extra water until it’s a pourable consistency. The sugar you use for this recipe is super adaptable. You can process the granulated sugar of your choice (within reason) into a powdered consistency by placing it with the powdered milk in a blender and blending. I haven’t tested ALL sugars, but this should work with coconut sugar, light brown sugar, etc.
Simple Vegan Sweet Treats
While I’m busy coming up with tons of recipes with condensed milk (truffles coming soon!), why not browse through some of my other vegan desserts?
The Best Vegan Chocolate Pudding White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups 3-Ingredient Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies Homemade Ferrero Rocher 5-Ingredient No-Bake Bliss Balls Vegan Gummy Bears (No Gelatin Gummies Recipe) No-Bake Cookie Dough Bars With Chocolate
If you try this recipe for vegan condensed milk, I’d love a comment and ★★★★★ recipe rating below. Also, please don’t forget to tag me in re-creations on Instagram or Facebook with @elavegan and #elavegan – I love seeing them.
