This is one of those recipes that you might look at and think Hmmm…now what am I going to do with that?!
Surprisingly, it has so many uses beyond its obvious use as a substitute for regular (store-bought) sweetened, condensed milk.
It makes the best chewy granola bars, homemade chocolate candy, and velvety pudding. Or instead, things like Salted Coconut Caramel Sauce or fudgy chocolate sauce, or even vegan coffee creamer, flavored any way you like. I’ve made all those things with it, but before I get ahead of myself and start sharing those other recipes with you, I wanted to share this one first.
This two-ingredient recipe is vegan, full of heart-healthy fat from coconut oil, naturally-sweetened, and super easy to make!
Vegan Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk
Cook time:
Total time:
Yield: Yields about 1 cup (250 ml)
Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz/400 g) can full-fat, unsweetened coconut milk
- ¼ cup (60 ml) pure maple syrup (or honey, if keeping it vegan isn’t a concern)
Instructions
- Combine the coconut milk and maple syrup in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Bring to a boil, then turn heat down so it doesn’t boil over, and boil until reduced to about 1 cup (250 ml), about 20 minutes, whisking frequently. (The cooking process is all about evaporating off the extra liquid. Because of this, it could take longer depending on the weather; I made mine on a dry day, but I would expect the cooking process to take a bit longer on a humid day.)
- Cool completely and then use or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
Notes
Recipe adapted slightly from The Detoxinista.
JK says
Good afternoon! After deciding to cut my daily dairy, I made this recipe and absolutely love it in my coffee! Only thing is, I've been accustomed to plain whole organic milk without sweetener in my coffee and am hoping this could be made without the sweet tang. Thus, would you expect this to condense down nicely without the maple? Sorry to even ask to change the recipe and honestly, if it won't work, I'm going to keep making it as is. Just thought it was worth a shot to ask. Thanks!
Faith says
JK, I'm so glad you're enjoying this in your coffee! I haven't tried making this recipe without the maple syrup, but my best guess is that it might not condense down into that nice syrupy consistency without it. The thinner liquid may get cooked out of the coconut milk, leaving you with the white, waxy portion (like how a can of full fat coconut milk will separate into a thinner liquid and thicker white waxy portion if refrigerated). This is just a guess though, and I'm curious to try it! If you give it a try, please let me know the results!
Marina says
I am so excited to try this! I'm going to use it in the coffee creamer recipe. I have a question though, can I use coconut milk from the carton? Or does it have to be canned?
Faith says
Marina, I excited you want to try this recipe and my coffee creamer recipe! For this recipe to work properly, you must use canned full-fat coconut milk. I hope you enjoy it! :)
Valynn @ Vanillyn says
I frequently use condensed milk to sweeten my chai tea. This will be a great dairy-free option!
[email protected] says
What a fabulous idea.
zerrin says
Never tasted it! Sounds so simple to make and it's great to know that it has many uses. I'm intrigued although I'm not a vegan. Happy Spring Faith!
Evelyne@cheapethniceatz says
This is simply too cool. I am not vegan or vegetarian but I could eat this all the time :-D I can't wait for Game of Thrones either and I have to check out The Borgias!
grace says
sometimes i think i might be able to survive as a vegan simply because coconut milk exists. then i have a piece of bacon to celebrate. :)
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
Sweetened coconut milk...this is something I have never had...thanks, Faith, for sharing the recipe.
Nutmeg Nanny says
Yum! I love using sweetened condensed milk in bar cookies but I think this homemade version would put them over the top!
Claire L says
This is such a great idea! I've been trying to think of a way to veganize fudge recipes that have sweetened condensed milk. This should work perfectly!
Heather | Heather Likes Food says
Lovely! I use regular sweetented condensed milk like it's going out of style so this will be nice to shake things up!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
I love the honey, how delicious!
Krista says
How easy is this?! I've made "regular" homemade condensed milk which was yummy, but I think I'll have to try this! Would be great in macaroons!
Alyssa (Everyday Maven) says
Love this Faith! I have been wanting to make a version myself since I saw it last year on Viet World Kitchen. There are so many uses for it - I can't wait to see your other recipes!!! YUM :)
Mandy says
I might try this in the crockpot, I bet it would cook completely down on low for maybe 6-8 hours? great idea thanks!
Faith says
Mandy, I love the idea of making this in the crockpot! If you give it a try, let me know how long it takes - hope you enjoy it!
Erica says
I want to use this to make a vegan key lime pie!!! Great idea
Carol | a cup of mascarpone says
Happy Spring, Faith! I must try this...would love to use in baking! You can even make milk look gorgeous in photos! Lovely!
Rosa says
Wow, that is something I have never tasted. Surely incredibly delicious.
Cheers,
Rosa