Hey there, fellow food lover! If you’ve been searching for a delicious dairy-free alternative to traditional condensed milk, you’re in for a treat with this vegan condensed milk recipe! It’s a game-changer in the kitchen, especially if you’re whipping up desserts that need that rich, sweet touch without any dairy. I love how this recipe combines creamy coconut milk with the natural sweetness of maple syrup, making it perfect for drizzling over cakes, stirring into coffee, or using in your favorite vegan treats! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Let’s dive into making this delightful concoction!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess)
- 1/3 cup maple syrup (for natural sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (to thicken the mixture)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for a lovely aroma and flavor)
How to Prepare Vegan Condensed Milk
Alright, let’s get this deliciousness rolling! Making vegan condensed milk is easier than you might think, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together. First, grab a saucepan and pour in that lovely 1 cup of coconut milk along with 1/3 cup of maple syrup. This combination is what gives our condensed milk that sweet, creamy goodness. Heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick.
Now, while that’s warming up, let’s prepare our thickening agent. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a splash of water to create a smooth slurry. This is a crucial step, as it helps prevent any lumps from forming later on. Once your coconut milk is warm (but not boiling), add that cornstarch slurry to the saucepan. Stir it in well to combine.
Cook the mixture for about 5 to 10 minutes, stirring constantly. You’ll start to see it thicken up nicely—it should have a syrupy consistency. Once it reaches that point, take it off the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for that extra flavor kick. Let it cool down before using it in your favorite recipes. And there you have it, your homemade vegan condensed milk! It’s simple, quick, and oh-so-delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, ready in just 20 minutes!
- Versatile for a range of desserts, from cakes to coffee.
- Dairy-free and made with wholesome ingredients.
- Sweetened naturally with maple syrup for a healthier option.
- Great for meal prep, store it for a week in the fridge!
Tips for Success
Now, let’s talk about a few tips to ensure your vegan condensed milk turns out perfectly every time! First, make sure to use full-fat coconut milk for that rich and creamy texture we all love. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use light coconut milk, but the consistency will be a bit thinner.
Remember to stir constantly while cooking to prevent any lumps from forming. If you notice it’s not thickening as you’d like, just let it simmer a bit longer—don’t rush this step! And don’t skip the vanilla extract; it adds a lovely depth of flavor that makes all the difference. Lastly, allow your mixture to cool completely before using it in recipes. This helps it thicken up a bit more as it cools. Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to customize your vegan condensed milk! For a different sweetness, try using agave syrup or brown rice syrup instead of maple syrup—each brings a unique flavor profile. Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist. You could even infuse it with flavors like almond or hazelnut by swapping vanilla extract for your favorite nut extract. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine in the kitchen!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve made your delicious vegan condensed milk, let’s talk about how to store it! You can keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. I recommend using a glass jar or a food-safe plastic container, as they keep it fresh and make it easy to scoop out what you need. Just make sure it’s completely cool before sealing it up!
If you want to use it later, you can also freeze it! Pour the cooled condensed milk into an ice cube tray for easy portioning, then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag. They’ll last for about two months in the freezer. To reheat, simply let it thaw in the fridge overnight or microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between until it’s warm and smooth again. Enjoy your sweet creations!
Nutritional Information Section
When it comes to nutrition, keep in mind that values can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you choose, so this information is approximate. But here’s a typical breakdown for 2 tablespoons of vegan condensed milk:
- Calories: 60
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Remember, this vegan condensed milk is not only a delightful addition to your desserts but also a healthier alternative to traditional options! Enjoy knowing you’re treating yourself to something sweet that fits your dietary needs!
FAQ Section
Can I use this vegan condensed milk in baking?
Absolutely! It works wonderfully in baking recipes, just like traditional condensed milk. You can use it in pies, cakes, or even as a sweetener in your favorite vegan treats. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the texture depending on the recipe.
Is this dairy-free milk suitable for coffee?
Yes, it makes a fantastic addition to coffee! The creamy texture and natural sweetness from the maple syrup will elevate your morning cup. Just stir in a couple of tablespoons, and you’ll have a delightful vegan latte!
How do I adjust the sweetness?
If you prefer your vegan condensed milk less sweet, you can reduce the amount of maple syrup to your taste. Alternatively, try using unsweetened coconut milk and adjust the sweetener as needed.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! This vegan condensed milk can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week. It’s perfect for meal prep, so you can whip up your favorite desserts any time!
What if it separates in the fridge?
If you notice some separation after storing it, don’t worry! Just give it a good stir or gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s smooth again.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! Your homemade vegan condensed milk is ready to transform your desserts and drinks into something truly special. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see how delicious it is! If you make it, please share your experience in the comments or tag me on social media. I love hearing how you use this delightful dairy-free treat in your kitchen. Happy cooking, friends!
For more information on the benefits of coconut milk, check out this Healthline article. If you’re interested in vegan baking, you might enjoy this Vegan Baking resource.
Print
Vegan Condensed Milk: 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A dairy-free alternative to traditional condensed milk, made from plant-based ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine coconut milk and maple syrup over medium heat.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry.
- Add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan and stir well.
- Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Let it cool before using.
Notes
- This milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Use as a sweetener in desserts and coffee.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegan condensed milk, dairy-free milk, plant-based milk