• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Everyday Latina
  • Recipes
  • Authentic Mexican Recipes
  • Mi Casa
    • Kid-Friendly Tips
    • Natural Home Remedies
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • All Recipes
  • Authentic Mexican Recipes
  • Mi Casa
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • All Recipes
    • Authentic Mexican Recipes
    • Mi Casa
    • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Dairy-Free

    How to Make Coconut Condensed Milk

    Published: Jan 9, 2025 · Modified: May 21, 2025 by Gemma · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Learn How to Make Coconut Condensed Milk with just two simple ingredients! This silky, creamy, and perfectly sweet dairy-free alternative is just as delicious as the classic version and so easy to make. Whether you're using it to sweeten your coffee, bake decadent desserts, or as a topping, this homemade recipe will amaze you with its flavor and versatility.

    Jar of coconut condensed milk with a pink flower behind it and a colorful wooden spoon in front of it.

    I absolutely love sweetened condensed milk and could eat it by the spoonful right out of the can. But for me and some of my family members, dairy isn't always the best choice for dietary and health reasons. So imagine how happy I was when I discovered sweetened condensed coconut milk!

    This dairy-free alternative is every bit as silky, creamy, and sweet as the traditional version, making it perfect for all kinds of recipes. From a decadent Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Tres Leches Cake to a vibrant Sweetened Condensed Milk Fruit Salad, it's become a staple in my kitchen. Plus, it's so easy to make at home, and I'll show you exactly how to do it!

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients & Substitutions
    • How to Make Homemade Condensed Milk
    • Recommended for This Recipe
    • How to Serve
    • Storing and Freezing
    • Tips and Variations
    • FAQ
    • Related
    • Recipe

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Dairy-Free: Whether you are dairy-free or vegan, this recipe is a great alternative to regular condensed milk that's made with cow's milk.
    • Easy to Make: With a simple process of mixing and simmering 2 simple ingredients you can have homemade condensed coconut milk. This is great news because condensed coconut milk can sometimes be hard to find in stores.
    • Budget-Friendly: Condensed coconut milk is more expensive than its dairy counterpart, usually costing almost $4 for a single can. Fortunately, this homemade version is less expensive than the store-bought kind.
    • Healthier: Coconut milk is packed with vitamins and nutrients, such as manganese, copper, iron and calcium. Plus, you can control the amount of sweetener added and use honey, all-natural agave syrup, or other unrefined sugar alternatives.
    • Amazing Flavor and Texture: Rich, creamy and with a sweet coconut flavor, it's an amazing addition to so many recipes.

    If you like making your own dairy-free staples, be sure to check out my Homemade Almond Milk recipe.

    Ingredients & Substitutions

    A can of coconut milk and a spoonful of maple syrup to make coconut condensed milk
    • Full Fat Coconut Milk has a higher fat content than light coconut milk. The full fat helps achieve the thick and creamy consistency of condensed milk.
    • Sweetener: For a natural and wholesome option, maple syrup works beautifully, as it dissolves easily and has a mild flavor. Date syrup is another great choice, adding a subtle caramel-like taste, though it may slightly darken the color. You can also use a granulated sweetener such as cane sugar or coconut sugar, just be sure to stir well to make sure it dissolves completely.

    See recipe card for quantities.

    How to Make Homemade Condensed Milk

    Empty can behind a small pot full of coconut milk
    1. Add Milk: Pour a can of coconut milk into a small saucepan. Bring the milk to a simmer, stirring frequently and being careful it does not boil over.
    Pouring honey into a pot with coconut milk
    1. Add Sweetener: Add sweetener of choice. Use a whisk to stir and dissolve the sweetener into the milk.
    Coconut milk simmering in a small pot with a whisk
    1. Simmer: Simmer on low for about 30 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes or more often to keep the milk from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning.
    A small pot of simmering condensed coconut milk
    1. Check Consistency: The condensed milk is ready when it has reduced by half, turns a light caramel color, and reaches a thick, creamy consistency similar to regular condensed milk. It will thicken further as it cools, so let it cool completely before storing or using in recipes.

    Hint: Add a little sweetener at a time and taste as you go until you reach your desired sweetness. You can add more or less than what the recipe calls for based on your preference.

    Ceramic nonstick saucepan

    Recommended for This Recipe

    Ceramic Nonstick Saucepan

    I recommend using a small nonstick pot like this one to keep the milk from sticking to the bottom and burning.

    View Product

    How to Serve

    Use condensed coconut milk in any of the following recipes or in any other recipe that calls for regular condensed milk.

    • Desserts: Such as Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Tres Leches Cake and Sweetened Condensed Milk Fruit Salad, Strawberries and Cream and Duraznos con Crema.
    • Hot Drinks: Use it to sweeten your coffee, tea, or homemade lattes like Cinnamon Tres Leches Latte
    • Cold Drinks: Such as Creamy Strawberry Agua Fresca, Vegan Coquito, and Agua de Plátano

    Storing and Freezing

    Store cooled condensed milk in a jar with a lid or other air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The mixture will become thicker when refrigerated. To soften it, place the jar in a warm water bath for 5-10 minutes or microwave it for 20-30 seconds.

    You can freeze condensed coconut milk, but the texture will change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, pour the cooled milk into a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.

    To thaw, place the container in the refrigerator overnight. If the consistency isn't quite right after thawing, gently reheat the condensed milk on the stovetop, whisking to restore its smooth consistency.

    Tips and Variations

    • Adjust Sweetener: Add a little sweetener at a time and taste as you go until you reach your desired sweetness. You can add more or less than what the recipe calls for based on your preference.
    • Color Variations: Keep in mind that the color of the final product will vary depending on the color of the sweetener you use. For example, if you use date or maple syrup, the color will be a caramel color, while it will be a lighter tan color if using cane sugar.
    • Use Other Plant-Based Milks: Full fat coconut milk is my top recommendation, but you can also use almond milk, oat milk, or cashew milk for variations. Keep in mind that these may result in slightly different flavors and textures. For example, almond milk results in a thinner consistency, so you might need to simmer it longer, but cashew milk offers a creamier texture closer to coconut milk.
    • Use Dairy Milk: If you're not avoiding dairy, you can make this recipe with whole milk. Start with 2 cups of milk and ½ cup of sweetener (plus more per your preference). Simmer on low for 30 minutes until the milk reduces by half and thickens.

    FAQ

    Can I use light coconut milk instead of full-fat coconut milk?

    No, do not use light coconut milk as it does not have enough fat content needed for the thick, creamy consistency of condensed milk.

    Can I use coconut cream instead of coconut milk?

    Yes, coconut cream has a higher fat content that will lead to even creamier and thicker consistency than full-fat coconut milk.

    Can I use honey to make this recipe?

    Yes, honey can be used, but heating it may reduce its nutritional value and slightly change its flavor. Consider heat-stable alternatives like maple syrup or coconut sugar.

    Is agave a good choice for this recipe?

    I actually like making this recipe with agave syrup because it dissolves easily and has a mild flavor. However, it's not the healthiest option due to its high fructose content.

    Jar of coconut condensed milk with a pink flower behind it and a colorful wooden spoon in front of it.

    I hope you enjoy! If you try this recipe, please leave me a comment with a star rating below. Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest to stay in touch, and don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter.

    Related

    Looking for other dairy-free recipes? Try these:

    • Green Chile guacamole in a bowl surrounded by tortilla chips
      Green Chile Guacamole
    • A glass of Agua de Sandia
      Agua De Sandia (Watermelon Agua Fresca)
    • Dairy-Free Duraznos con Crema in a glass
      Dairy-Free Duraznos con Crema (Peaches and Cream)
    • Side view of a glass of Creamy Blueberry Agua Fresca
      Creamy Blueberry Agua Fresca (Dairy-Free Option)

    Recipe

    Jar of coconut condensed milk with a pink flower behind it and a colorful wooden spoon in front of it.

    How to Make Coconut Condensed Milk

    by Gemma Aguayo-Murphy
    Learn How to Make Coconut Condensed Milk with just two simple ingredients! This silky, creamy, and perfectly sweet dairy-free alternative is just as delicious as the classic version and so easy to make. Whether you're using it to sweeten your coffee, bake decadent desserts, or as a topping, this homemade recipe will amaze you with its flavor and versatility.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 35 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 8 ounces
    Calories 109 kcal

    Equipment

    • small pot or saucepan
    • whisk

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 13.5 oz can full fat coconut milk
    • ¼ cup maple syrup or preferred sweetener (see notes)

    Instructions
     

    • Pour the coconut milk into a small saucepan. Bring the milk to a simmer, stirring frequently and being careful it does not boil over.
    • Add the sweetener and stir to fully incorporate and dissolve it into the milk.
    • Simmer on low for about 30 minutes . Stir every 5 minutes or so to keep the milk from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
    • The condensed milk will be done when the milk has reduced by half, the color is a light caramel color, and it has a thick consistency just like regular condensed milk.
    • Allow condensed milk to cool before storing or using in a recipe.
    • Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The milk will become thicker when stored in the refrigerator. To soften it, place in a warm water bath for 5-10 minutes or microwave it for 20-30 seconds.

    Notes

    • Add a little sweetener at a time and taste as you go until you reach your desired sweetness. You can add more or less than what the recipe calls for based on your preference.
    • Date syrup is another great choice, adding a subtle caramel-like taste, though it may slightly darken the color.
    • You can also use a granulated sweetener such as cane sugar or coconut sugar, just be sure to stir well to make sure it dissolves completely.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 109kcalCarbohydrates: 5.2gProtein: 0.9gFat: 9.3gSaturated Fat: 9.3gSodium: 9mgPotassium: 3mgSugar: 4.4g
    Did you try this recipe?Leave me a comment and star rating below or mention @everydaylatina on Instagram!

    Originally published June 19, 2021. Updated post and photos May 2023 and January 2025.

    More Dairy-Free

    • Jar of homemade creamy serrano ranch dressing
      Creamy Serrano Ranch (Dairy-Free)
    • Agua de fresa in glasses garnished with strawberries
      Agua de Fresa (Strawberry Agua Fresca)
    • Bowl of Crema de espárragos
      Crema de Espárragos (Dairy-Free Cream of Asparagus Soup)
    • A bowl of roasted green chile turkey soup
      Green Chile Turkey Soup

    About Gemma

    Gemma is the recipe developer, writer and food photographer behind Everyday Latina. Gemma was born in Mexico, but has spent the majority of her life in the United States. She has been sharing recipes since 2018 with an emphasis on her parents' traditional Mexican cuisine and a focus on clean, healthy ingredients. Her goal is to build a community of people who appreciate family, food and culture and, who like her, want to live a healthy, happy everyday life.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Sarah Virel

      September 07, 2025 at 6:24 am

      5 stars
      I tried , it turned out absolutely delicious! so simple but so flavorful, perfect. I’ll be making again and again!
      Check out my diy peri-peri-salt-recipe here: https://thenandosmenu.co.uk/peri-peri-salt-recipe-2/

      Reply
      • Gemma

        September 16, 2025 at 12:58 pm

        Hi Sarah, so glad to hear that. Thank you!

        Reply
    2. Michaela

      March 29, 2025 at 9:37 am

      5 stars
      So easy to make and now I don't have to buy it at the store.

      Reply
      • Gemma

        March 29, 2025 at 12:26 pm

        Yes, I love how easy it is too.

        Reply
    3. Alicia

      December 26, 2023 at 1:59 pm

      4 stars
      You know agave syrup is 10x worse than high fructose corn syrup, right? Why anyone would use that is a mystery to me. Honey, maple syrup, and golden syrup are all healthier options.

      Reply
      • Gemma

        April 09, 2025 at 9:59 pm

        Hi Alicia, thank you for pointing that out. I have since done more research and tested the recipe with other sweeteners and found that maple syrup was great in this recipe. I did make changes to my instructions and included other alternatives.

        Reply
    4. Heidi

      May 14, 2022 at 2:48 pm

      5 stars
      Will this recipe work the same with the Coconut Milk from a carton? This is an amazing recipe!!

      Reply
      • everydaylatina

        May 31, 2022 at 8:59 pm

        Hi Heidi, I haven’t tried it with the one from the carton. If it has enough fat though it should work, it’s just a matter of reducing it. It can also work with almond milk.

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Gemma!

    I am originally from Mexico and the recipe developer, writer, and food photographer behind Everyday Latina. Here you will find traditional Mexican cuisine and a focus on clean, healthy ingredients. 

    About Me

    Trending Recipes

    • Arroz Rojo (Mexican Red Rice) #mexicanrice #arrozrojo #arrozmexicano
      Arroz Rojo (Mexican Red Rice)
    • Pitcher and glass with cucumber agua fresca
      Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca
    • Frijoles Charros (Charro Beans) #mexicanbeans #frijolescharros #charrobeans
      Frijoles Charros (Mexican Charro Beans)
    • Easy and Fast Jalapeño Salsa #mexicansalsa #jalapeñosalsa
      Easy and Fast Jalapeño Salsa

    Summer Recipes

    • Two glasses of horchata agua fresca with a pitcher behind it
      Horchata Agua Fresca
    • Ensalada de Coditos in a brown bowl with a red bell pepper and stalk of celery beside it.
      Ensalada de Coditos (Mexican Macaroni Salad)
    • White bowl with shrimp aguachiles with mango with fresh cilantro, cucumber, red onion and an habanero pepper above the dish
      Shrimp Aguachile with Mango
    • Pineapple Agua Fresca

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • Disclosure and Privacy

    Newsletter

    Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • TikTok

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Everyday Latina