Sugar Free Condensed Milk made with cow’s milk or your favorite milk alternative like coconut. Lighten up your treats with this homemade baking staple!
Sugar Free Condensed Milk
I had another experiment going on in my kitchen! This time I made homemade sweetened condensed milk with almond, coconut, and cow’s milk.
All three varieties were made without granulated sugar!
While there are times that I do love the convenience of grabbing a can of condensed milk when I need it.
The downside of convenience is that the sugar content is off the charts! Not good for those that want an occasional treat and keep our glucose levels on point.
Granulated sugar is what helps thicken the milk giving it that sticky texture. In addition, the process of evaporating the water from heating the milk.
But do we really need condensed milk to be so-so sweet?
NO. No we do not, so I made it my mission to find a way to replicate a prepared can of condensed milk without all the sugar!
Cutting the amount of sweetener in half or substituting it for sugar alternatives adds flavor, but without the extra-do-nothing-for-you calories and carbohydrates!
And guess what? The extra sugar won’t be missed!
Sugar Free Sweetened Condensed Milk
This homemade sugar-free condensed milk was added to make these Low Sugar Magic Cookie Bars.
Guess what? Not one person said that it needed to be sweeter!
Let me start by saying that since we aren’t using granulated sugar, the condensed milk won’t be quite as thick as the prepared stuff.
Although, I promise that with lots of patience you can get it pretty darn close!
The best part of making sugar free condensed milk? You will have absolute control over the amount of sweetness that suit your preference.
Another bonus is that you can also use dairy free options as your milk base.
That’s not all! For impatient people like me, guar gum will aid in thickening the condensed milk.
The Results When Testing Different Milks for Condensed Milk
As I mentioned, I tested three different milks; cow, coconut and almond. Here are my thoughts on the results:
- Cow’s milk came out the thickest by heating the milk for over an hour and a half. Curds form so skim it from the top often. I didn’t add the thickener to this version.
- Coconut milk – full fat (fav) also took a long time to thicken and I was getting impatient, so after an hour I whisked in 1/4 teaspoon of guar gum. It thickened immediately.
- Almond milk was my least favorite as I think the brand I used is made with too much water, so evaporating it to the desired texture was taking FOREVER. I added 1/4 teaspoon of guar gum and it thickened, but I think it could have used more.
Can I Use Truvia or Splenda in Place of Erythritol?
While I don’t recommend consuming any sucralose-based artificial sweetener, both Splenda and Truvia has developed a natural blend of stevia and erythritol sweeteners that can be used in this recipe.
Natural sugars are always my first choice in recipes, and if I wasn’t watching my glucose spikes, I think I would give coconut sugar a try.
I can’t wait for you to experiment with making your own condensed milk! Tell me what your favorite milk and sugar alternative is!
Take Control of the Amount of Sweetener you Consume!
Now how do you combat the convenience of these overly sweetened prepared foods?
It’s simple! Make your own sauces, jams and condiments! Take complete control over the amount and type of sweetener used in recipes!
The next time you go grocery shopping make a conscious effort to look at the label and pay close attention to the ingredient list.
You’ll be amazed by how many common everyday foods list sugar as the top ingredient.
Sugar Free Condensed Milk
This homemade sugar free sweetened condensed milk is made without granulated sugar. Use dairy milk or an alternative like coconut milk and add to your baking recipes.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups milk (coconut, whole milk, almond)
- 1/2 cup (adjust to your preference) Sugar Alternative (Swerve)
- 3 tablespoons butter (omit for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon guar gum (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan add milk and sugar alternative together and simmer over medium heat. Stir constantly and when the milk shows small bubbles lower the heat to simmer.
- Continue to simmer until milk reduces and begins to thicken (this can take up to 1 1/2 hours). Skim the top of the milk if a layer forms.
- To thicken with guar gum, in a small bowl quickly whisk together guar with a couple of tablespoons of the cooled milk. Add it to the mix and immediately whisk in.
- Once the desired thickness is achieved remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the butter and vanilla extract. Cool and store in the refrigerator.
Notes
Xanthan gum can be used instead of guar gum.
Recipe found on the web and adapted from Eating Well Living Thin.
PIN to your Baking, Sugar-Free, Low Carb and Keto Boards!
Sue
My milk has been on burner for an hour & it seems like the milk is cooking away. Supposed to use it in a pie recipe. Probably won’t be enough. Hmmmm.
Teri
This looks like a great recipe. I avoid recipes with sweetened condensed milk because of the sugar content. I am going to try it with allulose, a new sweetener. Was wanting to make 7 layer bars. Thanks so much!!
Sandra Shaffer
Great! I’m the same. Too much sugar in the premise version. Enjoy those bars!
Beverly Cleaveland
Can I use liquid sweetener like Better NOW Stevia?
Beverly Cleaveland
Since I don’t have guar gum, can I use Xanthan Gum or Glucomanan as a thickener?
Sandra Shaffer
Yes, either option is a fine substitution for guar gum.
Michelle Wolfson
When you mention coconut milk, are you referring to the stuff in a can or the kind that is a coconut beverage/milk alternative, like almond milk?
Sandra Shaffer
Hi Michelle! I have used both, but noticed that any brand that has more water content like the lite versions of either type will take much longer to thicken as it simmers. Full fat canned works best.
Missy
I think I put too much gur gum, it turned out like pudding, but good pudding lol I ate it like pudding . Next time I will know better
Patti
Good Morning ! I am looking to use this in my Oui Copycat Yogurt recipe…8 cups half and half, 1 can sweetened condensed milk and 4 Tbl. starter yogurt. I am diabetic, so I am wondering if I can just for go the sugar all together or does it need to be used even in a small amount ? Second question.. What is the butter for and.Is the butter necessary ?
Thank You for the post and for answering my questions !
Sandra Shaffer
Hi Patti. Removing all the sweetener if fine since you are using it for a specific recipe that you don’t want sweetened. The butter adds to the creamy consistency of condensed milk. It adds a delicious flavor.
Jennie
Thanks for the great idea! Bump across your site when I’m trying to modify the raisin cheese fillings recipe for a less sweet one. Just can’t find any, then I thought perhaps I can search how to homemade condensed milk (the filling is a combination of cream cheese n condensed milk). Since I found a way to make my own condensed milk, I’m sure my reduced sugar version of raisin cheese bun will be a hit! Thanks again!
Sandra Shaffer
Making your own is the only way to get less sweetener in your recipes! Your raisin cheese bun sounds delicious!
Madi
This is such a good idea! I’m always buying sweetened condensed milk but I had no idea it was so easy to make!
Michele Phillips
Couldn’t agree with you more… I’m ALWAYS looking for ways to reduce sugar and the “extra-do-nothing-for-you calories and carbohydrates” in recipes! Making your own condensed milk is such a great idea, and I love the option of making it with different types of milk! Thanks so much, Sandra!
Jennifer A Stewart
I love to use sweetened condensed milk in my recipes but hate all the calories! What a great recipe!
Angela
Oh wow, I never knew how to make condensed milk. This is such a great one to have on hand for so many tasty dishes.
michele
We are watching our sugar too…. but this is the one thing I need for baking and just would forgo eating the bars I make with it. Im thrilled to make my own…. Do you think I can make this and can it so I can make it in bulk and just pull it off the shelf when I need it?
Sandra Shaffer
Since this is made without preservatives I’m afraid that it will last just a couple of weeks unless you can it properly.
Sherill
Hi Cynthia, can you use coconut oil in place of butter?
Sandra Shaffer
Hi Sherill! I haven’t tried replacing the butter with coconut oil, so I don’t know for sure. Let me know what you think if you give it a try!
Cynthia
Hi, great recipe! For how long can be stored on the fridge?! Thanks
Sandra Shaffer
Hi Cynthia, it should be ok in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks. It’ll depend on how fresh your ingredients are when you make it. Enjoy!
ashneet kaur
hey thanks for sharing !! .. can we skip sugar in this recipe ? .. can we just use milk and vanilla extract to make condensed milk ?
Sandra Shaffer
Hi Ashneet! I suppose it would depend on what you plan on using the condensed milk for. I haven’t tried it, but would love to know how it works for you!
Shirley Hand
I’m in need of sugar free sweetened condensed milk for making a cheesecake suitable for a diabetic friend, will your recipe work for this project? Love your site!
Thank you
Sandra Shaffer
Hi Shirley! I haven’t tried using this in a cheesecake, so I can’t vouch for how well it will work. If you do try it let me know how it goes. I know it will be delicious 🙂 Thank you for swinging by!!
Michelle Carney
I’m so excited to try this. I looked for sugar free condeneed milk today so I can make my own coffee creamer but found nothing. I’m going to give this a go. I’m diabetic so I’m ALWAYS looking for ways to make stuff without sugar. It’s way harder than I thought!
Kelly
Did you ever make your creamer? I was also doing a search for sugar free condensed milk for coffee creamer as well. Have you tried this recipe yet?
Thanks!
Sandra Shaffer
You can use this for creamer, but I would thin it out so it’s not too thick. You can also try these recipes – https://www.thefoodieaffair.com/lower-sugar-homemade-pumpkin-spice-coffee-creamer/ or https://www.thefoodieaffair.com/homemade-coffee-creamer/ for a dry creamer.
Angela Campos
Great idea! Can’t wait to try it, Pinned 🙂
Kelly
Can I drink this now? 😉 Looks yummy! Thanks for sharing.
Sandra Shaffer
Thanks, Kelly! I’m glad you stopped by 🙂
Katerina
What a fabulous idea to substitute store bought which is overly sweet!
carrie @ frugal foodie mama
Oh wow! I didn’t even know that you could make homemade condensed milk! 🙂 And I love that it is sugar free too.
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh
I didn’t even know one could make condensed milk!! What a great idea!
Sandra Shaffer
Right? It’s just convenient to buy condensed milk prepared, but it hurts my teeth it’s so sweet 🙂 There is always a way 🙂
Mischelle Sandowich
I wonder if you could use Xylitol for this recipe. I know I have used it for a simple syrup. I will have to give it a try sometime.
Sandra Shaffer
I think Xylitol will work as the sweetener without a problem! Let me know how it turns out!
kayla
Genius! What a great alternative to the store condensed milk. I can’t wait to try it!
Sandra Shaffer
Have fun experimenting with this, Kayla! You’ll love having this option when the baking season is in full swing!
Lis @ The Fare Sage
Genius! Definitely pinning this one. Thank you!
Sandra Shaffer
Thanks for pinning! I appreciate the love!