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This two-ingredient homemade condensed coconut milk recipe is super creamy and sweet and a delicious Vegan condensed milk alternative!

Recently, I posted my recipe for delicious 3 ingredient coconut bliss balls, made with sweetened condensed coconut milk and I got so many messages asking me for a specific DIY how to make homemade condensed coconut milk, so – you ask and I shall deliver! The process couldn’t be simpler and this Vegan condensed milk can then be used in any recipe calling for condensed milk. Plus it’s made with just two ingredients: coconut milk and organic cane sugar! (Alternatively, you can use maple syrup).
If you’ve followed my DIY journey with coconuts, then you’ll probably know that i’m absolutely coco-nuts about any new use for this delicious fruit. If you want to see more of the recipes, I’ve also got on this blog for a coconut then you can check the bottom of the post.
This time I’m actually trying something different by making a product that utilises more than just the coconut alone. Sweetened homemade condensed coconut milk is made up of just two ingredients – the milk and a sweetener. I’ve decided to go with organic cane sugar as I prefer the taste – but maple syrup is also an option.

Personally, I think this coconut condensed milk is the perfect ingredient to use to make edible gifts (for Christmas or birthdays) – Think vegan caramels and fudge! I always try to keep on top of my gifts shopping/giving. I’m thinking that starting from now, I will incorporate more edible gifts into the fold. I spend so much time in my kitchen as it is so, why not?
Let me know in the comments if there’s anything, in particular, you’d like to give me a try. More recipes of any dietary need, etc?
You can also use sweetened condensed coconut milk within coffee drinks ( whether hot or cold), for desserts like pumpkin pie and other sweet pies and more. You can even make some rather delicious homemade ice-cream recipes with it.

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What is Organic cane sugar?
Organic cane sugar comes from organic sugar cane. The cane juice (which has various vitamins, minerals and molasses) is evaporated and crystalized into a naturally gluten-free sugar. There seem to be debates about whether or not this can be considered an unrefined sugar or just that it is WAY less processed than generic white sugar.
Either way, it seems to be the best option of granulated sugar crystals for any recipe where I don’t want to rely on natural sweeteners such as maple syrup. It’s very important to always choose organic cane sugar though, as the pesticides used in most sugarcane growth are neither human nor environmentally friendly.

How do you make homemade condensed coconut milk?
You know me – I like to keep my DIY’s simple and to the point. Believe me, this isn’t a struggle with this recipe because the process literally couldn’t be much simpler!
All you need is coconut milk and organic cane sugar (or a natural sweetener such as maple syrup). The whole process then takes only a few steps and not a lot of hands-on effort.
Making full-fat coconut milk is quite easy – you just need to blend the coconut flesh of a coconut with some fresh water. You can see the detailed steps in my blog post Homemade Coconut Milk.

Alternatively, you can buy a can of full fat coconut milk but make sure there are no extra additives – we just need the cleanest option possible.
Combine the coconut milk and sugar in a pan over medium heat and bring it to boil. Once boiling, lower the health and simmer the mixture for around 30 minutes until the mixture has reduced about 1/2 and a lot of the water content has evaporated.

It will also get slightly darker in colour as it reduces. You’ll need to make sure to stir this mixture frequently while it’s simmering, so the sugar doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan!
Note: depending on the sugar you use, the colour of the condensed milk will vary. So no worries if your condensed milk turns a little darker or a little whiter.

Once the condensed coconut milk is ready, allow it to cool completely and then store it in an airtight glass jar for around 5-7 days. The mixture will be thick and gloopy ( and taste like heaven).

How to use condensed coconut milk
I’ve already mentioned how this dairy free condensed milk can be used for delicious vegan caramels and fudge. And, of course, my 3 Ingredient coconut bliss balls recipe. What else can you use it for though, you ask?
Homemade Condensed milk can be used for custards, puddings, pies, as a creamer for hot (and iced) coffee and tea drinks and in homemade ice-cream recipes. And that’s just to name a few options.
Let me know in the comments below what your favourite uses for this homemade condensed milk would be!
Other Coconut DIY Recipes you may like
I’ve basically made it my mission to try and do every single DIY you could possibly do with coconut and I’m quickly working my way through the list. From homemade virgin coconut oil, Creamy coconut butter, Coconut milk and even a combined post on how to make coconut bowls, chips and shreds (desiccated)!
And that’s not even the least of it- I also have a recipe for coconut yogurt and more. To see the full list just search coconut in my search bar, as I’m sure I’ve still got more additions to make to my coconut obsession.
In fact, coconut uses and recipes have become a bit of a project for me over the last few years. If you’d like me to create similar series with different ingredients then I’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments below.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments. Also, remember that I love seeing your recipe recreations so feel free to tag me @Alphafoodie. I’d also really appreciate a recipe rating, if you give this one a go.

How To Make Homemade Coconut Condensed Milk
Ingredients
- 3.5 cups full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup organic cane sugar or 1/4 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Combine the milk and sugar in a saucepan and bring to an almost-boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer, for about 35-45 minutes, stirring frequently.
- This mixture is ready when it has reduced by around a 1/2 and has slightly darkened in colour.
- Leave it to cool completely and then transfer to an airtight glass container. This can be kept for around 5-7 days.
Notes
- If wanting to use maple syrup instead of organic cane sugar then use 1/4 cup Maple syrup per can on coconut milk.
- Note: the colour of the condensed milk will vary depending on the sugar you use – it can be slightly darker or whiter.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I made this with agave syrup. Towards the end it started frothing up and becoming bubbly. I think the oil and water separated? Anyway didn’t think much of it. Until I added it to coconut cream to make a homemade icecream however the mixture became like ‘bits’. As though fats have separated? I was so dismayed as was looking forward to homemade icecream for my children. Any idea how to bring it together? Will freezing a little and then blending a bit work?
I’m so sorry to hear it didn’t turn out as expected! It sounds like the mixture may have overheated toward the end, which can cause separation (especially with agave). If it split, gently reheating it and blending might help re-emulsify it. Freezing and blending could help with texture too, especially if you’re turning it into ice cream. Let me know how it goes! <3
So quick to make. Made it a few times now with maple syrup and although a little thin came out great and hardened In the fridge. Just making it now as i type, this time with agave syrup as it’s sweeter and more thicker consistency than maple (using it for a vegan coconut icecream). So far looking good although a lot of bubbles are produced towards the end of cooking on simmer and frothing up. Thank you for a great recipe!
Thank you so much for your comment, Jomirun !
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the recipe and experimenting with different sweeteners!
I changed to using sweetened condensed coconut milk in a coconut poke cake. I realized I was out and wanted to make this quick cake. This recipe came in clutch because I had a can of unsweetened coconut milk.
Thank you so much for your commeny, Dana! Glad you gave this recipe a try!
Mine is a little thin but tastes great ! Will it thicken in the fridge ? Or should I place back over heat??
or should I just start over
Hi Sara,
It will thicken a little more in the fridge as it cools, but if it’s too thin, it likely needs to be cooked down (reduced) more. Simmer it until it reaches a rich, syrupy texture. I hope you give it another try! 🙂
Is it possible to make this in an instant pot?
Hi Lilybeth! Yes, you can make coconut condensed milk in an Instant Pot. You can use the sauté or soup function, stirring frequently! Let me know how it goes if you give it a try.
I haven’t made this yet but am planning to and I’m curious about the substitution of 1/4 cup of maple syrup for 1 cup of sugar. Every other website I’ve consulted regarding using MS in place of cane sugar says 3/4 cup of MS instead of 1 cup of sugar. There’s a big difference between 1/4 cup and 3/4 cup. How is 1/4 cup MS going to be equivalent to 1 cup of sugar? Please explain. Thank you.
Hi Julie,
The reduced amount of maple syrup (1/4 cup vs. the typical 3/4 cup) was chosen to balance sweetness and keep the final texture from being too runny. Maple is sweeter and adds liquid, so using less helps the coconut milk reduce properly. You couold still experiment with more syrup if you prefer it sweeter—just cook it a bit longer to help it thicken. I hope this helps.