Condensed Milk: dairy-free, no added sugar
Condensed milk is often used in baking to add sweetness, moisture and flavour to a recipe. This version of condensed milk dairy-free and dates for a healthier alternative.
A few of weeks ago I had a hankering for a favourite treat from my childhood: bananas with condensed milk. Sweetened condensed milk is thick, sweet and delicious, and while I used to consume it all the time I thought I’d try making it at home.
This version is dairy-free and uses dates for sweetness. It doesn’t get as thick and sticky as the store-bought canned product, but you can try using brown sugar or coconut sugar to create the a similar consistency.
When I was a kid I used to eat condensed milk with bananas as a treat. I would slice up a ripe banana and top it off with a nice helping of condensed milk. I’m not sure where this duo came from but it was delicious! I bet this version of condensed milk and some bananas would make a great banana cream pie. I guess I know what I’ll start testing next. Since this version uses dates it’s not quite as sticky as the store bought and may not work in a recipes that call for condensed milk.
Homemade Condensed Milk: Dairy-free, refined sugar-free
Ingredients
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 4 – 5 tbsp date paste
- 1/4 tsp vanilla powder or extract
Instructions
- Pour coconut milk into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Once it boils, stir and lower the heat to a simmer. Stay nearby for this step as the coconut milk can boil over quickly.
- Simmer on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the coconut milk has thickened and is reduced by half.
- Add date paste and vanilla (if using) and stir to incorporate.
- Cool and pour into an airtight jar. Store in the refrigerator. Keeps for up to a week.
