skip to main content

Can I substitute coconut milk for sweetened condensed milk?

15 years ago

I am making chocolate peanut butter bars -- the kind of recipe that starts with a box of yellow cake mix (don't tell) and calls for a can of sweetened condensed milk, which I don't have on hand. I actually do have time to go to the store to get some, but when I was looking in the pantry, I saw coconut milk, and I wondered if that wouldn't be an acceptable substitute, or maybe even better. Coconut is an optional addition to the recipe anyway, so I don't think coconut flavor would hurt anything.

The s.c. milk is used in the top part of the bar, mixed with melted chocolate chips, butter, vanilla, and (optionally) coconut and/or pecans. The bottom (and crumble on top) is cake mix, peanut butter, butter, and eggs.

What do you think?

Thanks.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

Gina_W
15 years ago
I wouldn't - coconut milk has a distinct flavor that may not give the desired result. It isn't the dessert-type coconut flavor we are accustomed to.
lindac
15 years ago
It also has a higher percentage of fat....and is...well different.
Linda C
Related Discussions
sweetened condensed milk
Q
Comments (7)
You COULD just eat it off a spoon - or try it on toast! Or use it to replace milk and sugar in your coffee. Or adjust quantities to make this icing for a half batch of patty cakes: Condensed Milk Icing 1 cup sifted icing sugar 1 good teaspoon lemon juice condensed milk flavouring as desired (finely grated orange or lemon rind, vanilla, cocoa, melted dark chocolate, coffee or coffee essence etc) Blend all ingredients, adding enough condensed milk very gradually to make the mixture into a thick cream.
...See More
sweetened condensed milk - leftovers
Q
Comments (14)
I can also recommend Sharon's (Canarybird) Lemon Squares. These are soooooo goooood! Home Cookin Chapter: Recipes From Thibeault's Table LEMON GRAHAM SLICE ================== SharonCB 1-1/2 cups (350 mL) Graham cracker crumbs 1/3 cup (75 mL) packed brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon (2 mL) baking powder 1/8 teaspoon (0.5 mL) salt 1/2 cup (125 mL) butter or margarine 10 ounces (284 mL)sweetened condensed milk 1/2 cup (125 mL) lemon juice 1 teaspoon (5 mL) vanilla Bottom Layer Crumble first 5 ingredients together well and pack into 9 x 9 inch (22 x 22 cm) ungreased pan. Set aside. Top Layer Combine milk, lemon juice and vanilla in bowl and stir. Spread over bottom layer. Bake in 350ÃÂ°F (180ÃÂ°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Cool and cut into 36 squares. Source: "Company's Coming" - 150 Delicious Squares
...See More
Quick! Sweetened Condensed Milk, Past Date
Q
Comments (16)
Grainlady, Thank you for the helpful post (as always!) Jessy, I will always see you sitting in front of your flame decorated washer, watching the laundry go 'round! Katie, I added orange zest to my fudge; I picked a large orange so there would be plenty. (My motto is always to use real food.) It was an instant hit, as I suspect it would be. I offered to share the recipe, and the recipient didn't want it, thinking it was far more complicated than it really is. Since I didn't add the pecans, when I told her it was 3 ingredients, she changed her mind. Here's the recipe for those of you who asked. For those of you who try it, please let me know if you liked it! CHOCOLATE ORANGE FUDGE 2-1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounce) 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional) 2 teaspoons orange zest Line an 8x8x2-inch baking pan with lightly buttered waxed paper or aluminum foil. Set aside. Melt chocolate chips with condensed milk in the top of a double boiler or in a bowl in the microwave. Stir until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in pecans and grated orange peel. Spread in prepared dish and chill until firm. Carefully remove fudge from pan using the edges of the foil or waxed paper. Cut into squares. Store covered in refrigerator.
...See More
Sweetened condensed milk--what can I do with it?
Q
Comments (23)
I have been known to mix sweetened condensed milk with unsweetened cocoa powder to make my own spread, like Nutella. (Well, no actually, I haven't been known to do that, as I did it secretly and then ate it off a spoon) I've made Dolce de Leche in the can, in a pressure cooker. I put a few inches of water in the pressure cooker to make sure it won't boil away, and then put whole unopened cans of sweetened condensed milk in, and cook for an hour or two. Be careful to let the whole pressure cooker cool down for quite a while before opening, because you don't want the cans suddenly contacting ambient air while they are still above normal heat / pressure inside. The first time I made it, I think I did it for over an hour, and it came out brown and delicious and caramelly, but the second time i must have skimped on the time or the pressure, because it didn't get brown or caramelly at all, just thicker around the edges of the can. I made three cans at a time, thinking it was a waste to run the stove that long for one little can. But the one that sat on the shelf for a month or two before opening had crystals throughout, not the nice smooth texture. An Indian friend of mine was told how to fake Indian sweets by her mother. Mix as much dried shredded coconut into sweetened condensed milk as you can, form it into balls, and roll in powdered sugar.
...See More
janran
15 years ago
Coconut milk doesn't have any sugar in it, so it wouldn't be a good substitute. I've substituted coconut milk for plain milk in some recipes with good results.
jessyf
15 years ago
Awwww go for it (add sugar, I think janran is right - and welcome to the forum janran) whats the worst that could happen? Who knows, it could be a hit! Peanut butter and coconut...that goes! Especially in Polynesian Soup!
colleenoz
15 years ago
The viscosity of coconut milk is also a lot different to SWC- I would think your recipe would turn out too runny.
readinglady
15 years ago
I'm also wondering about the coconut milk separating during baking.

Carol
Lars
15 years ago
If you have sweetened coconut milk, it can be an acceptable substitute. If the coconut milk is not thick enough, you might have to reduce it down a bit or perhaps add a bit of tapioca or cornstarch to it. Adding coconut flakes would also help it to stay together. I've substituted coconut milk for SCM in macaroons, and I like them better. If you 12 oz can of coconut milk is not sweetened, you can add 1/3 cup sugar to it - that's what I do in my macaroon recipe.

Lars

Here is a link that might be useful: Lars' Macaroons
sally2_gw
15 years ago
Linda, you did mean that the scm has the higher amount of fat, didn't you?

Sally

Related Stories

HANUKKAH Sweeten Your Hanukkah With a Dessert Table for All Ages

Homemade treats and creative thinking amp up a crafter's holiday table that you can easily re-create

HEALTHY HOME 18 Ways to Allergy-Proof Your Home

By Laura Gaskill

If you're itching to reduce allergy symptoms, this mini guide to reducing allergens around the house can help

LIFE How Do You Make Your Tea and Coffee in the Morning?

By Victoria Harrison

A morning cup is a must for many, and preparation comes in many guises. We look at coffee and tea habits across the Houzz community

KITCHEN DESIGN Houzz Call: What’s Cooking in Your Kitchen?

By Stacy Briscoe

Most of us turn to recipes, videos and culinary shows when we cook. Where do you set your cookbook, tablet or TV screen?

LIFE The Moving-Day Survival Kit: Lifesaving Items and Niceties

By Becky Harris

Gather these must-haves in advance for a smooth move and more comfortable first days in your new home

LIFE How to Celebrate National S’mores Day When You Don’t Have a Campfire

By Becky Harris

Too hot to toast marshmallows? Never got around to building that fire pit? These recipes are for you

LIFE The Absolute Right Way to Hang Toilet Paper. Maybe

By Mitchell Parker

Find out whether over or under is ahead in our poll and see some unusual roll hangers, shelves and nooks

MOST POPULAR 7 Ways to Design Your Kitchen to Help You Lose Weight

By Mitchell Parker

In his new book, Slim by Design, eating-behavior expert Brian Wansink shows us how to get our kitchens working better

HOUSEKEEPING Baking Soda: The Amazing All-Natural Cleanser You Already Own

Battle grime, banish odors and freshen clothes with this common nontoxic cupboard staple

FARM YOUR YARD Houzz Call: Show Us Your One-of-a-Kind Chicken Coops

By Annie Thornton

Do you have a fun or stylish backyard shelter for your feathered friends? Post your pictures and stories in the Comments!

Sponsored

Trish Takacs Design

36 Reviews

Award Winning & Highly Skilled Kitchen & Bath Designer in Columbus

More Discussions

What's for Dinner #410 Spring 2024

101

Do you make actual shortcake?

37

Troubleshooting My Baking

12

Big kitchens and tiny kitchens, oh my!

11

Lemon curd tart w/strawberry - glaze needed?

24