Oat Condensed Milk

How to Make Vegan Allergen-Free Condensed Milk: A Deliciously Creamy Alternative

If you're a fan of sweetened condensed milk but are looking for a vegan alternative, you're in luck! Today, I'm sharing a simple and delightful recipe for vegan oat condensed milk. This creamy, sweet concoction is not only easy to make, but it's also versatile, allowing you to use it in a variety of recipes. Whether you're making vegan desserts, adding richness to your coffee, or just looking for a delicious topping for your favorite treats, this oat condensed milk will become a staple in your kitchen.

The Rise of Plant-Based Condensed Milk

Condensed milk is a classic ingredient in many latin dessert recipes, from decadent desserts like tres leches cake to rich coffee drinks. Traditionally made from cow’s milk and sugar, it’s been a pantry essential for years. However, as more people turn to plant-based diets, the demand for dairy-free alternatives has grown significantly.

Oat milk, which has quickly become a favorite among vegans and non-vegans alike, is an excellent base for making condensed milk. It's naturally sweet, creamy, and has a mild flavor that blends well with other ingredients. Plus, oat milk is easy to make at home, affordable, and environmentally friendly. When turned into condensed milk, it offers the same sweetness and thickness as the traditional version, making it a perfect substitute in any recipe.

Why Choose Oat Milk?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore why oat milk is such a fantastic choice for making vegan condensed milk.

1. Allergen Friendly: The top 9 allergens are: cow’s milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, shellfish, fish, soy, wheat, and sesame. Oat milk is considered an allergy friendly alternative to dairy and soy milk. One of my step daughters has a milk and soy allergy so this is perfect for my needs to make everyone in my house be able to enjoy the house cooking.

   
   

2. Mild Flavor: Unlike some other plant milks, oat milk has a mild flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients in your recipes. It’s subtle, slightly sweet, and blends well with both sweet and savory dishes.

3. Easy to Make: Oat milk is incredibly simple to make at home. With just oats and water, you can whip up a batch in minutes. This also means that homemade oat condensed milk is free from unnecessary additives and preservatives.

4. Nutrient-Rich: Oats are packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. While some of these nutrients are lost during the processing of oat milk, it still retains some of its nutritional benefits, making it a healthier alternative to dairy.

5. Eco-Friendly: Oats have a low environmental impact compared to dairy and even some other plant milks like almond or soy. They require less water and land to produce, making oat milk a sustainable choice.

Ingredients for Vegan Oat Condensed Milk

To make your own vegan oat condensed milk, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats: Choose organic oats if possible. Regular rolled oats work best, as they blend smoothly and provide the right consistency.

• 4 cups water: Filtered water is preferred, but any water you have on hand will work.

• 3/4 to 1 cup sugar: You can use any sweetener you prefer, such as cane sugar, coconut sugar, or maple syrup. The amount depends on how sweet you like your condensed milk.

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds a lovely depth of flavor. You can adjust the amount to your taste or leave it out if you prefer a more neutral flavor.

• A pinch of salt: Salt enhances the sweetness and adds balance to the condensed milk.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Vegan Oat Condensed Milk

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get started on making this delicious vegan oat condensed milk.

Step 1: Make the Oat Milk

The first step in creating condensed milk is to make the oat milk itself. Here’s how:

1. Blend the Oats and Water: Add the rolled oats and water to a high-speed blender. Blend on high for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the oats are fully broken down and the mixture is smooth.

2. Strain the Milk: Pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh strainer, nut milk bag, or cheesecloth into a large bowl. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible. The liquid collected is your fresh oat milk. Discard or repurpose the leftover oat pulp (it’s great in smoothies or baking).

3. Rest the Milk: Let the oat milk sit for a few minutes to allow any remaining sediment to settle. Then, carefully pour the milk into a saucepan, leaving any sediment behind.

Step 2: Cook the Oat Milk

Once you’ve made the oat milk, it’s time to cook it down to create the condensed milk:

1. Heat the Milk: Place the saucepan with the oat milk over medium heat. Stir continuously to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

2. Add the Sugar: As the milk begins to warm, slowly add your sweetener of choice. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat.

3. Simmer the Milk: Once the milk is heated through and the sugar has dissolved, reduce the heat to low. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and to ensure even cooking. The milk will gradually thicken as the water evaporates.

4. Check the Consistency: After 30-40 minutes, check the consistency of the milk. It should have reduced by about half and have a thick, creamy texture. If it’s not thick enough, continue simmering for another 5-10 minutes, checking frequently.

5. Add Vanilla and Salt: Once the milk has reached the desired thickness, remove it from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. These add depth and enhance the overall flavor of the condensed milk.

6. Cool and Store: Let the condensed milk cool to room temperature. As it cools, it will thicken even more. Once cooled, transfer it to a clean glass jar or container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

How to Use Vegan Oat Condensed Milk

Vegan oat condensed milk is incredibly versatile and can be used in many recipes. Here are some ideas on how to incorporate it into your cooking and baking:

• Desserts: Use it as a base for vegan fudge, caramel, or key lime pie. It’s also fantastic drizzled over vegan cakes, brownies, or ice cream.

• Coffee and Tea: Stir a spoonful of oat condensed milk into your coffee or tea for a rich, creamy, and sweet drink. It’s a wonderful dairy-free alternative to traditional creamers.

• Smoothies: Add a dollop of oat condensed milk to your morning smoothie for an extra creamy texture and a hint of sweetness.

• Breakfast Treats: Drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal for a decadent breakfast treat.

• Sauces and Dips: Mix it into homemade sauces and dips for a sweet twist. It pairs well with spicy foods, creating a balanced flavor profile.

Tips for Perfect Oat Condensed Milk

Making vegan oat condensed milk is straightforward, but here are some tips to ensure you get the best results every time:

• Don’t Overblend: When making the oat milk, avoid overblending the oats, as this can make the milk slimy. Blend just until the oats are broken down, and strain the milk thoroughly.

• Low and Slow: When simmering the oat milk, keep the heat low and be patient. Rushing the process can cause the milk to burn or develop a grainy texture.

• Sweetener Choice: The type of sweetener you use will affect the flavor and color of the condensed milk. For a classic flavor, use white cane sugar. For a richer, caramel-like taste, try coconut sugar or maple syrup.

• Consistency: If your condensed milk turns out too thick, you can thin it with a little more oat milk or water. If it’s too thin, return it to the heat and simmer until it thickens to your liking.

• Storage: Oat condensed milk will thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit thin when it’s still warm. Store it in the fridge, and it will firm up to the perfect consistency.

Conclusion

Vegan oat condensed milk is a delicious and versatile alternative to traditional dairy condensed milk. It’s creamy, sweet, and easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply looking for a healthier option, this recipe is a must-try. The next time you’re craving something sweet or need a rich, dairy-free ingredient for your favorite recipes, give this oat condensed milk a try. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make and how much flavor it brings to your dishes.

So, go ahead and whip up a batch of this delightful vegan oat condensed milk. Your taste buds will thank you!