Ingredient Comparison
🧈
Butter
vs
🥛
Condensed Milk
Butter vs Condensed Milk
Both are common in the kitchen, but they behave differently. Here's how to choose between them for your next recipe.
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The short answer
Use Butter when you need it for any margarine recipe, baking, biscuits. Use Condensed Milk when you need it for thai iced tea, caramel, cocktails.
🧈
ButterDairy
A solid dairy fat made from churned cream, used in baking, cooking, and as a spread. Adds richness, flavor, and tenderness to baked goods.
6 substitutes available
🥛
Condensed MilkDairy
Sweetened, thick milk with water removed. Key in fudge, key lime pie, and dulce de leche.
4 substitutes available
Key Differences
| Attribute | Butter | Condensed Milk |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Dairy | Dairy |
| Substitutes | 6 | 4 |
| Diet Options |
Diet Compatibility
Condensed Milk
Substitutes
🧈 Butter Substitutes
- Coconut Oil1:1
- Olive Oil3/4 cup per 1 cup butter
- Ghee1:1
- Applesauce (unsweetened)1:1
- Mashed Avocado1:1
- Vegetable Oil7/8 cup per 1 cup butter
🥛 Condensed Milk Substitutes
- Evaporated Milk + Sugar1 cup evaporated milk + 1¼ cups sugar, simmer
- Coconut Condensed Milk1:1
- Cream of Coconut1:1
- Heavy Cream + Sugar (reduced)1 cup cream + 1/2 cup sugar, simmer 20 min
Which Should I Use?
Use Butter when…
✅ Best for
any margarine recipebakingbiscuitscookiesfrostingslow to medium heat cookingpastrypie crustsaucesspreading
⚠️ Not ideal for
dairy-free dietshigh-heat fryingrecipes needing very stable frosting at room temptempering chocolateveganvegan recipesvery high heat (lower smoke point)
Use Condensed Milk when…
✅ Best for
Thai iced teacaramelcocktailsdessert saucesdessertsfudgeice cream basepies