01 - Pour the coconut milk and granulated sugar into a medium saucepan. Add the pinch of salt and stir to combine.
02 - Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is smooth.
03 - Reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer gently without boiling, stirring occasionally, for 35 to 40 minutes until it reduces by roughly half and develops a thick, syrupy consistency.
04 - Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract if using. Allow the condensed coconut milk to cool at room temperature; it will continue to thicken as it cools.
05 - Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Stir or gently warm if separation occurs after chilling.