Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk recipe makes a delicious, made from scratch version of sweetened condensed milk that you can use in coffee, baking, ice cream and more!
This homemade sweetened condensed milk is a recipe that I hope you love as much as I do. It isn’t an ingredient that we use a lot in cooking, but when I do, I like to turn to this homemade version. It is perfect for making homemade ice cream, fudge, pies, and so much more!
Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
What is Sweetened Condensed Milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is a milk that has been heated to remove any water from the milk. This reduces the milk by at least half and thickens the consistency of the milk into a thick liquid.
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk
This homemade version is made with just four ingredients that you most likely already have on hand.
milk – Use your favorite milk. You can use dairy or dairy-free milk options based on your personal preferences. I have tested and loved using almond, cashew and even oat milk for a dairy-free recipe. The flavor will change based on the milk that you use.
sweetener – Use your favorite sweetener. You can use granulated sugar, honey, maple syrup or any other favorite. I have even tested it with Splenda to make a sugar-free version. The sweetener that you use will change the flavor. For example, if you use maple syrup, it will have maple undertones to it (which is delicious, by the way!).
butter – I use salted butter when I make this recipe but you can use whichever butter you prefer or have on hand. It adds a silkiness and so much richness to the recipe and enhances it in my personal opinion. If you prefer not to use it, you can omit it from the recipe.
vanilla extract – the vanilla extract adds so much depth to the condensed milk.
Can I Use this Recipe in Place of Store-Bought?
Absolutely! I’ve tested the recipe time and again to make sure that it yields just the right amount to use for recipes that call for a can of store-bought.
That way, it removes any guesswork from using this homemade recipe in place of the standard can from the grocery store. It is equal to just a bit over a cup, 1 1/4 cups each time I’ve made it. Once you make your own, I think you’ll be so surprised at how easy it is!
How Long Does it Last?
Once made, store in a clean jar with a tight fitting lid in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to three months. If frozen, just thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then shake vigorously in an airtight container with lid on or pour into a larger container and whisk until smooth and consistent throughout.
Favorite Recipes Using Sweetened Condensed Milk
+ more recipes using sweetened condensed milk
Here’s my Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk recipe. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups (454 g) whole milk, dairy, almond, cashew, oat, etc.
- 3/4 cup (148.5 g) sugar, granulated or cane, honey, or maple syrup
- 4 tablespoons (56 g) salted butter
- 1 teaspoon (4.7 g) vanilla extract
Instructions
- Whisk together milk and sweetener in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisking often, bring to a low simmer. Continue to simmer, whisking often, until milk has reduced by half, about 30 minutes. Once reduced, remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Allow to cool completely and store in a mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Enjoy!
Robyn xo
What does the butter do? Can I make this without butter? The can does not have butter.
I’ve never made it without butter. Thanks!
This recipe turned out better than anything I could have bought in a can. I had a dilemma of finishing the 7 layer bars I was making and the cupboard was bare of sweetened condensed milk. I found this recipe. Wow! I will make this next time, and the next time… Thanks for saving the day.
You got me out of a pinch! I was making key lime pie, and I needed 2 cans of sweet condensed milk, but I only had one… I made your recipe and it turned out great! Your recipe saved the day!
I only have unsalted butter in the house. Does the salt make a big difference (should a I a tiny amount) or would the unsalted be fine as is? Thanks for any info! 🙂
Hi! I have a quick question. is my homemade SCmilk supposed to be thickened BEFORE I take it off the burner? it’s been cooking for a good 30+ minutes and still is quite thin. I used maple syrup for the sweetener by the way:)
Thank you!
-hannah
I’m making this right now and can’t wait for the results! I never thought I could actually make homemade sweetened condensed milk till I came across this recipe! Thank you!
-Hannah
This was phenomenal. I did find that I had to cook it a little more after adding my butter to get the consistency I wanted. But I was super excited it turned out :). Thanks so much for something useful and easy.
Use Real Butter or Margarine?
Hi Keyser,
I use real butter.
Hi, Do we melt the butter or we just add to the milk?
Greetings from Iceland 🙂
Sweetened condensed milk is almost impossible to get here in Iceland. I made your recipe last night and it was just perfect, so easy and cheap!! Thank you so much.
I made the best 3 ingredient lemon ice cream with it. No eggs or churning. Amazingly yummy, better than any high end store bought!!
2 cups heavy cream
one large lemon
sweetened condensed milk.
Whip the cream to stiff peaks.
juice lemon (should be about 2 tablespoons of juice)
scrape lemon rind off with a grater.
Combine juice, rind and SCM
Gently fold liquid into whipped cream.
Freeze and enjoy 🙂