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 whole milk, dairy, almond, cashew, oat, etc.
- 3/4 cup sugar, granulated or cane, honey, or maple syrup
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 teaspoon 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
Use your favorite heat-safe sugar substitute in the appropriate amounts for the recipe.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Enjoy!
Robyn xo
Is it possible to use golden syrup for this? I ran out of sugar yesterday and I only have enough golden syrup to use for the sweetener
I haven’t made this with golden syrup, Silo, but I don’t see any reason it wouldn’t work.
Could half and half be subbed for the milk?
Angela, you can use half and half to make the sweetened condensed milk.
This is absolutely delicious! I even scraped the pot for every last drop. This could be the end of ever buying a can of sweetened condensed milk again.
Thanks, Joseph. I love this better than the canned version, too.
can the condensed milk be bottled?
Anzelle, once made, you can 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.
this recipe is SPOT ON. Tastes exactly like the canned stuff but better. No more buying any !!! This is a much more affordable option.
Thanks, Tiffy, so glad you like making your own sweetened condensed milk.
Is using this recipe without refrigerating it for a week still okay?
Noah, as I state in the recipe and in my post, you store the sweetened condensed milk in your refrigerator after it has cooled. You should not use it at all if you have not stored it in the refrigerator.
Can you use it right after its cooled off?
You certainly can, Mia. It is ready to use once it has cooled. Hope you enjoy!
Can I use 1% shelf stable milk?
Susan, I haven’t made this with 1% milk. It would need to cook longer I would think before it would reach the right consistency.
Made this as instructed in recipe. It did not thicken as it said in recipe so I added cornstarch mixed in almond milk to thicken. It had to be thick for my recipe. I used almond milk & maybe that was the problem.
Marie, I’m sorry you had a hard time getting your milk to thicken. It does need to cook longer with the thinner and less fat milks like almond milk. The sweetened condensed milk does continue to thicken as it cools.
hi my daughter is lactose intolerant, can I use line vegan butter sticks or would it be best to just omit the butter. thanks a bunch for sharing this recipe. she loves key lime pie and I’m going to attempt a lactose free one for her.
Malinda, you can use the vegan butter in this recipe. I hope this makes a difference so your daughter can enjoy her key lime pie again.