Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe
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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
Robyn,
This recipe is way better than going to the store when you need condensed milk. Pinned.
Annamaria
I’m going to try this recipe out. It never occurred to me to try and make homemade sweetened condensed milk. Thanks!
Interesting recipie, but I’m wondering…what makes it thick? I can’t see anything in the recipie that would thicken it.
You reduce it for half an hour.
I never knew how this was made, thanks!
Thank you so much for sharing this simple, yet REAL recipe. Nothing beats homemade and when we know what is in it, it tastes even that much better. No frankenfood here!
Can’t wait to try this. 🙂
Beth
This looks great; but I am confused over the description and the amounts yielded. You say it is equal to a 14 ounce can or 1-1/4 cups. A 14 ounce can is 1-3/4 cups; not 1-1/4. So if the yield is 1-1/4 ounces you are falling short 4 ounces from a can. I would like to know.
Sweetened condensed milk cans are by weight, so they have closer to 1-1/4 cups of volume.
Thank you so much for a healthier version. Love this stuff! Pinned.
OK..I’m going to have to use this for making a Tres Leches cake…which is just really Yum! It’s the one Mexican dessert I adore!
Do you think this would work with Almond milk and a dairy free margarine”? I have a daughter that cannot tolerate dairy products.
Would love to know if this could be non dairy
Thank you for sharing your recipe. This has to be way better than the canned stuff from the store that is full of high fructose corn syrup.