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
Can I use it right after it’s cooled? I’m sorry, I am 12 and don’t really know how to bake hahah
Ava, you can use this as soon as it has cooled. I hope you enjoy and good luck with your baking.
Thx so much this really works
I just made this for a sweetened condensed milk pound cake because I did not have a can of the SCM in my pantry. It was wonderful, easy, and very flavorful. I definitely recommend this recipe.
Thanks, Claudia. I’m happy this recipe helped you with your cake.
Is there anyway to tweak the recipe so that you get exactly the amount that you would in a can of condensed milk? (Which I believe is 14 oz)
The can actually holds 10 ounces according to the Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk label. This recipe yields approximately 1 1/4 cups or 10 ounces when made according to the recipe. So it is the same amount as in the can. I hope you enjoy.
You truly are a lifesaver! Thank you so so much for posting this!. You saved this momma from disappointing my kiddos by ruining there “summer camp style homemade ice cream recipe”. I had absolutely no clue some recipes use sweet condensed milk. And wouldn’t you know it, I didn’t have any on hand 40 miles fr the closet grocery store.. Thanks again!😊
Shelby, I’m so happy this recipe could help you. I’ve been there a few times myself when I needed an ingredient I didn’t have on hand.
Thanks so much for this! Making Butter Pecan cake & ran out. I almost freaked out until I saw I had everything to make this!
5 stars!
We live in Alaska and the Grocery store is an hour away. My Husband wanted fruit with sweet and condensed milk to go on top but the was none to be found in the pantry. I surprised him and it is sooo good that we never have to worry about how far the store is again. Thank you for the recipe.
Greatful in Alaska
I’m so glad this recipe was helpful for you. I don’t live that far from a grocery store but I love that I can make this and not have to make a trip to the store. Also, I love that I know what ingredients are in mine.
I made this thought it was complete, but had 2 cups when finished. I did add butter & vanilla. Can I reheat to simmer some more? Thank you!
Yes, you can cook it longer so that it reduces to 1 1/4 cups, Barb.
I needed condensed milk and …surprise.. I didn’t have any. Searched and found this and used the coconut milk version. It took a lot longer to thicken but I think I was being too cautious with heat. Once I increased heat (45 min) it started to thicken, and tasted delicious. Since I was making a lemon pie I didn’t add the vanilla or butter. It gave the pie a tropical flavor that was better than the original recipe. Thanks!
I bet the lemon pie was good with the coconut sweetened condensed milk, Kristine.
I accidentally added the vanilla too soon, right at the beginning with the maple syrup and milk. Hopefully it will still turn out delicious.
I used heavy cream, 1/4 cup each of allulose, erythritol, and palm sugar for a dulce de leache flavor with less sugar. Wow, did that turn out delicious! Plan to make 3 ingredient ice cream with it.
Thanks, Sharon. I’m so glad it turned out well for you.