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
Question – the sweetened condensed milk I get from the store only lists two ingredients: milk and sugar. If I’m making a fudge recipe that calls for 3 tablespoons of butter, do you have any idea if I should just add 3 tablespoons to the condensed milk (instead of the 4) or just omit any butter from the condensed milk and add it later? I can experiment, but I’d rather not waste money 🙂 . Thanks!
Hi Rasta,
I can say that the homemade sweetened condensed milk recipe is delicious when made as written, but I really can’t answer about how you could best make another recipe I’ve never made. I hope you enjoy this sweetened condensed milk if you give it a try!
Thanks!
Does simmering the milk make it curdle a little bit of food I just get it too hot? Sorry I’m kind of a noobie. Thanks!
^^^^^^added note that it was this way before I added the butter and vanilla, which incorporated beautifully.
I made it just now using honey. It came out with little lumps. I wisked pretty often, every 3-4 minutes probably. It started out smooth once I got the honey whisked in well. What did I do wrong? Not hot enough to keep the honey melted, though it had a slow simmer?
Thanks!
Hi Jennifer,
It’s never been lumpy when I’ve made it and I’m sorry it turned out that way for you. I’m not sure what happened, but it is important to keep whisking the mixture often enough to keep it smooth throughout the whole time it’s cooking. Hope this helps. Thanks!
Hey Robin,
How much condensed milk i get from this recipe? I need like 7 ounces (~200grams) of it.
Hi Can,
This yields approximately 1 1/4 cups – or 10 ounces when made according to the recipe. Enjoy! Thanks!
Hi Robyn,
Looks great, I’ll give it a try, and also, can I use heavy cream (32% or 38%) instead of the milk and butter?
Hi Anati,
I have only made according to my recipe, so I can’t say if that would turn out. I hope you enjoy this. Thanks!
Thank you for this recipe. The amount you give to replace exactly one can of store-bought condensed milk is very useful.
Do you think I can keep it in sterilised jars in my pantry at room-temperature?
Hi Yunahime,
I’m glad you enjoy this recipe! It is delicious and I enjoy making it for so many dishes!
I’ve not canned this before and I can’t say how it would turn out.
Thank you!
I love this i just made one.thank u for the recipe
So happy you like it! Thanks!
I tried this but after a few days, small crystals starts forming at the bottom. Is this normal?
Hmm…I’ve never had this happen, so I can’t be certain what caused it. You may have done this, but it needs to be stored in the refrigerator in an air tight container.
I hope this helps. Thanks so much.
Can you use 2% milk instead of whole milk?