Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
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
Thank you so much for this recipe, Robyn. I made this with lactose-free milk and it turned out just like condensed milk form the supermarket!
I’m so glad this worked out so well for you with the lactose-free milk, Natalia. Thanks!
I only have unsalted butter, how much salt to add if using unsalted butter
You can use salted or unsalted butter in this recipe, Savita, or can even omit it you wish. Hope this helps.
Hello, can I use whipping cream as milk?
Mandy, I have not tried making this with whipping cream.
I was just wondering if anyone had tried to reduce this mixture using the microwave? I make all my cream sauces in the microwave.
Amazing! Thank you for this recipe.
probabaly answered but i have no time to search through your recipes.i use your recipes alot so please help me with this one too.if i use honey will it be 3/4cup also or should i use less ?thank you
I mean 3/4cup honey is more in weight than 34cups sugar..so should i use less?
You will use the same amount of honey as the sugar, so it would be 3/4 cup honey. I hope you enjoy, Demi.
I was trying to make healthy chocolate icing for picky lactose intolerant boyfriend. The easiest healthiest recipe called for sweetened condensed milk. Your substitute sweetened condensed milk worked perfectly! I made it with maple syrup. It made thin drizzle icing which is what I was going for. I mostly just added dark chocolate chunks Bakers to make a drizzle chocolate icing. Boyfriend ate it with no complaint and no stomach ache. Thanks a million!!!!
Marsha, I’m happy you could adapt this so you could make a dessert your boyfriend could eat. Thanks.
Hi, do you think I could use brown sugar instead of granulated white sugar as a sweetener? Would the amounts be the same?
I haven’t tried making this with brown sugar, Jeremy, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work. It would have a different flavor than one with granulated sugar.
Could light cream be used instead of milk to cut down on carbs when using a sugar substitute. I love all your recipes. THEY WORK!!
Thanks, Lil. I haven’t made it with light cream but it should work.
I decided I wanted to make a key lime pie. Unfortunately, I was one can of sweetened condensed milk short. I decided to try this recipe and let me tell you…it does not disappoint! I used one can of evaporated milk (I didn’t have any whole milk in the house) and topped it up to the 2 required cups with 1%. It took almost an hour to reduce to the 1 1/4 cup yield. It’s delicious…I’m not sure I still have enough because during taste-testing, I kept helping myself to another spoonful. Definitely recommend!
Isn’t it delicious, Marianne? I catch myself “taste-testing” just like you sometimes, too. Thanks!