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
This is a great recipe. so much better than canned but it takes so much longer than 35 minutes. It took me 1 hour and 25 min. Used a copper bottom pot and a heavy sauce pan and of course copper bottom pan was done first. I also started at medium low heat but turned it up to medium. maybe next time I might go a little higher.
Krista, I can make these in about 30 minutes on my stove. It shouldn’t take over an hour to make this recipe. It sounds like your heat is not high enough on your stove.
Can a vegan substitute for the butter in this recipe be used? My grandson is deathly allergic to milk, butter, and mammal meat. We have to be extremely careful. Thanks.
Mary Rose, you can use vegan butter or just omit the butter. The sweetened condensed milk is still delicious without the butter.
I wanted to make homemade Irish Cream but didn’t have any condensed milk. My sister-in-law asked if I could make my own.
What a treat and wonderful addition to another homemade recipe.
Thank you!
Thank you, A.J. I’m thrilled you were able to make your own sweetened condensed milk for your Irish Cream.
Oh my goodness I’m estatic to say the least! I ran across your website today. I have food intolerances which can be trying. Today in this time of Thanksgiving I thank God for guiding me to you. Who would have thought that I’d be able to make homemade sweetened condensed milk!
Rosemary, I’m so glad you found this recipe so you can make your own. I hope you find many more recipes her that you like.
I tripled the recipe so I had enough for 2 recipes, I simmered it for more than an hour. It seemed to be reduced so I added butter and set it in the fridge. This morning it was very soupy.. not sure why 🤷♀️
Peewee, was your mixture reduced by half before you added the butter? Did you allow it to cool thoroughly before placing it in the refrigerator? This should be thickened and shouldn’t be soupy. You can try reheating the mixture on low but make sure you whisk continuously while it is heating to make sure the butter is fully incorporated into the mixture.
if I use 1/4 cup sugar with 2 cups of whole milk, will it get thick?
Deena, I haven’t made it with those amounts.
can you freeze it for future use?
TR, you can store this homemade sweetened condensed milk 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.
Was Gonna make Brazilian lemonade and realized I didn’t have any condensed milk! This recipe is super handy and made the most Lucious beautiful perfect sweetened condensed milk ever! Give this a try!!! So simple and amazing !!!! Thank you 🫶🫶🫶
I’m so glad you loved the recipe, Eshal. It is definitely a handy recipe!