Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe (2024)

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!

Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe (1)

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

Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe (2)

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

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Easy Coconut Macaroons Recipe

Key Lime Pie Recipe

Easy Fudge Recipe

+ 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 (3)

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Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe

Robyn Stone

4.96 from 65 votes

This 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!

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 10 ounces

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

Makes 1 1/4 cups.

Metric conversions and nutrition calculations use whole dairy milk and granulated sugar.

To make sugar-free: Use your favorite heat-safe sugar substitute in the appropriate amounts for the recipe.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ounce | Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3.4g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Enjoy!
Robyn xo

Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe (4)

Categorized as:All Recipes, Cooking, Dessert Recipes, Egg-Free Recipes, Essentials, Gluten-Free Recipes, Grain-Free Recipes, how to, Kitchen Tips, Recipes, Simple Recipes

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Robyn Stone is a cookbook author, wife, mom, and passionate home cook. Her tested and trusted recipes give readers the confidence to cook recipes the whole family will love. Robyn has been featured on Food Network, People, Southern Living, and more.

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Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you make homemade sweetened condensed milk? ›

The ingredients are simple: 32 ounces milk, seven ounces sugar, and six ounces heavy cream, plus a pinch of salt and whatever aromatics you choose. The cream adds a major dose of lactose for more flavorful browning, but more importantly, it prevents the milk from curdling as it cooks.

What if I don't have enough sweetened condensed milk? ›

Stovetop sweetened condensed milk substitute

In a saucepan, whisk together 2 cups milk and 1 cup sugar. Heat the mixture on medium to allow the sugar to dissolve. Reduce the temperature just before the milk begins to boil, and then leave it to simmer on low. Simmer the mixture until the milk reduces, about 35 minutes.

Is it worth it to make your own condensed milk? ›

Is homemade sweetened condensed milk worth the effort versus store bought? Yeah, it definitely worth the effort. Making sweetened condensed milk at home means subjecting it to a far less heat-intensive process than commercially canned milk, which helps preserve a fresher dairy flavor.

Can you make your own sweetened condensed milk? ›

Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
  1. milk – Use your favorite milk. ...
  2. sweetener – Use your favorite sweetener. ...
  3. butter – I use salted butter when I make this recipe but you can use whichever butter you prefer or have on hand. ...
  4. vanilla extract – the vanilla extract adds so much depth to the condensed milk.
Jan 25, 2016

Can I turn evaporated milk into sweetened condensed milk? ›

While we don't recommend substituting condensed milk for evaporated milk or vice versa, you can make your own condensed milk when you're in a pinch. Simply heat together 1½ cups of sugar and one can of evaporated milk until the sugar has fully dissolved.

Why is my homemade condensed milk not thick? ›

Why is my condensed milk too runny/not thick? If your condensed milk is rather runny, it means you didn't reduce the water content enough. Put it back on the heat and keep cooking it down over medium until it thickens more.

What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk cream? ›

Can you substitute sweetened condensed milk for heavy cream or half & half in recipes? Simply mix 1 cup of heavy cream with ¼ cup of sugar to get a creamy rich alternative. You can use this as a 1:1 exchange for sweetened condensed milk in any recipe.

What happens if you use evaporated milk instead of sweetened condensed milk? ›

For the most part, if you find yourself without condensed milk on hand, you can substitute an equal amount of evaporated milk. The consistency will be the same, but since evaporated milk is unsweetened, you'll need to add sweetener to match the recipe's intended flavor profile or to suit your personal preference.

What is the main ingredient in condensed milk? ›

Condensed milk, also called sweetened condensed milk (there is no unsweetened condensed milk), is a concentrated milk product made by heating cow's milk at reduced pressure. The milk is heated until the water content has reduced by half, then sugar is added to bring the sugar content up to 55 percent.

How long does homemade condensed milk last? ›

If it's kept in the refrigerator, it should last for about 2-3 weeks. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can freeze it, but it should be kept in an airtight container or freezer bag and stored in the freezer. Frozen sweetened condensed milk will last for about 6-8 months.

What are the steps in the process of condensed milk? ›

First, milk is standardized and pasteurized. Then, it goes through an evaporation process to remove the excess water content while sugar is added. After that, the mixture undergoes hom*ogenization. The condensed milk is cooled and crystallized before being ready for packaging.

Is it cheaper to buy or make condensed milk? ›

Homemade condensed milk is not only cheaper, but it tastes more delicious, as making it requires less heat and sugar, allowing the flavor of the milk to come through.

Why is sweetened condensed milk so expensive? ›

The limited availability of raw ingredients and processing facilities has resulted in a shortage of sweetened condensed milk in the region. Additionally, the increased demand for the product has driven up its price, as manufacturers are unable to keep up with the demand.

Is it OK to drink a can of condensed milk? ›

Can I drink sweetened condensed milk? It is a ready-to-use product so it may be consumed without any other preparation. You can add it to everyday items like in your coffee, on toast with cinnamon, on fruit or yogurt, and in any way you see fit.

How much sugar to add to evaporated milk to make condensed milk? ›

In a pinch, you can make sweetened condensed milk from evaporated milk. Mix 1 cup evaporated milk with 1 1/4 cups sugar. Heat until the sugar is dissolved, then cool. For a better substitute for sweetened condensed milk, use powdered milk.

What is sweetened condensed milk made of? ›

Condensed milk is cow's milk from which water has been removed (roughly 60% of it). It is most often found with sugar added, in the form of sweetened condensed milk, to the extent that the terms "condensed milk" and "sweetened condensed milk" are often used interchangeably today.

What is a natural substitute for condensed milk? ›

Coconut Cream

The natural sweetness of coconuts makes it a fantastic sugar free substitute for condensed milk. However, if you do wish to sweeten the pot, add some sugar into the mixture and simmer it until the sugar fully dissolves. Replace it for regular condensed milk at a 1:1 exchange.

Is sweetened condensed milk just milk and sugar? ›

Sweetened condensed milk is made by removing most of the water from cow's milk. It's sweeter and higher in calories than evaporated milk, as sugar is added as a preservative. It can add flavor to desserts, coffee and certain stews but is unsuitable for people with milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance.

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