Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe is actually really simple to make at home. Skip the store-bought stuff and make this easy 4 ingredient recipe at home.
Sweetened condensed milk is so decadent and makes any dessert amazing. DIY sweetened condensed milk is even better. We love that it only requires 4 ingredients.
I recently tried to make it at home and was so impressed with the results. It turned out so creamy and delicious. We have used it in Homemade Peach No Churn Ice Cream, Easy Key Lime Pie Recipe and tons of other treats.
Table of contents
Why We Love This Recipe
Making it at home allows you to control the ingredients as the store has added ingredients that are not needed. With only 4 ingredients, it is very simple to make.
Anyone can make this, and you probably already have what you need at home. If you love to make desserts and enjoy baking, this recipe will be so convenient.
What is Sweetened Condensed Milk?
Sweetened Condensed Milk is milk that is heated to remove any water from the milk. Heating the ingredients allows it to have a thicker consistency.
Ingredients
- Whole Milk. It’s important to use whole milk in this recipe.
- Granulated Sugar. White sugar is needed in this recipe.
- Butter. Real butter is suggested.
- Vanilla Extract. Pure vanilla extract is best.
Get the entire ingredients list at the bottom of the page.
Variations
- Milk – We used whole milk in this recipe, but you can also use coconut milk, almond milk or cashew milk if you prefer. This will allow you to make a dairy-free condensed milk.
- Heavy Cream – You can also substitute Heavy Whipping Cream for milk.
- Sugar – Use your favorite sweetener. We used white sugar but you can also sweeten it with maple syrup or a natural sweetener. Keep in mind that it could change the flavoring.
- Butter – We normally use salted butter when making this recipe. But use what you prefer. We love adding it as it adds so much richness to the milk. If you prefer, you can omit it from the recipe.
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk
Step 1. First, stir together the milk and sugar in a medium saucepan. The sugar mixture needs to come to a low simmer, and you need to stir constantly.
Step 2. Next, take the pan off the stovetop. Add the butter and vanilla.
Step 3. Mix together. Then allow to cool.
Step 4. Pour in a jar and enjoy.
Storage
You will need to store this in the fridge and it lasts up to a week. Make sure to use an airtight container to store the mixture.
My favorite is a mason jar. They are easy to reuse, and inexpensive, and I normally always have several on hand.
FAQS
If you find yourself out of Sweetened Condensed Milk you can substitute it for Evaporated Milk for a one-to-one substitute.
The consistency will be about the same but it will not be as sweet. If you need your recipe to be sweetened, you can simply add sugar to taste.
Yes, you can make homemade sweetened condensed milk dairy-free. That is why we love making our own because the ingredients can be changed. Simply change the milk to coconut milk or almond milk.
This is the perfect option if you follow a vegan or dairy-free diet.
Yes, you can substitute sweetened condensed milk for this homemade version. This recipe makes about 1 ¼ cups and it is the perfect recipe to use for any of your favorite recipes that call for it.
The main difference between evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk is the sugar content. Both are made about the same by reducing the water content in the milk. But the condensed milk has sugar in it.
Sugar is added to caramelize and help thicken the milk.
Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk will last about a week in the refrigerator. Make sure to store properly to use many different ways.
You can also freeze this homemade version in a freezer container. It will last about 3 months if stored properly.
Recipes Using Sweetened Condensed Milk
More Kitchen Hacks
No need to purchase store-bought at the grocery store when you can make a homemade batch today with simple ingredients. Give it a try and come back to leave a star recipe rating and comment.
Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 Tbsp butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Stir together the milk and sugar in a large sauce pan. Heat over medium heat and bring the mixture to a low simmer.
- Simmer uncovered until the mixture is reduced in half (20-30 minutes) whisking frequently to keep the milk from burning.
- Once the milk is reduce, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract.
- Allow the mixture to cool completely and then use with your favorite recipes or store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Could you use a sugar substitute like stevia or truvia? Thanks
I have not tried that yet, but I bet it would work.