If you’ve ever wished for a creamier, richer, and downright magical upgrade to your pantry staples, let me introduce you to the wonders of Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk. With its velvety texture, sweet flavor, and endless uses in both baking and beverages, making your own batch at home means you control the quality and flavor—no more surprises from a store-bought can! This dreamy ingredient transforms everything from coffee to tres leches cake, all while using just a handful of everyday basics. Once you try it homemade, you’ll find excuses to sneak it into all your favorite treats.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the beauty of Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk: it only takes four common ingredients, yet each plays a key role in delivering that signature silky texture and sweet, milky flavor. You’ll be amazed at how these simple pantry staples can elevate your desserts and drinks!
- Whole Milk: The foundation for a creamy, rich base—don’t substitute with low-fat for best results.
- Granulated Sugar: Essential for classic sweetness and effortless thickening as it reduces with the milk.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds a little luxury and smoothness, making the final product perfectly spreadable and glossy.
- Vanilla Extract (optional): For a subtle fragrance and an extra layer of homemade charm—try it for a flavor boost!
How to Make Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
Step 1: Combine Milk and Sugar
Grab a medium saucepan and pour in your whole milk and granulated sugar. Place it over medium heat, and start stirring enthusiastically. This is where the transformation begins! You want the sugar to dissolve completely and become fully incorporated into the milk—no graininess allowed.
Step 2: Bring to a Simmer
Keep the heat at medium until you see the mixture gently begin to simmer. It’s important to avoid a rolling boil here; a gentle simmer ensures the sugars won’t burn and the milk won’t curdle. Stir occasionally and admire the sweet aroma wafting from your pan.
Step 3: Reduce and Thicken
Once you’re at a gentle simmer, turn the heat to low. Now’s the time to let patience work its magic—continue simmering, stirring every so often, for 30 to 40 minutes. Watch as the mixture reduces by about half, taking on a glossy, syrupy consistency that feels downright indulgent. This is the secret to classic Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk!
Step 4: Add Butter and Vanilla
Remove the saucepan from the heat, then whisk in the unsalted butter and, if you’re feeling extra fancy, a splash of vanilla extract. The butter adds silkiness and richness, while the vanilla just takes the flavor over the top. Stir until everything is smooth and lustrous.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Let the mixture cool fully—it’ll thicken even more as it sits! Once cooled, pour your Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk into an airtight container. Store it in the fridge where it will keep perfectly for up to a week, ready to be drizzled, dolloped, or blended into your next kitchen creation.
How to Serve Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
Garnishes
This silky treat pairs beautifully with a dusting of cinnamon, a swirl of cocoa powder, or even a few chocolate shavings on top if you’re using it as a drizzle. A sprinkle of toasted coconut is another winning idea—let your imagination lead the way and enjoy the visual (and tasty) upgrades!
Side Dishes
You can use Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk as a decadent topping for pancakes and waffles at brunch, or as a sweet dipping sauce for fresh fruit and biscotti alongside coffee or tea. It’s also the secret to outrageously good tres leches cake or Thai iced coffee, instantly elevating your everyday favorites.
Creative Ways to Present
Gift a small jar tied with a pretty ribbon and a handwritten label to spread some homemade joy! For entertaining, pour it into elegant mini pitchers or drizzle over individual dessert plates for a restaurant-style finishing touch. Or, try layering it into parfaits, trifles, or jars for the ultimate “wow” factor at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk fresh by using a tightly sealed jar or container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay rich and delicious for up to a week, ready to use in recipes or as a treat at a moment’s notice. Always use a clean spoon each time you dip in to maintain its quality.
Freezing
If you want to make a bigger batch, go ahead—Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk freezes beautifully. Pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving a bit of space at the top for expansion. It will keep for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and stir well before using.
Reheating
If your refrigerated or thawed sweetened condensed milk is too thick to pour, simply warm it gently. Place the container in a bowl of hot water or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until it reaches your desired consistency. Be cautious not to overheat, as high temperatures can affect the texture.
FAQs
Can I make Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the whole milk for canned full-fat coconut milk for a luscious, dairy-free alternative that still has all the richness and sweetness you crave.
How do I know when the mixture has reduced enough?
Look for the mixture to be thick, glossy, and reduced by about half in volume. It should easily coat the back of a spoon and leave a syrupy trail when you run your finger through it—classic signs you’ve nailed it!
What recipes use Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk?
So many! Use it in key lime pie, tres leches cake, Vietnamese coffee, homemade fudge, caramel sauces, or even churn it into no-churn ice cream. It’s the ultimate versatile ingredient.
Can I control the sweetness level?
Yes, you can decrease the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet version, but keep in mind that sugar helps with both thickening and preservation. Make gradual adjustments for best results.
Is it normal for it to thicken more as it cools?
Yes, Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk will always thicken considerably as it cools. Don’t worry if it seems a bit thin while it’s hot—it will reach the perfect consistency after chilling.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know just how easy and satisfying it is to create your own Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk, I hope you’ll give it a try. Whether you stir it into coffee, layer it in cakes, or simply spoon it over fruit, it’s one of those homemade touches that always impresses. Here’s to making every sweet treat a little more special from your own kitchen!
Print
Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup
- Category: Basics
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Learn how to make your own sweetened condensed milk at home with simple ingredients. This DIY version is perfect for baking and can be customized to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the milk and sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture comes to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and continue simmering, stirring occasionally, for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the mixture has reduced by about half and thickened to a syrupy consistency. Do not let it boil.
- Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract, if using. Let cool completely. The mixture will thicken more as it cools. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Use this homemade version in any recipe that calls for canned sweetened condensed milk.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with canned full-fat coconut milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
