Introduction
Homemade sweetened condensed milk is incredibly simple to make and tastes richer and fresher than the canned version. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a creamy, sweet, velvety mixture perfect for desserts, beverages, baking, or drizzling over fruit. It’s budget-friendly, customizable, and ideal when you need condensed milk but don’t have a can on hand.
Ingredients
1 cup whole milk
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
In a small saucepan, combine the milk and sugar.
Heat over medium-low, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves completely.
Continue to cook the mixture, keeping it at a gentle simmer. Do not boil.
Simmer for 25–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reduces by about half and becomes slightly thick.
Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted and smooth.
Add vanilla extract if desired.
Let the mixture cool. It will thicken more as it cools.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Description
This homemade sweetened condensed milk is creamy, silky, and sweet with a rich dairy flavor. Its smooth texture makes it perfect for pies, cakes, drinks, fudge, ice cream, and many other recipes. Unlike store-bought versions, this one has a fresher taste and allows you to control sweetness and ingredients.
Tips
Stir frequently to prevent scorching.
Keep heat low; high heat may curdle the milk.
For a thicker result, simmer a bit longer.
If a skin forms while cooling, simply stir it back in.
Use whole milk for best richness. Lower-fat milk will be thinner.
Variations
Use brown sugar for a caramel-like flavor.
Substitute part of the milk with cream for an extra rich version.
Add a pinch of salt for balance.
Make a dairy-free version with coconut milk and sugar (simmer for 35–45 minutes).
Add a cinnamon stick while simmering for a warm spice infusion.
Correction
If the mixture turns grainy, the sugar may have crystallized—reheat gently and stir until smooth.
If it’s too thin after cooling, return it to the stove and simmer a few more minutes.
If it thickens too much, whisk in 1–2 teaspoons of warm milk.
Enjoy
Use your homemade sweetened condensed milk in baking, drinks, and desserts, or simply drizzle it over toast, fruit, or pancakes for a sweet treat.