Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
Making Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk feels like a little magic in your kitchen. The moment that creamy mixture begins to thicken, filling the room with its inviting sweetness, you’ll wonder why you ever considered store-bought versions. When you taste the finished product, you find it richer, smoother, and oh-so-delicious, offering a perfect blend for so many delightful recipes.
What makes this recipe even better is how simple it is: just a few pantry staples and 20 minutes of your time can yield a silky, delectable treat. You’ll find it’s an economical choice that elevates your desserts, whether you’re on a weeknight baking spree or preparing for a holiday feast. Each luscious dollop enhances your favorite recipes effortlessly. So grab your supplies and let’s make some creamy magic!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- How to Make Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Storing & Reheating
- Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Recipe FAQs
- Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in about 20 minutes with just five minutes of prep time.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of full-fat milk, butter, and natural sweetness creates a creamy texture that’s hard to resist.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: This glossy, golden mixture looks beautiful in any jar and makes a lovely gift!
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for baking, coffee, or as a topping for pancakes and desserts.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for vegan diets by substituting the milk and butter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups full-fat whole milk: The creaminess from whole milk is essential to achieving that rich consistency. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with a 12-oz can of evaporated milk and omit the butter.
- ¾ cup organic cane sugar: This sweetener is key for that signature sweetness and helps with the thickening process.
- 3 tablespoons salted butter: Adds a wonderful richness; if using unsalted butter, remember to throw in a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This gives the mixture its distinctive aroma and warmth.
How to Make Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Combine Milk and Sugar: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, toss in 2 cups of full-fat whole milk and ¾ cup of organic cane sugar. Stir right away to mix them together.
- Bring to a Boil: Heat until the mixture bubbles, then reduce to a low simmer. Allow it to cook down, reducing more than 50% of its original volume without stirring.
- Add Butter and Vanilla: When you reach a creamy consistency, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 3 tablespoons of salted butter until fully melted and combined.
- Cool and Store: Allow the mixture to cool completely. If you notice any sugar crystallizing on the sides of the saucepan, simply scoop it out with a spoon.
- Transfer into Jar: Pour your homemade sweetened condensed milk into a mason jar, seal it, and refrigerate. It’ll stay fresh for up to a week.
You can use this rich treat in a variety of ways: for that classic Southern banana pudding, drizzling over morning oatmeal, or as a secret ingredient in baking, like in my No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store your homemade sweetened condensed milk in a mason jar at room temperature if you plan to use it within a few days. For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container, where it’ll keep for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months; just transfer it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring until it regains its creamy consistency.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Make sure to keep the heat on low once it’s at a simmer; this prevents burning and allows for even thickening.
- If you forget to stir initially but end up with a layer of sugar stuck to the pan, don’t worry! Just scoop it out during the cooling phase.
- Use a whisk when adding the butter and vanilla to incorporate them thoroughly.
- This recipe can also be made without butter for a non-dairy version by using coconut milk or almond milk.
Making Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk opens up a world of culinary possibilities. You’ll appreciate the ability to customize flavors and enhance your dishes with something so rich and luscious.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use non-dairy milk?
How can I use homemade sweetened condensed milk?
How long does it take to make it?
What can I do if my mixture doesn’t thicken?
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Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Category: Desserts & Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk features an irresistible creamy flavor and is made with simple ingredients like whole milk, sugar, and butter. A delightful addition to your favorite recipes, it’s quick to prepare and perfect for baking, desserts, or a rich drink. Enjoy it fresh and homemade!
Ingredients
- 2 cups full-fat whole milk
- ¾ cup organic cane sugar
- 3 tbsps salted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the milk and sugar, stirring gently. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer until the mixture reduces by more than 50% and becomes creamy. Do not stir during this time.
- Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract and butter, stirring until everything is well combined and the butter melts completely.
- Allow the mixture to cool completely. If any sugar crystals form in the saucepan, carefully remove them with a spoon.
- Once cooled, transfer the sweetened condensed milk to a mason jar, cover it, and refrigerate for up to one week.
- Use this sweetened condensed milk in your favorite recipes such as banana pudding, oatmeal, or even as a base for homemade ice cream. Enjoy!
Notes
For a variation, you can use a can of evaporated milk instead of whole milk and omit the butter.
If using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
