Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
Making your own sweetened condensed milk is so simple, you’ll never buy it from the store again! This delicious recipe is perfect for coffee, baking, ice cream, and more. Give this recipe a try today!
What is Sweetened Condensed Milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is a milk that has been heated to remove water from the milk. Adding sweetener and flavorings such as vanilla creates a thick consistency and a delicious taste.
What’s the Difference Between Evaporated Milk and Sweetened Condensed Milk?
Evaporated milk is milk with most of the water removed, whereas sweetened condensed milk refers to the fact that sugar has been added. Both these shelf-stable products are made with milk that’s had about 60 percent of its water removed, with sweetened condensed milk having added sweetener.
What is sweetened condensed milk used for?
Sweetened condensed milk is commonly used in baked goods and desserts. Many pies, puddings, and ice creams rely on sweetened condensed milk. It’s also great as a sweetener in coffee and tea.
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk
There are two ways I choose to make sweetened condensed milk. Both are simple and delicious, but one is slightly easier than the other. You probably already have all the ingredients on hand.
The simplest version involves using a 12oz can of evaporated milk mixed with 1 1/2 cups of sugar. Simply bring to a boil, and stir constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved. Then put in a jar and allow to cool. Easy!
The second version is my preferred version, as I can control the flavor a lot more, and I have the option of changing up the milk, sweetener and flavorings I use.
For this version, you’ll need milk, sweetener, butter and vanilla extract.
milk – Use your favorite milk. I use whole milk, but you can easily switch it out for dairy-free versions like almond, cashew or even oat milk. The flavor will change based on which milk you use, but I’ve never had anything but tasty results.
sweetener – Use your favorite sweetener. This version uses granulated sugar, but you can use honey, maple syrup, agave nectar or even Splenda to make a sugar-free version. Once again, the sweetener you choose will influence the final flavor.
butter – It’s always best to use unsweetened butter if you’re making this for use in sweet recipes. I love to use salted butter for a different flavor profile, but you may want to control the salt in any recipes you make.
vanilla extract – I always add vanilla extract to my sweetened condensed milk, but you can use almond or rum extracts, OR just omit it all together. Experiment for awesome results!
Can I Use this Recipe in Place of Store-Bought?
Most definitely. This recipe makes 8oz of sweetened condensed milk, which is less than the 14oz cans you buy in store. So you may want to double the recipe and measure out 14oz (1 3/4 cups) if you want to use this in place of a can.
How Long Does it Last?
Stored properly in a clean jar with a tight fitting lid, this will last up to one week in the fridge or three months in the freezer. If frozen, take it out the night before and leave in the fridge to thaw. You’ll want to shake well or pour into a bowl and whisk until smooth.
Can I make condensed milk from evaporated milk?
You sure can! Just grab a can of evaporate milk, and boil it in a saucepan with 1.5 cups of sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove and let cook for 30-45 minutes until ready to use.
You can store this version for up to two weeks in the fridge, or freeze for up to three months.
Favorite Recipes Using Sweetened Condensed Milk
I use sweetened condensed milk in tons of recipes, but here are two that are SUPER simple and delicious.
Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Pour milk and sugar into a medium saucepan and bring to medium heat.
Whisk until the sugar has dissolved.
Allow the milk to simmer for about 30 mins, until it reduces by half.
Stir frequently so that it doesn’t burn.
Once it has reduced by half, remove the heat.
Add in vanilla and butter.
Return to medium heat, whisking until it’s all combined.
Pour into a container and let it come to room temperature, then move to the fridge or use it right away.
This recipe is so delicious and MUCH better than the store bought version. The whole thing takes less than 45 minutes to make, and it has such a depth of flavor. There’s just something about making things from scratch that really appeals to me.
Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
Making your own sweetened condensed milk is so simple, you'll never buy it from the store again! This delicious recipe is perfect for coffee, baking, ice cream, and more. Give this recipe a try today!
Ingredients
- 2 C whole milk
- 3/4 C sugar
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Pour milk and sugar into a medium saucepan and bring to medium heat.
- Whisk until the sugar has dissolved.
- Allow the milk to simmer for about 30 mins, it will reduce by half.
- Stir frequently so that it doesn’t burn.
- Once it has reduced by half, remove the heat.
- Add in vanilla and butter.
- Return to medium heat, whisking until it’s all combined.
- Pour into a container and let it come to room temperature, then move to the fridge or use it right away.
- Be sure to shake well before use.
Notes
If the butter separates while cooling just stir it back together.
Use any type of milk you like, including oat, almond or coconut milk. The type of milk will influence the final flavor.
Use any sweetener you like, including sugar, honey, maple syrup, agave nectar or even Splenda!
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 162Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 27mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 0gSugar: 22gProtein: 2g
This nutrition information is automatically calculated and may not be entirely accurate. Please do your own research if you are overly concerned about specific macros.
I hope you love this recipe and use it often. Let me know how it turns out!
Katie Reed is a passionate writer and mother of four vivacious boys from Salt Lake City, Utah. Drawing from her own journey through TTC, pregnancy, and the joys of raising children, she offers a wealth of insight into the world of motherhood. Beyond her heartfelt tales, Katie delights her readers with family-friendly recipes, engaging crafts, and a curated library of printables for both kids and adults. When she’s not penning her experiences, you’ll find her crafting memories with her husband and sons—Dexter, Daniel, Chester, and Wilder.
