Ever run out of condensed milk in the middle of a recipe? Or simply want to make it from scratch? This Easy Homemade Condensed Milk recipe is your new kitchen superhero! With just a few simple ingredients and a little simmering time, you can create your own rich, creamy, and wonderfully sweet condensed milk that’s perfect for all your baking and dessert needs.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Homemade Condensed Milk recipe is an absolute game-changer, and I simply adore it for its simplicity and incredible versatility! What I love most is how effortlessly a few basic pantry staples transform into that rich, thick, and sweet liquid gold that store-bought condensed milk provides. It’s a fantastic alternative when you’re out, or when you just want to control the ingredients. The process is straightforward, and the result is a beautifully smooth and creamy product that adds amazing flavor to desserts, coffees, and more. It proves that some of the best kitchen staples can be made easily right at home!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Easy Homemade Condensed Milk:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, adds flavor)
Swaps and Notes
- Whole Milk: Whole milk is essential for the richness and creamy texture of condensed milk. Do not use skim or low-fat milk, as they will not achieve the desired consistency.
- Granulated Sugar: Standard white granulated sugar is perfect. It dissolves easily and provides the sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a smoother texture to the final product. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the sweetness without adding extra salt.
- Vanilla Extract: Optional, but a small amount of vanilla adds a lovely background flavor that complements the sweetness. Add it after cooking to preserve its flavor.
- Saucepan: Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent scorching and ensure even heat distribution. A larger saucepan is better than one that’s too small, as the mixture will bubble up.
Directions
Let’s get this delicious Homemade Condensed Milk simmering!
- Combine Milk and Sugar: In a small to medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the 1 cup whole milk and 1 cup granulated sugar.
- Dissolve Sugar: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently with a whisk or wooden spoon, until all the sugar is completely dissolved. Ensure there are no sugar crystals clinging to the sides of the pan.
- Simmer & Thicken: Once the sugar has dissolved, reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer gently for 30-40 minutes. It’s important to stir occasionally (every 5-7 minutes) to prevent sticking and ensure even reduction. The mixture will gradually thicken as the water evaporates. You’re looking for it to coat the back of a spoon and be visibly thicker, similar to the consistency of thin pancake syrup while warm. It will thicken more as it cools.
- Add Butter & Vanilla: As the mixture approaches its desired thickness (during the last 5 minutes of simmering), add the 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and stir until it is completely melted and incorporated. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Cool & Store: Allow the mixture to cool completely at room temperature. It will continue to thicken significantly as it cools. Once fully cooled, pour it into an airtight container (like a glass jar). Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Tips for Success
- Stir, Stir, Stir (Initially): Stirring constantly while the sugar dissolves helps prevent it from crystallizing later.
- Low Heat Simmer: Once the sugar is dissolved, reduce the heat to low. A gentle simmer is all you need for the water to evaporate and the mixture to thicken. High heat can cause scorching or too rapid a reduction, leading to a burnt taste.
- Don’t Overcook: The mixture will thicken considerably as it cools. If it gets too thick on the stove, it might become too solid once cold. Aim for a slightly thinner consistency than you desire when warm.
- Clean Sides of Pan: If any sugar crystals splash onto the sides of the pan during boiling, gently brush them down with a wet pastry brush to prevent crystallization of the whole batch.
- Taste Test (Optional): Once cooled, you can taste it. If it’s not quite sweet enough for your preference (unlikely, but possible depending on reduction), you could try adding a tiny pinch of powdered sugar, but this recipe is balanced.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Homemade Condensed Milk is incredibly versatile and can be used in countless sweet applications:
- Dessert Recipes: Use it in pies, bars, fudge, ice cream, and more (e.g., our Gooey Caramel Turtle Poke Cake or No-Bake Pineapple Coconut Bars).
- Coffee & Tea: Stir into hot coffee, tea, or a homemade latte for sweetness and creaminess.
- Sweet Breads: A key ingredient in recipes like our Soft and Fluffy Condensed Milk Bread.
- Fruit Topping: Drizzle over fresh fruit for a simple dessert.
- Puddings: Use as a base for creamy puddings (like our Ole Fashion Banana Puddin’).
- No-Bake Treats: Essential for many no-bake cookies and bars.
- Ice Cream: A base for homemade no-churn ice cream.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Homemade condensed milk stores well due to its high sugar content.
- Refrigeration: Store cooled condensed milk in an airtight container (a glass jar is ideal) in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: You can freeze homemade condensed milk! Pour it into an airtight, freezer-safe container, leaving a little headspace. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before use. It may require a whisking after thawing to regain full smoothness.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the sweet, creamy, and easy nature of making your own condensed milk, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free dessert and baking recipes that utilize this wonderful ingredient:
- For an incredibly soft and tender bread made with condensed milk, try our Soft and Fluffy Condensed Milk Bread.
- If you’re a fan of big, comforting desserts that feed a crowd, our This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert To Feed A Crowd is a must-try.
- For delicious chocolatey treats, check out our These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession.
- And for a simple yet satisfying sweet bite, don’t miss These Easy Coconut Macaroons Are My Favorite 3-Ingredient Treat.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Homemade Condensed Milk recipe is a brilliant kitchen hack, allowing you to create a versatile and essential ingredient with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for adding richness and sweetness to countless recipes, proving that sometimes, homemade truly is best!
Give this recipe a try and elevate your baking game! What’s your favorite recipe that uses sweetened condensed milk? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below!
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