Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe (2024)

Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk recipe makes a delicious, made from scratch version of sweetened condensed milk that you can use in coffee, baking, ice cream and more!

Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe (1)

This homemade sweetened condensed milk is a recipe that I hope you love as much as I do. It isn’t an ingredient that we use a lot in cooking, but when I do, I like to turn to this homemade version. It is perfect for making homemade ice cream, fudge, pies, and so much more!

Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk

Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe (2)

What is Sweetened Condensed Milk?

Sweetened condensed milk is a milk that has been heated to remove any water from the milk. This reduces the milk by at least half and thickens the consistency of the milk into a thick liquid.

How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk

This homemade version is made with just four ingredients that you most likely already have on hand.

milk – Use your favorite milk. You can use dairy or dairy-free milk options based on your personal preferences. I have tested and loved using almond, cashew and even oat milk for a dairy-free recipe. The flavor will change based on the milk that you use.

sweetener – Use your favorite sweetener. You can use granulated sugar, honey, maple syrup or any other favorite. I have even tested it with Splenda to make a sugar-free version. The sweetener that you use will change the flavor. For example, if you use maple syrup, it will have maple undertones to it (which is delicious, by the way!).

butter – I use salted butter when I make this recipe but you can use whichever butter you prefer or have on hand. It adds a silkiness and so much richness to the recipe and enhances it in my personal opinion. If you prefer not to use it, you can omit it from the recipe.

vanilla extract – the vanilla extract adds so much depth to the condensed milk.

Can I Use this Recipe in Place of Store-Bought?

Absolutely! I’ve tested the recipe time and again to make sure that it yields just the right amount to use for recipes that call for a can of store-bought.

That way, it removes any guesswork from using this homemade recipe in place of the standard can from the grocery store. It is equal to just a bit over a cup, 1 1/4 cups each time I’ve made it.Once you make your own, I think you’ll be so surprised at how easy it is!

How Long Does it Last?

Once made, store in a clean jar with a tight fitting lid in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to three months. If frozen, just thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then shake vigorously in an airtight container with lid on or pour into a larger container and whisk until smooth and consistent throughout.

Favorite Recipes Using Sweetened Condensed Milk

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Easy Coconut Macaroons Recipe

Key Lime Pie Recipe

Easy Fudge Recipe

+ more recipes using sweetened condensed milk

Here’s my Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk recipe. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe (3)

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Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe

Robyn Stone

4.96 from 66 votes

This Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk recipe makes a delicious, made from scratch version of sweetened condensed milk that you can use in coffee, baking, ice cream and more!

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 10 ounces

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (454 g) whole milk, dairy, almond, cashew, oat, etc.
  • 3/4 cup (148.5 g) sugar, granulated or cane, honey, or maple syrup
  • 4 tablespoons (56 g) salted butter
  • 1 teaspoon (4.7 g) vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Whisk together milk and sweetener in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisking often, bring to a low simmer. Continue to simmer, whisking often, until milk has reduced by half, about 30 minutes. Once reduced, remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Allow to cool completely and store in a mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Notes

Makes 1 1/4 cups.

Metric conversions and nutrition calculations use whole dairy milk and granulated sugar.

To make sugar-free: Use your favorite heat-safe sugar substitute in the appropriate amounts for the recipe.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ounce | Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3.4g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Enjoy!
Robyn xo

Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe (4)

Categorized as:All Recipes, Cooking, Dessert Recipes, Egg-Free Recipes, Essentials, Gluten-Free Recipes, Grain-Free Recipes, how to, Kitchen Tips, Recipes, Simple Recipes

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Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What are the ingredients in sweetened condensed milk? ›

Made with just two ingredients, fresh whole milk and natural sugar, CARNATION Condensed Milk makes it quick and easy to create delicious sweet treats from creamy cheesecakes to millionaires' shortbread.

Is it cheaper to make or buy condensed milk? ›

Homemade condensed milk is not only cheaper, but it tastes more delicious, as making it requires less heat and sugar, allowing the flavor of the milk to come through. Also, canned condensed milk can contain preservatives or additives, while homemade condensed milk only takes two ingredients to make.

What is a substitute for 1 can of condensed milk? ›

Condensed Milk Substitutes

If you don't have sweetened condensed milk, you can make your own using evaporated milk and sugar, or you can bring 3/4 cup of white sugar, 1/2 cup of water, and 1 1/8 cups of dry powdered milk to a boil and cook, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 20 minutes.

How much sugar to add to evaporated milk to make condensed milk? ›

In a pinch, you can make sweetened condensed milk from evaporated milk. Mix 1 cup evaporated milk with 1 1/4 cups sugar. Heat until the sugar is dissolved, then cool. For a better substitute for sweetened condensed milk, use powdered milk.

What is the composition of sweetened condensed milk? ›

The approximate composition of sweetened condensed milk is 8–9% fat, 20–22% non-fat milk solids, 10–11% lactose, 43–45% sucrose, and 25–27% moisture. This high sugar content helps to maintain the quality of the product during its shelf life. Normally, sweetened condensed milk is packaged in metal cans.

What is a healthier version of condensed milk? ›

Thick as traditional condensed milk, coconut cream is made from the white fleshy meat of coconuts. Another great non dairy substitute for sweetened condensed milk for those on vegan or non-dairy diets, coconut cream is made by blending 4 cups of coconut meat with a cup of water.

Is homemade condensed milk better? ›

Making sweetened condensed milk at home means subjecting it to a far less heat-intensive process than commercially canned milk, which helps preserve a fresher dairy flavor.

Which is healthier condensed milk or evaporated milk? ›

For example, a single ounce (30 ml) of sweetened condensed milk has just over 15 grams of sugar, while the same amount of nonfat evaporated milk contains just over 3 grams (3, 4). Sweetened condensed milk has roughly five times the amount sugar of evaporated milk, as sugar is added during processing as a preservative.

Why is condensed milk not advisable? ›

The high sugar content in sweetened condensed milk can also trigger the risk of diabetes in children. High sugar levels in the body can cause a decrease in insulin hormone sensitivity in the body, leading to the risk of diabetes.

What happens if you use evaporated milk instead of sweetened condensed milk? ›

For the most part, if you find yourself without condensed milk on hand, you can substitute an equal amount of evaporated milk. The consistency will be the same, but since evaporated milk is unsweetened, you'll need to add sweetener to match the recipe's intended flavor profile or to suit your personal preference.

What can vegans use instead of condensed milk? ›

You can use most plant milk to make homemade vegan condensed milk, but I highly recommend soy milk or full-fat coconut milk. Some plant milks are more watery and thin than others, which will result in a thinner texture in the end result and may also require more sugar to achieve the right level of sweetness.

Is it better to use sugar or sweetened condensed milk? ›

Condensed milk has signficantly more Vitamin A than white sugar. Condensed milk has signficantly more protein than white sugar. Condensed milk is an excellent source of calcium and potassium.

What is the role of sugar in condensed milk? ›

The sugar extends the shelf life of sweetened condensed milk. Sucrose increases the liquid's osmotic pressure, which prevents microorganism growth. The sweetened evaporated milk is cooled and lactose crystallization is induced.

What makes condensed milk thick? ›

The biggest difference between condensed and evaporated milk is the sugar content. Both are made by reducing a percentage of the water content from the milk but the condensed version has sugar added, which caramelized to thicken the milk, so it is called Sweetened Condensed Milk.

Is condensed milk OK for you? ›

Due to the sugar addition, condensed milk is more durable than evaporated milk. The benefits of regular milk are boosted in condensed milk since it contains more sugar. Condensed milk is a good source of these nutrients in addition to calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin A, riboflavin, phosphorus, and protein.

Is there a lot of sugar in condensed milk? ›

More About Condensed Milk

This shelf-stable product is a form of concentrated milk in which about 60 percent of the water content has been removed, after which sugar is added before canning. Condensed milk contains 40 to 45 percent sugar. It's rich and thick, with a caramel color and a super-sweet flavor.

Is there a difference between evaporated milk and condensed milk? ›

The main difference between evaporated milk and condensed milk is that evaporated milk is unsweetened while condensed milk is sweetened. Evaporated milk is simply fresh milk that's been heated until about 60 percent of its water content has evaporated.

What are the ingredients in Nestle sweetened condensed milk? ›

Nestlé® Sweetened Condensed Milk 90 g
  • Pasteurized full cream cow's milk.
  • Sugar . Prepared from cow's milk.
  • Milk solids 28%, of which milk fat is 8%

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