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 65 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

Is there a way to make sweetened condensed milk? ›

The ingredients are simple: 32 ounces milk, seven ounces sugar, and six ounces heavy cream, plus a pinch of salt and whatever aromatics you choose. The cream adds a major dose of lactose for more flavorful browning, but more importantly, it prevents the milk from curdling as it cooks.

Is it worth it to make your own condensed milk? ›

Is homemade sweetened condensed milk worth the effort versus store bought? Yeah, it definitely worth the effort. 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.

What can I use in place of sweetened 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.

What are the ingredients in a can of sweetened condensed milk? ›

Our signature Sweetened Condensed Milk is only made from milk and sugar. Our unique process uses real sugar and real dairy milk to create the perfect base for hundreds of delicious recipes. Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk is found in a can and a resealable pouch for different needs and occasions.

Can I turn evaporated milk into sweetened condensed milk? ›

While we don't recommend substituting condensed milk for evaporated milk or vice versa, you can make your own condensed milk when you're in a pinch. Simply heat together 1½ cups of sugar and one can of evaporated milk until the sugar has fully dissolved.

Is it cheaper to buy or make 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.

Why is condensed milk not advisable? ›

Evaporated milk has added sugar and carbohydrates which are very high, making sweetened condensed milk not healthy for nutritional intake for babies and children, Ali explained.

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

Using sweetened condensed milk to boost calorie content may be more beneficial than using sugar alone since the product also provides extra protein, fat and some bone-healthy minerals like calcium and phosphorus. You can store sweetened condensed milk for a long time without refrigeration.

Can I use regular milk if I don't have condensed milk? ›

While you could use ordinary milk wherever evaporated is called for, in sauces or in coffee, it would taste thinner. CONDENSED milk is both evaporated and preserved with a great deal of sugar. It is almost a liquid candy straight out of the can. To substitute you would need to add more sugar to your recipe.

What is the same as sweetened condensed milk? ›

Condensed milk is evaporated milk that typically has sweetener added, so much so that the terms 'condensed milk' and 'sweetened condensed milk' are used interchangeably. Sugar is added before canning; condensed milk is very sweet and contains about 40 to 45 percent sugar.

What is a natural substitute for condensed milk? ›

Coconut Cream

The natural sweetness of coconuts makes it a fantastic sugar free substitute for condensed milk. However, if you do wish to sweeten the pot, add some sugar into the mixture and simmer it until the sugar fully dissolves. Replace it for regular condensed milk at a 1:1 exchange.

Is condensed milk and Lechera the same thing? ›

LA LECHERA Fat-Free Sweetened Condensed Milk has the same creamy, sweet taste as the original product without the fat. Also, containing half the sugar and half the calories of sweetened condensed milks, LA LECHERA 50% Less Sugar is the condensed milk category's only reduced sugar item.

What's the difference between condensed milk and sweetened condensed milk? ›

Condensed milk is referred to as both condensed milk and sweetened condensed milk; the names are synonymous. 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.

Is it OK to drink a can of condensed milk? ›

Can I drink sweetened condensed milk? It is a ready-to-use product so it may be consumed without any other preparation. You can add it to everyday items like in your coffee, on toast with cinnamon, on fruit or yogurt, and in any way you see fit.

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

Ingredients
  1. 1 ½ cups white sugar.
  2. 1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk.
Sep 29, 2023

Is it possible to whip condensed milk? ›

It is much thicker and sweeter than regular milk and is commonly used in baking and dessert recipes. Can condensed milk be whipped like cream? Yes, condensed milk can be whipped to create a creamy, fluffy texture similar to whipped cream.

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