Homemade Condensed Milk Recipe

Homemade condensed milk—yep, you can totally make this creamy, sweet goodness right in your own kitchen, and it’s easier than you think! If you’ve ever wanted to skip the store-bought cans and whip up a homemade version of this kitchen staple, then you’re in the right place. Whether you’re planning to use it in a dessert, in your coffee, or as a key ingredient in your favorite recipes, this simple version will knock your socks off. Trust me, once you’ve tried homemade condensed milk, you may never go back to the store-bought stuff!

Why You’ll Love Homemade Condensed Milk

There’s something magical about making your own kitchen essentials, and condensed milk is no exception. Here’s why you’ll be hooked:

Super Simple Ingredients

Condensed milk has only a few ingredients, and most of them are things you probably already have in your pantry. You’ll need whole milk, sugar, and butter—nothing fancy, just a few simple, classic ingredients!

Ultra Creamy Texture

The homemade version is ultra-creamy, and it thickens up just the right amount. It’s smooth, velvety, and adds that perfect richness to any recipe that calls for condensed milk.

Perfect for Baking and Beyond

Condensed milk is such a versatile ingredient. Use it for baking pies, tarts, and cakes, mix it into coffee or tea for sweetness, or even drizzle it over fresh fruit for a quick treat.

No Preservatives

When you make it yourself, you know exactly what’s going into it. No preservatives, no artificial stuff—just pure, homemade goodness.

Quick and Easy

You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. This recipe is as simple as it gets, and it’s ready in just about 20 minutes!

Ingredients

The beauty of condensed milk is that it only requires a few simple ingredients:

Whole Milk

This is the base of the condensed milk. Full-fat milk creates a creamy texture that’s perfect for this recipe.

Sugar

Sugar sweetens the milk and helps it thicken as it cooks. The amount of sugar can be adjusted to your taste, but traditional condensed milk is quite sweet.

Butter

Butter adds a little extra richness and helps bring everything together smoothly.

(Note: The full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to whip up some creamy condensed milk? Let’s get started!

Combine the Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, sugar, and butter. Stir it together over medium heat until the sugar is fully dissolved. This will take just a few minutes, so keep an eye on it!

Simmer the Mixture

Once the sugar is dissolved, turn the heat to low and let the mixture simmer. Stir it occasionally to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom of the pan. As it simmers, the mixture will thicken and reduce, so be patient—this part usually takes about 15 minutes.

Check the Consistency

After simmering, the mixture should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. You can test the consistency by dipping the spoon into the milk and running your finger across the back—if it leaves a trail, it’s ready. If it’s still too runny, keep simmering for a few more minutes until it thickens up.

Let It Cool

Once the condensed milk has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken slightly as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a little thin at first.

Store and Enjoy!

Once cooled, transfer your homemade condensed milk to a jar or airtight container. Store it in the fridge, where it will keep for about a week. It’s perfect for your next dessert or to add a little sweetness to your morning coffee!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 1 cup
Calories per serving: 550
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 100mg
Carbohydrates: 87g
Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 85g
Protein: 9g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Homemade Condensed Milk

Homemade condensed milk is so versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. Here are a few suggestions:

As a Sweetener

Add it to your coffee or tea for a sweet, creamy twist. It’s perfect for making a delicious iced coffee or sweetened milk tea.

In Baking

Condensed milk is essential in recipes like key lime pie, coconut macaroons, and tres leches cake. It’s also fantastic when swirled into brownies or poured over fresh fruit.

With Desserts

Drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, or even a bowl of ice cream for a simple yet indulgent treat.

In Smoothies

Blend it into your favorite smoothie for a creamy, rich texture and added sweetness.

Additional Tips

Stir Constantly

Make sure to stir the mixture occasionally as it simmers. You don’t want the milk to scorch or stick to the bottom of the pan.

Adjust the Sweetness

If you prefer your condensed milk a bit less sweet, feel free to reduce the sugar slightly. Keep in mind that it’s traditionally quite sweet, so don’t reduce it too much if you want that classic taste.

Store Properly

Once you’ve made the condensed milk, be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last up to a week, but it’s so good, it’ll probably disappear long before then!

Make It Dairy-Free

If you need a dairy-free version, you can use coconut milk and a plant-based butter substitute. The flavor will be a little different but still delicious!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?

A1: While whole milk gives the best creamy texture, you can use low-fat milk. However, the consistency might be a little thinner, and it may not have the same richness.

Q2: Can I use this condensed milk in my coffee?

A2: Yes! It’s perfect for adding to coffee or tea as a sweet, creamy addition. Just stir it in for a smooth, indulgent treat.

Q3: How do I store homemade condensed milk?

A3: Store your homemade condensed milk in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for up to a week.

Q4: Can I make this in advance?

A4: Absolutely! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. It’ll keep fresh for about a week.

Q5: Can I use this in recipes that call for canned condensed milk?

A5: Yes, this homemade version works perfectly as a substitute for canned condensed milk in any recipe.

Q6: Can I make this without butter?

A6: Butter adds richness and creaminess, but if you need to skip it, you can make condensed milk without it. The flavor and texture may be slightly different, but it will still work!

Q7: How thick should the condensed milk be?

A7: The condensed milk should coat the back of a spoon and leave a trail when you run your finger across it. If it’s still too runny, simmer it for a few more minutes.

Q8: Can I freeze homemade condensed milk?

A8: Yes, you can freeze it! Just store it in a freezer-safe container. To use, thaw in the fridge overnight and give it a good stir before using.

Q9: Can I make this with alternative sweeteners?

A9: Yes, you can experiment with alternative sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute. Keep in mind that this might affect the flavor slightly.

Q10: What can I do with leftover condensed milk?

A10: Leftover condensed milk is great for making other desserts, like fudge, ice cream, or caramel sauce. Or simply drizzle it over fruit or pancakes for a sweet treat!

Conclusion

Making your own condensed milk at home is not only incredibly easy but also so satisfying. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a creamy, sweet treat that elevates any dessert, drink, or dish. Once you try it, you might just find yourself making this homemade version all the time!

Print