This sweetened condensed milk recipe is absolutely fabulous and so easy to make. Made with just 4 simple and fresh ingredients. Once you taste homemade you will never go back to the canned stuff again!
Bonus: You can also make sweetened condensed milk using just a can of evaporated milk and sugar. The process is in the recipe card notes section!
Table of Contents
✔ Main Ingredients Notes
When making from scratch you just need these four simple ingredients
- Milk: My go-to for this recipe is whole milk, however, you can use the low-fat 2% milk. Almond milk can be substituted.
- Sugar: White granulated sugar sweeten the milk. The sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
- Vanilla Paste: This gives the milk that deep classic flavor. If you don't have vanilla paste then you can use an equal amount of vanilla extract.
- Butter: Always use unsalted butter.
See the recipe card for ingredient quantities.
👩🍳 How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk
(Note: please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the complete written instructions.)
Pour milk and sugar into a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Whisking until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Allow the milk to slowly simmer for about 30 mins, it will reduce by half. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Milk burns easily so keep an eye on the saucepan.
Once it has been reduced by half, remove the heat. Stir in the vanilla and butter. Return the saucepan to the stovetop and whisk until it’s well combined.
Pour the mixture into a heat safe container and let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to the fridge for storage or use it right away.
📖Helpful RecipeTips
If the butter separates while cooling just stir it back together. Be sure to shake well before use.
Tools For This Recipe
(Amazon Affiliate Links) Check out my other recommendations on my Small Kitchen Stor page
- Medium Saucepan - I prefer using an enameled saucepan for making condensed milk.
- Whisk or Rubber Spatula
- 8-ounce Glass Mason Jars
🍽️Suggested Ways to Use Condensed Milk
- Making quick fudge
- No churn ice cream
- Makes a great lemon tart filling
- Cook it further to turn it into a caramel sauce
- Dollop in your coffee
Storage
This recipe will stay fresh in a covered container for up to 5 days. The condensed milk can be frozen for up to 2 months. This is a wonderful recipe to keep on hand during the holiday season for those impromptu fudge recipes!
My favorite recipe that uses sweetened condensed milk
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📖 Recipe
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Equipment
- Mason Jar
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
Instructions
- Pour milk and sugar into a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Whisking until the sugar has completely dissolved.2 cups whole milk, ¾ cups granulated sugar
- Allow the milk to slowly simmer for about 30 mins, it will reduce by half. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Milk burns easily so keep an eye on the saucepan.
- Once it has been reduced by half, remove the heat. Stir in the vanilla and butter. Return the saucepan to the stovetop and whisk until it’s well combined.1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Pour the mixture into a heat-safe container and let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to the fridge for storage or use it right away.
Notes
Bonus: 2 ingredients Sweetened Condensed Milk -You will need:
1 (12-ounce) can evaporate milk
1 ½ cups of granulated sugar
Bring the evaporated milk and sugar to a boil, stirring constantly. Stir until the sugar is fully melted. Pour into a mason jar or air-tight container to cool for 30-45 mins. Use immediately or store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Kat
It’s easy, worked out well!