This small batch homemade sweetened condensed milk is an easy way to make just what you need without opening and wasting the remaining in the can. It cooks down into a thick, sweet mixture that works well in desserts, coffee, or any recipe where you want that classic creamy texture. I especially like this version when I only need a little at a time, because it feels more practical and less wasteful than buying store-bought.
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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!
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 2% low-fat milk. Almond milk can be substituted.
- Sugar: White granulated sugar sweetens 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
The key to this recipe is patience more than effort. The mixture starts out very thin, but as it cooks over low heat it gradually turns richer and silkier. I would keep the heat gentle and stir often so the milk reduces evenly without scorching.
The easiest way to tell it is close is by the texture. It should look glossy and thick enough to lightly coat a spoon, but it may still seem a little loose while hot. That is normal, since it thickens more as it cools. Once cooled, it is ready to use in desserts, coffee, or any recipe where you only need a small amount.
The recipe card below has the exact ingredient amounts and full timing.
Helpful Recipe Tips
If the butter separates while cooling just stir it back together. Be sure to shake well before use.
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. I love using this for my slow cooker fudge recipe!
Small Batch Sweetened Condensed Milk
Ingredients
Recipe Directions
- 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.
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Nutrition
Notes
- Choose the right milk: Use full-fat milk for the best results. The higher fat content contributes to a richer and creamier condensed milk.
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan: A heavy-bottomed saucepan helps distribute heat evenly, preventing the milk from scorching or sticking to the bottom.
- When simmering the milk, use low to medium heat. Avoid high heat, as it can cause the milk to scorch or form a skin on the surface. Slow heating allows for gentle evaporation and caramelization of the sugars.
- Stir the milk frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure even heat distribution. Use a heat-resistant spatula or wooden spoon for stirring.
- Making sweetened condensed milk is a slow process that requires patience. It can take anywhere from 1 to 1.5 hours of simmering to reduce the milk to the desired consistency. Avoid rushing the process by turning up the heat, as it can result in burnt or grainy condensed milk.
- Add the sweetener after the milk has reduced by about half. Adding the sugar too early can interfere with the evaporation process and affect the final texture of the condensed milk.
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It’s easy, worked out well!