How to Make Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe

We're talking about sweetened condensed milk. That lusciously thick and sugary elixir that has the power to turn your culinary creations into masterpieces.

Prep Time5

Cook Time40

Total Time45

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: bakery recipe, baking tip, easy recipe

Servings: servings, 1 cup

Calories: 269kcal

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Kitchen Essentials

Pint Jar

Dip Bowl

Sauce Bowl

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Ingredients

2 cups whole milk (for a dairy version) or a dairy-free alternative (such as coconut milk, almond milk, or soy milk)
1 cup granulated sugar
A pinch of salt optional, for flavor enhancement
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract optional, for added flavor

text ingredients

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the milk and sugar. If desired, add a pinch of salt for enhanced flavor and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for a touch of sweetness.
2 cups whole milk, 1 cup granulated sugar, A pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Heat the Mixture: Place the saucepan over low heat and stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved. Be patient during this step to ensure the sugar fully incorporates into the milk. Avoid letting the mixture stick to the bottom of the pan.
Simmer and Reduce: Once the sugar is dissolved, increase the heat to medium-low and let the mixture gently simmer. Stir frequently to prevent it from sticking or burning. As it simmers, the liquid will gradually reduce in volume and thicken. This process can take approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
Check for Desired Thickness: Continue simmering until the mixture has thickened to your liking, resembling the texture of traditional sweetened condensed milk. Keep in mind that it will continue to thicken as it cools, so it's okay if it's slightly runnier than desired during cooking.
Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the condensed milk to cool to room temperature. As it cools, it will continue to thicken. Once cooled, transfer it to a clean, airtight container.
Refrigerate: Store your homemade sweetened condensed milk in the refrigerator. It will keep for several weeks, ready to use whenever you need it for various recipes, desserts, coffee, or tea.

Notes

Recipe Tips:

Stirring frequently is crucial to prevent scorching and ensure even thickening.
Adjust the sugar quantity to suit your desired level of sweetness.
The process may take some time, so be patient. The end result will be worth it.
Homemade sweetened condensed milk may be slightly less thick than store-bought varieties but should work well in most recipes.

Nutrition

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