Learn how to make thick, creamy, and sweet homemade sweetened condensed milk. This simple recipe is perfect for holiday desserts and can be made without refined sugar. Read on for tips, tools, and a reliable method to make your own.
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Not long ago I was making a homemade pumpkin pie that called for evaporated milk, and that reminded me how often recipes ask for sweetened condensed milk. It’s one of those ingredients people sometimes forget to buy, so having an easy homemade method is handy—especially during the holidays.
Homemade sweetened condensed milk is thick, creamy, and versatile. I like making it myself because I can control the ingredients, avoid refined sugar if I want, and save money. It’s also very easy to prepare and tastes wonderful.
Tips for making sweetened condensed milk:
- Use higher-fat milk (or add a bit of cream) for a richer texture and better mouthfeel.
- Cook gently over medium-low heat. Slow, steady simmering prevents scorching and keeps the texture smooth.
- After the mixture reaches a simmer and the sweetener dissolves, avoid vigorous whisking. Stirring too much can encourage sugar crystals to form and make the texture grainy.
- You can use unrefined sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, and the recipe also works with many dairy-free milks—expect slight flavor differences depending on the milk used.
- If you don’t have cream, simply substitute more milk.
Tools you may need:
Saucepan
Silicone spatula
Measuring cups
Whisk
What’s the difference between evaporated milk and condensed milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is milk that has been sweetened and reduced, resulting in a very thick, sweet product. Evaporated milk is reduced but unsweetened and is thinner because it lacks the sugar that helps thicken condensed milk.
How do I turn evaporated milk into sweetened condensed milk?
To convert evaporated milk to sweetened condensed milk, add about 1.5 cups of sugar per 12-ounce can of evaporated milk. Warm gently in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves, bring to a simmer, then cool. This makes a quick pantry-friendly alternative.
How do you use sweetened condensed milk?
Use it in cookies, cakes, pies, no-churn ice cream, or to make homemade caramel sauce. It’s a staple for many dessert recipes and can be used wherever recipes call for the store-bought version.
Can I substitute milk for sweetened condensed milk?
No—plain milk is thin and unsweetened, so it won’t work as a direct one-to-one substitute. It’s easy to make this sweetened condensed milk recipe instead when you need it.
What are the ingredients in sweetened condensed milk?
Milk – Whole milk or a dairy-free alternative will both work. Lower-fat milks will work too, but whole milk yields the best texture.
Cream – Optional, but adds richness. If using dairy-free milk or if you don’t have cream, increase the milk instead.
Sweetener – Use maple syrup or honey for a natural, unrefined sweetener; maple syrup adds a nice flavor. Regular sugar also works. Avoid artificial sugar substitutes in this recipe.
Salt – A dash of salt enhances the sweetness and balances flavor.
Vanilla (optional) – A teaspoon of vanilla extract adds warm, rounded flavor. If you use maple syrup, vanilla is optional because the syrup already provides flavor.
How To Make Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Measure your ingredients and add them to a medium saucepan.
- Place the pan over medium-low heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally until the sweetener dissolves.
- Once simmering and the sweetener has dissolved, stop whisking and allow the mixture to simmer gently until it reduces by about half. This typically takes 30–40 minutes.
- Watch carefully to prevent boiling over.
- The condensed milk is ready when it has thickened and reduced to roughly half its original volume (about 1.5 cups).
- Let it cool; it will thicken further as it cools. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- If you cook it too long, it may start to clump and caramelize, producing a thicker, more caramel-like flavor.
Find more delicious recipes:
- Lace Cookies With Pumpkin Spice
- Easy Blackberry Cobbler Recipe
- Creamy Custard Pie: Easy Dessert Recipe
- Peppermint Fudge Topped Shortbread Cookie Bars {Gluten, Grain, Nut, & Refined Sugar Free}
Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe
If you try this recipe and enjoy it, please come back and leave a comment and rating — feedback is always appreciated.
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Ingredients
- 2 cup milk — whole or dairy free
- 1/4 cup cream — or extra milk if you prefer or are using dairy-free milk
- 3/4 cup maple syrup — or honey or sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- dash salt
Instructions
- Add the milk, cream, sweetener, salt, and vanilla (if using) to a saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring until the sweetener dissolves.
- Once simmering and the sweetener is dissolved, stop whisking. Let the mixture simmer gently until it reduces by about half, about 35–45 minutes. Watch carefully so it doesn’t boil over.
- Remove from heat and set aside to cool; it will thicken as it cools.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Nutrition
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