How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk at Home

Sweetened condensed milk is like the secret weapon of the dessert world. It’s creamy, rich, and adds that perfect touch of sweetness to everything from pies to coffee. But here’s the kicker—you don’t need to run to the store to grab a can. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can whip up your own batch at home. Let’s dive in!

What You’ll Need

Before we get started, let’s make sure you’ve got everything on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups of whole milk (trust me, whole milk works best for that creamy texture)
• 2/3 cup of white sugar (granulated sugar is perfect here)
• 3 tablespoons of butter (unsalted is ideal, but salted works too if that’s what you’ve got)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (for that extra layer of flavor)

That’s it! Just four ingredients, and you’re on your way to homemade sweetened condensed milk that’s way better than the store-bought stuff.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Get Your Ingredients Ready

First things first—gather all your ingredients. There’s nothing worse than being halfway through a recipe and realizing you’re missing something. So, grab your milk, sugar, butter, and vanilla, and let’s get cooking.

Step 2: Mix the Milk and Sugar

Grab a medium-sized saucepan—preferably one with a heavy bottom to prevent scorching. Pour in your 2 cups of whole milk and add the 2/3 cup of sugar. Give it a good stir to help the sugar dissolve. You don’t want any gritty bits in your final product, so take your time here.

Step 3: Bring It to a Simmer

Now, place the saucepan over medium heat. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. Keep an eye on it and stir frequently to avoid burning. Burnt milk is not the vibe we’re going for here.

Step 4: Let It Reduce

Once it’s simmering, turn the heat down to low. Let it bubble away for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is where the magic happens—the water in the milk evaporates, leaving you with a thick, golden mixture. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s reduced by about half and has a rich, caramel-like color.

Step 5: Add the Butter and Vanilla

Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the 3 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt completely—this adds a lovely richness to the milk. Once the butter is fully incorporated, add the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This step is optional, but it gives the milk a warm, comforting flavor that’s hard to resist.

Step 6: Cool and Store

Let your sweetened condensed milk cool down. As it cools, it’ll thicken up even more. Once it’s at room temperature, transfer it to a clean jar or airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to two weeks—if it lasts that long!

How to Use Your Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk

Now that you’ve got your homemade sweetened condensed milk, what can you do with it? The possibilities are endless! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• In your coffee: Swap out your regular creamer for a spoonful of this. It’s like a latte in a jar.
• In desserts: Use it in pies, cakes, or puddings. It’s the key to that creamy, dreamy texture.
• As a drizzle: Pour it over fresh fruit, pancakes, or even ice cream for a quick and easy treat.

And there you have it—homemade sweetened condensed milk that’s simple, delicious, and totally customizable. Whether you’re a baking pro or just looking to try something new, this recipe is a game-changer. So, what are you waiting for? Grab that saucepan and get cooking!

P.S. If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different flavors. A pinch of cinnamon or a splash of almond extract can take your sweetened condensed milk to the next level. Happy cooking!