Making homemade condensed milk is surprisingly easy! All you need are a few basic ingredients, and you can whip it up in about 15 minutes. Here’s a simple recipe:
Homemade Condensed Milk Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (optional, for richness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for flavor)
Instructions:
- Combine the ingredients:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Simmer the mixture:
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from scorching at the bottom. Once it begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low.
- Cook down the mixture:
- Let the mixture simmer gently for about 20–30 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens. You’ll want the milk to reduce by about half. It should have a syrupy consistency.
- Optional butter and vanilla:
- Once the condensed milk has thickened, add the butter (if using) and vanilla extract. Stir to combine. The butter will add a rich, creamy texture, and the vanilla will enhance the flavor.
- Cool and store:
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the condensed milk cool. It will thicken further as it cools. Once cooled, transfer it to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate. Homemade condensed milk will last about 1–2 weeks in the fridge.
Notes:
- Consistency: If you find that the mixture isn’t thickening enough, continue simmering for a bit longer until it reaches the desired consistency. You can also use a kitchen thermometer to check for the right temperature—condensed milk typically reaches around 220°F (104°C) when it’s thick enough.
- Substitutions: If you don’t have whole milk, you can use a combination of half-and-half or full-fat cream with a little water, but whole milk gives the best texture and flavor.
- Sweetness: The sugar-to-milk ratio in this recipe mimics store-bought condensed milk. If you prefer it a little less sweet, you can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind the sugar helps with thickening.
Enjoy your homemade condensed milk in desserts, coffee, or however you like to use it!
