Creamy Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk (8Oz) Recipe

Silky Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk (8Oz) Recipe

Whipping up a batch of homemade sweetened condensed milk can revolutionize your baking adventures.

Creamy dairy magic happens with just a few simple ingredients from your pantry.

Forget store-bought versions that sit on shelves for months.

Crafting this silky smooth mixture takes minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor satisfaction.

Simple kitchen equipment becomes your secret weapon in creating this versatile ingredient.

Pure ingredients blend together effortlessly, giving you control over every delicious detail.

You’ll be amazed how quickly this recipe becomes a staple in your cooking repertoire.

Variations of Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk

  • Chocolate Condensed Milk: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder during initial heating for a rich chocolate version perfect for dessert sauces and brownies.
  • Vanilla Bean Condensed Milk: Scrape seeds from one vanilla bean into the mixture while cooking, creating an aromatic and sophisticated condensed milk ideal for coffee and baking.
  • Coconut Condensed Milk: Replace half the regular milk with coconut milk, introducing a tropical flavor profile great for Southeast Asian-inspired desserts and beverages.
  • Maple Condensed Milk: Substitute half the sugar with pure maple syrup, resulting in a deeper, caramel-like sweetness excellent for pancakes and baked goods.

Pairings for Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk

  • Sweetness Symphony: Pair condensed milk with classic desserts that highlight its rich, creamy texture.
  • Dessert Delight Companions: Drizzle over warm apple pie, bread pudding, or key lime pie for an indulgent flavor boost.
  • Coffee and Cocktail Magic: Stir into espresso for a luxurious café con leche or blend into tropical rum-based cocktails for a silky sweetness.
  • Global Flavor Fusion: Mix into Thai iced tea, Vietnamese coffee, or use as a base for Brazilian brigadeiro truffles to explore international dessert traditions.

How to Store Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk

Store in an airtight glass jar or container for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Ensure the lid is tightly sealed to prevent absorption of other food odors.

Transfer condensed milk to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.

Keep sealed at cool room temperature for 2-3 days if using within a short period. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas.

Gently warm in the microwave using short 10-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Alternatively, place the container in a bowl of warm water and stir until smooth and spreadable.

FAQs

  • Why use baking soda in this recipe?

Baking soda helps prevent sugar crystallization and creates a smoother, more consistent texture in the condensed milk, ensuring a silky result.

  • Can I use alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup?

No, white granulated sugar is recommended because it provides the right consistency and sweetness level for traditional condensed milk.

  • How do I know when the condensed milk is ready?

The mixture is ready when it thickens and reduces by about half, coating the back of a spoon and having a rich, creamy consistency.

  • Is homemade condensed milk healthier than store-bought?

Homemade allows you to control ingredients, reduce preservatives, and customize sugar levels, making it potentially healthier than commercial versions.

Creamy Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk: Sweet Magic

  • Craft Your Sweetness: Transform basic ingredients into a luscious homemade condensed milk with minimal kitchen skills required.
  • Customize Your Flavor: Control sugar levels and ingredients, ensuring a personalized and healthier alternative to store-bought versions.
  • Budget-Friendly Delight: Save money by creating a premium ingredient using simple pantry staples instead of purchasing expensive pre-made condensed milk.
  • Zero Preservative Magic: Enjoy a pure, natural product without unnecessary additives or artificial stabilizers found in commercial brands.

Ingredients for Creamy Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk

For the Base:
  • Whole Milk: A rich and creamy foundation that provides the primary volume and texture for the condensed milk.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the thick, luxurious consistency of the condensed milk.
For the Stabilizer:
  • Baking Soda: A small pinch that prevents sugar crystallization and ensures a smooth, silky final product.
For Optional Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract, Salt: These ingredients can add depth and balance to the sweetness of the condensed milk, though they are not essential to the core recipe.

Making Creamy Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk

Step 1: Combine Milk and Sugar

Grab a medium-sized pan and pour in whole milk. Add granulated sugar to the milk.

Select a pan with even heat distribution to help create a smooth mixture.

Step 2: Start Heating

Place the pan on the stove over medium-high heat.

Begin stirring the milk and sugar continuously with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. Keep the mixture moving to prevent any burning or sticking at the bottom of the pan.

Step 3: Bring to Gentle Boil

Continue heating and stirring until the mixture starts to bubble gently around the edges. Maintain a consistent stirring motion to ensure even heat and prevent scorching.

Watch for the liquid to become slightly frothy and develop a soft rolling boil.

Step 4: Reduce and Thicken

Lower the heat to medium and keep stirring persistently.

The liquid will gradually transform from a thin watery consistency to a more dense, creamy texture. This process takes approximately 20-25 minutes.

Be patient and maintain constant movement with your stirring utensil.

Step 5: Add Baking Soda

Remove the pan from the heat source.

Sprinkle a tiny pinch of baking soda into the mixture. Stir thoroughly to incorporate.

The baking soda helps create a smoother, more stable condensed milk and prevents unwanted crystallization.

Step 6: Cool and Stir

Allow the condensed milk to cool at room temperature.

Stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming on the surface. The mixture will continue to thicken as it cools down.

Step 7: Store and Chill

Transfer the cooled condensed milk into a clean, airtight glass jar or container. Seal the container and place it in the refrigerator.

The homemade condensed milk will keep well for about one week when stored properly.

Tips for Creamy Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk

  • Stir constantly during cooking to avoid scorching the milk and sugar mixture, ensuring a smooth, creamy result.
  • Watch the mixture closely and continue stirring until it reaches a thick, syrupy consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
  • Add a pinch of baking soda to prevent crystallization and create a silky, uniform condensed milk.
  • Cool the condensed milk completely before refrigerating in an airtight container, where it will keep for up to two weeks.
  • Reduce sugar quantity for a less sweet version, perfect for those watching their sugar intake.
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Creamy Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk (8Oz) Recipe

Creamy Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk (8Oz) Recipe


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4.7 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Crafting delightful Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk elevates desserts with rich, silky perfection. Minimal ingredients and simple techniques help create this versatile kitchen staple that brings luxurious sweetness to countless recipes.


Ingredients

Scale

Dairy:

  • 2 cups (500 ml) full-fat milk

Sweeteners:

  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar

Optional Ingredients:

  • 1 pinch baking soda

Instructions

  1. Combine whole milk and granulated sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
  2. Position pan over medium-high heat, whisking continuously to dissolve sugar completely and prevent scorching.
  3. Allow mixture to gradually increase in temperature, maintaining constant movement to promote uniform heating.
  4. When liquid reaches a gentle simmer, reduce heat to medium and continue stirring consistently, watching for viscosity changes.
  5. Monitor liquid’s consistency, stirring frequently as moisture evaporates and mixture transforms into a rich, thick syrup (approximately 20-25 minutes).
  6. Incorporate a tiny pinch of baking soda, gently folding to enhance smoothness and prevent potential sugar crystallization.
  7. Remove from heat source and let condensed milk cool naturally, stirring intermittently to maintain silky texture and prevent surface film formation.
  8. Transfer cooled mixture into a sterile glass container with secure lid, ensuring airtight seal for optimal preservation.
  9. Refrigerate immediately, where condensed milk will continue to thicken and can be stored for approximately one week.

Notes

  • Prevent scorching by using a heavy-bottomed pan to distribute heat evenly and reduce the chance of burning the milk.
  • Whisk continuously during cooking to ensure smooth consistency and prevent lumps from forming.
  • For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with low-fat milk, though the texture might be slightly less creamy.
  • Add a splash of vanilla extract at the end for enhanced flavor depth and aromatic sweetness.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 155
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 40 mg
  • Fat: 3.6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 5.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 12 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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