Homemade Condensed Milk

Alyssa

Make your own creamy homemade condensed milk with just two ingredients! Perfect for desserts, drinks, and a healthier alternative to store-bought.

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1 cup whole milk: This is the primary ingredient that gives the condensed milk its rich and creamy consistency. Whole milk contains more fat which adds richness to the condensed milk. You can use low-fat or skim milk, but the result will be less creamy.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sugar is essential for sweetness and also helps to preserve the condensed milk. The sugar dissolves in the milk creating a thick syrup as the mixture cooks down. For a lower-calorie alternative, you can experiment with sugar substitutes, but note that they may alter the taste and texture.
1 tbsp butter optional: Adding butter enriches the flavor and adds a lovely creamy texture to the milk. This is optional, but I highly recommend it for an extra layer of richness.
1 tsp vanilla extract optional: This ingredient enhances the flavor of the finished product, giving it an aromatic hint of vanilla. For a unique twist, consider using different extracts like almond or coconut.

Gather your ingredients: Ensure you have 1 cup of whole milk, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of butter (optional), and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional).
Mix milk and sugar: In a medium saucepan, combine the 1 cup of whole milk and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Turn the heat to medium and stir the mixture gently until all the sugar has dissolved. This step should take just a few minutes.
Simmer the mixture: Reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent the milk from scorching on the bottom of the pan. Continue this simmering process for 30-40 minutes. The goal is to reduce the liquid volume by about half and achieve a thicker consistency.
Check for consistency: After about 30-40 minutes, you should notice that the mixture has thickened significantly. The best way to check is to dip a spoon into the mixture; it should coat the back of the spoon when it’s ready. You’re looking for a pourable but thicker consistency.
Add flavorings: If you wish for a richer flavor, stir in 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract at this point. Mix well until the butter has melted and blended into the mixture.
Cool and store: Once your condensed milk is ready, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator where it can last up to 2 weeks.