• Home
  • About
    • Archives
    • Advertise
    • How to Start a Blog
      • Grow Your Blog: Tools and Resources
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

A Blossoming Life

  • Home
  • Natural Living
  • Frugal Living
  • Skin Care
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
    • Dessert
    • Drinks
    • Dairy Free
    • Gluten Free

November 27, 2019 · Leave a Comment

How To Make Sweetened Condensed Milk

This post may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
10shares
  • 10
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Learn how to make sweetened condensed milk that is thick, creamy, and sweet. Perfect for those holiday recipes, this homemade version can be made without refined sugar. Follow all my tips and tricks below.

Homemade sweetened condensed milk in a glass jar with an antique spoon in it. A wooden spoon is sitting next to the jar and a blue and white stripped towel in the back

Recently, I was about to make some homemade pumpkin pie for a work event for my husband. It calls for evaporated milk, which the post goes into detail how to make it.

But that had me thinking of all the recipes that call for the sweetened kind and thought I needed to share this simple tutorial with you all.

With the holidays right around the corner, I thought it was the perfect time to share how to make sweetened condensed milk. 

This thick and creamy sweetened milk is a staple in many dessert recipes and many times that forgotten at the grocery store ingredient. So for all those times you’ve needed it on hand and you didn’t have it, you can easily whip up this homemade sweetened condensed milk.

Honestly, I like making it myself for a few reasons. One, I get to control the ingredients used. Two, I can make it without refined sugar. Lastly, it is cheaper.

Plus, it is really easy to make. It also tastes amazing. Not that I tried it with a spoon or anything.

Tips for making sweetened condensed milk:

  • A higher fat milk will give you a better texture. 
  • Cooking slow and steady will be your friend. You don’t want it to over boil or cook it too long. If you cook it too long it will start to get little chunky. Still tastes good but not as smooth as it should be.
  • Once you bring it to a simmer, you don’t want to whisk it anymore because you don’t want to sugar granules to mix in and crack the mixture.
  • This can be made with unrefined sugar and even with dairy free milk. See suggestions below.
  • If you don’t have cream you can skip it and just replace it with more milk.

The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Tools you may need:

Saucepan

Silicon spatula

Measuring cups

Whisk

glass jar of homemade sweetened condensed milk with a antique silver spoon coming out. a blue and white stripped towel is in the background

What’s the difference between evaporated milk and condensed milk?

Sweetened condensed milk is milk that has been sweetened and cooked down. It is very thick and sweet. Whereas, evaporated milk is not sweetened and not quiet as thick since the sugar helps thicken it.

How do I turn evaporated milk into sweetened condensed milk?

You can add 1.5 cups of sugar per can of evaporated milk. Add ingredients to a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Whisk until the sugar has melted. Take off heat and allow to cool.

How do you use sweetened condensed milk?

It can be used in cookies, cakes, pies, and even ice cream. You can even use it to make homemade caramel sauce (you can also use this recipe).

Can I substitute milk for sweetened condensed milk?

No. Milk is very thin and not sweetened. They can not be substituted one for one. You can easily create this recipe.

What are the ingredients in sweetened condensed milk?

Milk – Whole or dairy free will work. Other lower fat milks should work just fine. If using dairy free milk, they will have a slightly different flavor depending on the type you use.

Cream – this gives it a little more fat which gives it more yummy flavor and better mouth feel. If you don’t have it or using a dairy free milk, you can just use more milk instead.

Sweetener – For a natural unrefined sweetener (for those who stay away from refined sugar) use maple syrup or honey. I prefer the flavor maple syrup adds. You could also use regular ol’ sugar. You cannot use any type of sugar substitute.

Salt – really brings out the sweetness.

Vanilla (optional) – Add some vanilla for a really delicious warm flavor. If using maple syrup you don’t need to add vanilla because of the flavor the maple syrup adds.

ingredients to make homemade sweetened condensed milk in jars

How To Make Sweetened Condensed Milk

  1. Measure out ingredients and add to a saucepan.
  2. Place on a medium low heat and bring up to a simmer. Stirring occasionally until sugar has dissolved.simmering milk, cream, and maple syrup in a saucepan with a whisk
  3. Continue simmering, and do not stir, until it has reduced by around half. About 30-40 minutes.
  4. Watch closely to make sure it doesn’t boil over. 
  5. It is ready when it has thickened and reduced to half. Or 1.5 cups.
  6. This can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. It will continue to thicken as it cools.homemade sweetened condensed milk in a jar with a whisk to the right
  7. If you cook it too long, it will start to clump up a bit and almost turn into caramel, or at least taste like caramel. Ask me how I know.

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 love it, I would love if you could come back, commented on the post, and give it 5 stars! Please and thank you.

glass jar of homemade sweetened condensed milk with a antique silver spoon coming out. a blue and white stripped towel is in the background
Print

Sweetened Condensed Milk

Easy recipe for a real food homemade sweetened condensed milk

Course Condiment
Cuisine American
Keyword homemade sweetened condensed milk
Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings 5
Calories 233 kcal
Author Amy

Ingredients

  • 2 cup milk whole or dairy free
  • 1/4 cup cream or milk if you don't have it or if you are using dairy free milk.
  • 3/4 cup maple syrup honey or sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract optional
  • dash salt

Instructions

  1. Add ingredients to a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium low heat, stirring until sugar has disolved.

  2. Simmer until the milk has reduced to half about 35-45 minutes. Do not whisk after the sugar has dissolved. Watching carefully that it doesn't boil over.

  3. Set aside and allow to cool. It will thicken while it is cooling.

  4. Store in fridge for up to one week.

Nutrition Facts
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Amount Per Serving (1 g)
Calories 233 Calories from Fat 72
% Daily Value*
Fat 8g12%
Saturated Fat 5g31%
Cholesterol 26mg9%
Sodium 51mg2%
Potassium 246mg7%
Carbohydrates 38g13%
Sugar 34g38%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 333IU7%
Calcium 171mg17%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Pin It For Later

two pictures of homemade sweetened condensed milk

10shares
  • 10

Dessert· Gluten Free· Homemade· real food· Recipes

« Homemade Drain Cleaner
Salt Dough Ornaments Recipe »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Here at A Blossoming Life we believe everyone can live healthier and create a beautiful home with limited time and money.

HEY THERE! I'm AMY

Former Registered Dietitian turned stay-at-home mom to two young children, and wannabe farmer. I love natural living, creating beautiful spaces, eating real food, DIYing, and living on a budget. Grab some coffee and lets chat all things natural living and how to make things pretty. Glad you're here!

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Get natural living tips and the latest from the blog!

Amy Knight (ABlossomingLife.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

Copyright © 2019 · captivating theme by Restored 316