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Learning how to make sweetened condensed milk at home is a simple skill to have in your back pocket. While store-bought sweetened condensed milk is a pantry staple for many recipes, knowing how to make sweetened condensed milk from scratch gives you the freedom to customize the sweetness and flavor while saving a trip to the store. I’ll be honest—this isn’t something I use all the time, but it’s one of those great homestead and self-sufficiency skills that comes in handy when you’re in a pinch.
Imagine being in the middle of a recipe and realizing you’re out of sweetened condensed milk. Instead of stopping everything, you can whip up your own using whatever milk and sweetener you have on hand. It’s surprisingly easy, cost-effective, and even lets you experiment with dairy-free options like coconut milk. Let’s dive in!
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk (regular dairy milk – whole, 1%,2%, skim, or your favorite plant-based milk)
- 3/4 cup sugar (white granulated, honey, maple syrup, or a sugar alternative like Stevia or monk fruit – but adjust for sweetness)
- Butter (optional)
- Vanilla (optional)
About the Ingredients:
This recipe keeps it simple with just two essential ingredients: milk and a sweetener. The type of milk you use is entirely up to you—whether it’s classic whole milk, 1%, 2%, skim, or creamy oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk for dairy-free options. The sweetener is just as versatile. You can stick with traditional white sugar for a neutral sweetness, use honey or maple syrup for added flavor depth, or go with a sugar alternative like Stevia or monk fruit if you’re watching your sugar intake. The best part? You likely already have these ingredients on hand, making this recipe a lifesaver when you’re in a pinch.
Instructions:
- Pour 2 cups of milk into a pot.
- Add 3/4 cup of sugar. If you’re using a sugar alternative like Stevia or monk fruit, start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste—you won’t need as much.
- Stir the milk and sugar together until the sugar is dissolved, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for about 40 minutes, or until the milk reduces by half and thickens. You’ll know it’s ready when you can drag a utensil through the mixture, and the line doesn’t immediately fill back in.
- Remove the pot from the heat. For a richer finish, stir in a splash of vanilla extract and a pat of butter (1-2 tablespoons).
- Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to a week. This recipe produces about 1 cup of finished condensed milk.
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk
Ingredients:
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 1/4 cup sugar (white granulated sugar or another sweetener of your choice)
- Butter (optional)
- Vanilla (optional)
Instructions:
- Shake the can of coconut milk well before opening to ensure it’s fully mixed.
- Pour the coconut milk into a pot and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add 1/4 cup of sugar or your preferred sweetener.
- Keep the mixture at a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until it reduces and thickens. Use the same utensil test—drag your spoon or spatula through the mixture, and if the line doesn’t fill back in right away, it’s ready.
- Remove from heat and allow it to cool. This version doesn’t require butter or vanilla, but you can add them for an extra layer of flavor if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Adjusting Sweetness: When using alternative sweeteners like Stevia or monk fruit, start small and taste as you go. These sweeteners are more potent than regular sugar, so you’ll need less.
- Keep an Eye on the Heat: Simmering too vigorously can cause the milk to burn or scorch, so keep the heat low and stir regularly.
- Storage: Store your homemade condensed milk in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It may thicken further as it cools, but a quick stir will bring it back to its creamy consistency.
Uses for Sweetened Condensed Milk
These homemade versions work beautifully in recipes like:
- Coffee or tea as a creamy sweetener
- Homemade ice cream
- Pies, such as key lime or pumpkin
- Fudge and other confections
Now that you’ve mastered sweetened condensed milk, you’re ready for the next homemade adventure. Stay tuned for more DIY staples you can easily make at home!
More to Explore
Thank you for exploring how to make sweetened condensed milk at home! If you’re eager to expand your homesteading skills, I invite you to delve into these informative articles:
- Easy Sourdough Recipe From Starter
Learn to bake rustic sourdough bread with a chewy crust and soft center using this straightforward guide. - The Best Guide to Planning a Raised Bed Garden
Discover how to design, build, and maintain a productive raised bed garden for fresh, organic produce all season long. - 6 Easy Steps to Setting Up a Rain Barrel Rainwater Collection System
Implement a simple and effective rainwater collection system to conserve water and reduce your utility bills. - 10 Easy Permaculture Projects for Beginners
Explore simple permaculture projects to create sustainable gardens, including raised beds and composting. - The Ultimate Bucket Garden Guide: Small Space, Big Harvest
Unlock the secrets of growing a successful bucket garden, ideal for limited spaces. - Valuable Homesteading Skills: Cold Process Soap Making
Learn the art of traditional soap making to enhance your self-sufficiency. - Easy Homemade Lavender Soap
Craft calming lavender soap bars with this straightforward guide, perfect for your skin.
These resources offer valuable insights to help you on your journey toward a more self-reliant and nature-connected lifestyle. Happy homesteading!
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