If you’ve ever reached for a can of sweetened condensed milk and wondered if you could create that luscious, creamy sweetness right in your own kitchen, you’re in for a treat. This Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe is not only incredibly simple but also yields a rich, velvety result that elevates any dessert or beverage. By simmering whole milk with sugar until thickened, you capture that classic, caramelized sweetness with warmth and authenticity that store-bought versions can’t match. Once you try making it yourself, you’ll never look back!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep things straightforward with ingredients that are pantry staples but absolutely essential for achieving the perfect creamy texture and sweet flavor in this recipe. Each element plays a crucial role, from the richness of the milk to the sweetness and gloss that sugar provides.
- Whole Milk (500 ml): Full-fat milk is key here, giving your condensed milk its creamy body and luscious mouthfeel.
- Caster Sugar (170 g): This fine sugar dissolves quickly and evenly, ensuring a smooth sweetened base without any graininess.
How to Make Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe
Step 1: Combine Milk and Sugar
Start by pouring full-fat whole milk into a large saucepan, then add the caster sugar right on top. This simple beginning sets the foundation for your condensed milk, with the fat content in the milk providing that indulgent texture, and sugar ready to gently dissolve.
Step 2: Heat on Low and Dissolve Sugar
Place your saucepan over low heat. Stir gently and continuously with a wooden spoon until every grain of sugar has completely dissolved into the milk. This steady heat prevents scorching and helps develop the sweet base evenly.
Step 3: Simmer and Reduce
Let the mixture simmer on low, stirring occasionally. Patience is key here as you slowly reduce the milk by about half over 30-40 minutes. During this time, the milk thickens and takes on a delicate creamy color, signalling it’s developing that signature condensed milk richness.
Step 4: Skim Any Scum
As it simmers, you might notice some scum forming along the edges of the pan. Gently skim this off with a spoon from time to time; it ensures your final condensed milk is smooth and pure, free from any unwanted textures.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Once the mixture has thickened to your satisfaction, pour it into a sterilized jar. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature—this step lets the condensed milk thicken further into that luscious consistency. After cooling, seal your jar tightly and refrigerate.
How to Serve Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe
Garnishes
This homemade treat shines brightest when drizzled over desserts like freshly baked fruit tarts, or dolloped onto spiced coffee puddings. Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to complement its creamy sweetness, or add toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist that excites the palate.
Side Dishes
Why not pair your condensed milk with crispy churros or buttery pancakes? It’s also an irresistible companion to fresh berries, giving a balanced contrast of tart and sweet that feels just right. The creamy texture makes it a dream alongside crispy or tart side treats.
Creative Ways to Present
Try swirling your homemade condensed milk into your morning coffee or tea for a decadent upgrade. It’s also amazing as a topping for ice cream or folded into homemade frosting to add depth and natural sweetness. The possibilities are truly endless once you have this creamy jar of gold at your fingertips.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to one month, maintaining its texture and flavor when chilled properly. Always use a clean spoon to scoop to keep it fresh longer.
Freezing
This sweet condensed milk doesn’t freeze well as it can separate and change texture once thawed. For the best quality, enjoy your batch fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen.
Reheating
If your condensed milk firms up a bit in the fridge, simply warm it gently in a small saucepan over low heat or microwave briefly in a heat-safe container. Stir occasionally until creamy and smooth again, perfect for drizzling or mixing into recipes.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?
While you technically can, whole milk is strongly recommended because the fat content is crucial for achieving that rich, creamy consistency. Using low-fat milk will yield a thinner, less velvety result.
How long does Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe last?
Refrigerated, it stays fresh for about a month. Always keep it sealed tightly and avoid contamination by using clean utensils when scooping.
Is caster sugar necessary or can I use granulated sugar?
Caster sugar is preferred as it dissolves faster and more evenly, preventing graininess. However, if you don’t have caster sugar on hand, regular granulated sugar will work—just stir a bit longer to make sure it fully dissolves.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Traditional recipes rely on whole milk’s fat and proteins, but you can experiment with rich plant-based milks like full-fat coconut milk. Keep in mind the flavor and consistency will be different, but it can be delicious in its own right.
Why is my condensed milk grainy?
If the sugar hasn’t fully dissolved or the heat was too high causing scorching, graininess may occur. Stir well during the simmering process and keep the heat low for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe is one of those kitchen triumphs that feels rewarding and impressive, but is truly quite simple. Once you taste the fresh, creamy sweetness you crafted yourself, you’ll find endless ways to incorporate it into your favorite treats. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become a cherished staple in your cooking arsenal—so grab your saucepan and start simmering!
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Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 250 ml sweetened condensed milk
Description
This homemade sweetened condensed milk recipe is a simple and delicious way to create rich, creamy condensed milk from just whole milk and caster sugar. Perfect for baking, desserts, or coffee, this recipe simmers the mixture gently until it thickens and reduces by half, yielding a smooth, sweet condensed milk free from additives.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 500 ml Whole Milk (Full-Fat)
- 170 g Caster Sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the milk and sugar: Pour whole, full-fat milk into a large saucepan and add the caster sugar.
- Heat the mixture: Place the saucepan on the stove over low heat.
- Dissolve the sugar: Stir the mixture continuously with a wooden spoon until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Simmer gently: Let the sweetened milk simmer over low heat, stirring gently and occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes.
- Skim impurities: Occasionally remove any scum that forms on the sides of the pan with a spoon to ensure a smooth texture.
- Reduce and thicken: Continue simmering until the milk volume is reduced by about half and it turns a slightly creamy color.
- Transfer and cool: Pour the thickened condensed milk into a sterilised jar and allow it to cool completely; it will thicken further as it cools.
- Seal and store: Once cooled, place an airtight lid on the jar and store the condensed milk in the refrigerator where it will keep for about one month.
Notes
- Use low heat to prevent burning or curdling of the milk.
- Stir occasionally but gently to avoid forming a skin on the surface.
- Ensure the jar is properly sterilized to extend the shelf life.
- This recipe makes approximately 250 ml of condensed milk after reduction.
- The condensed milk will thicken more as it cools; consistency should be creamy and smooth.
- If a thicker consistency is desired, simmer for a few extra minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert Ingredient
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Universal
