Ever been mid-bake and realized you’re out of sweetened condensed milk? Been there. Good news: in just a few minutes and with a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a smooth, creamy batch right at home. No can opener required. This easy homemade version works beautifully in desserts, drinks, or any recipe calling for the sweet stuff.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Whole milk
- Granulated sugar
- Unsalted butter
- Vanilla extract
Substitutions:
- Milk: Almond, cashew, oat, or other plant-based alternatives
- Sweetener: Cane sugar, honey, or maple syrup
- Vanilla: Gluten-free vanilla extract if needed
How to Make Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
Pour the milk and sugar into a medium saucepan and bring it to medium heat.
Whisk gently until all the sugar dissolves.
Let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes—it’ll reduce by half.
Be sure to stir it often to keep it from burning on the bottom.
Once it’s reduced, take it off the heat.
Add in your vanilla and butter and give it a good whisk.
Return to medium heat, whisking until everything is smoothly combined.
Pour it into a mason jar or airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating—or use it right away if you’re feeling impatient.
If the butter separates while cooling, just stir it back together.
Always shake well before each use!
Tips & Suggestions
- Yields about 8 oz (1 cup).
- Prep time is roughly 30 minutes, total time around 1.5 hours with cooling.
- Store in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Great for pies, coffee drinks, fudge, or any classic dessert that calls for condensed milk.
Reicpes to use Sweetened Condensed MIlk
- Atlantic Beach Pie
- Homemade Bubblegum Ice Cream
- Easy and Delicious Fudge Stuffed Cookie Bars
- Unicorn Ice Cream
- How to make Christmas Coconut Mice
- How to make No Churn Banana Cream Cheesecake Ice Cream
Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Pour the milk and sugar into a medium saucepan and bring it to medium heat.
- Whisk gently until all the sugar dissolves.
- Let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes—it’ll reduce by half.
- Be sure to stir it often to keep it from burning on the bottom.
- Once it’s reduced, take it off the heat.
- Add in your vanilla and butter and give it a good whisk.
- Return to medium heat, whisking until everything is smoothly combined.
- Pour it into a mason jar or airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
- If the butter separates while cooling, just stir it back together.
- Always shake well before each use!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
24Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 54Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 9mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 0gSugar: 7gProtein: 1g
Any nutritional information on thetiptoefairy.com should only be used as a general guideline. This information is provided as a courtesy and there is no guarantee that the information will be completely accurate.
Come Join Us!
Liked this article and want more? Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, TikTok, and YouTube!
Come over and join us on Facebook in the group Recipes, Crafts, and more with TipToe Fairy or Sewing and Crafting with The TipToe Fairy!
Visit Our Other Sites!
Love to Read Romance Books? Want a FREE Book?
When emotionally guarded Wren inherits her eccentric aunt’s cottage on the edge of a forgotten forest, she expects dust, cobwebs, and maybe a few bad memories—not a living, breathing myth. There, among the tangled trees and whispered magic, she meets Ash—a smirking, sharp-tongued satyr and the last of his kind. As the forest stirs with old secrets and ancient longing, Wren finds herself drawn to the magic—and to the immortal trickster who might just be her undoing. Where the Wild Things Want You is a steamy, spell-soaked romantasy novella perfect for fans of slow-burn magic, prickly hearts, and love that grows like ivy through the cracks.