How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk
Making your own sweetened condensed milk is an easy way to make sure you know exactly what’s in it. It’s a great recipe to have when you run out or want a sweetened condensed milk substitute. This post contains affiliate links.
This homemade option uses basic pantry ingredients and skips any extras, letting you control what goes into your recipes. It’s also helpful if you’re aiming for a dairy-free version or want to be completely sure it’s gluten-free, making it yourself gives you those options.
This recipe shows you how to make sweetened condensed milk in minutes. With just three ingredients you might already have, you will get a creamy, smooth, and ready to use condensed milk that you can use in recipes calling for the store-bought kind.
Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
Have you ever realized you’re out of a key ingredient in the middle of making a recipe? I have– an embarrassing amount of times. It’s usually during the holiday season when absolutely no one wants to run to the insanely-packed grocery store.
Knowing how to make some of the basics, like sweetened condensed milk, can save your sanity when this happens. Plus, you then know exactly what’s in it, and can make just the right amount for your recipe.
What you’ll love about this recipe:
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
Just a few ingredients
Directions
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sugar, dry milk, and hot water.
Whisk well until it’s smooth and there are no clumps.
Let it rest and thicken for about 10 minutes.
Use it right away, or pour it into a sealed container and refrigerate for later.
Homemade Staples
There are a few other basics you can easily make at home, too. Make your own pantry staples like a basic pancake mix, homemade taco seasoning, and onion soup mix. Avoid questionable ingredients, save money and maybe time, and customize the ingredients to your liking by making these things from home.
Recipe Variations
Dairy-free – I haven’t tested this just yet, but you can try to use coconut milk powder instead of dry milk for a dairy-free version.
Less Sweet – Reduce the amount of sugar if you don’t want it as sweet.
Richer Texture – Use whole milk powder or powdered cream instead of milk powder.
Gluten-free – This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check labels on the individual ingredients to make sure.
Thicker Consistency – Let it sit for longer, or add a smidge more dry milk.
Equipment Needed
Here’s the kitchen tools you need to make this recipe.
Storage
Store any leftover sweetened condensed milk into a sealed container and keep it in the fridge. It will last up to 4-6 days. It might thicken up a bit, so stir it before using again.
Tips & Tricks
- Hot Water – Use very hot water to dissolve everything smoothly.
- Whisk – Whisk until there are no clumps.
- Rest – Let it sit for 10 minutes to thicken.
- Store – Keep in a sealed container in the fridge.
- Adjust – Add more or less sugar to fit your taste.
Recipe Notes and FAQ
What is sweetened condensed milk?
It’s a thick, sweet milk product made by removing most of the water from regular milk and adding sugar. It’s often used in many baking and dessert recipes.
What is in sweetened condensed milk?
It should just be milk and sugar. We use hot water in this recipe to dissolve the powdered ingredients.
Is sweetened condensed milk gluten-free?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free, but it’s a good practice to always check labels on store-bought cans or the ingredients to be sure.
Can I freeze it?
No, freezing will cause the texture to change too much once it’s thawed.
Shelf life: This homemade version doesn’t have preservatives, so it won’t last as long as canned milk.
Serving size: This recipe makes about 14 ounces, which is the size of a standard can. Use it in any recipe calling for one can.
Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
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Ingredients
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¾ cup dry milk
- ½ cup hot water
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, add all three ingredients.¾ cup sugar, ¾ cup dry milk, ½ cup hot water
- Whisk well until smooth, with no clumps remaining.
- Let it sit for around 10 minutes to thicken.
- Use right away, or pour into a sealed container and refrigerate.
Notes
- Thickens as it cools; stir if needed.
- Use very hot water to dissolve ingredients.
- Yields about 14 ounces, same as a store-bought can.
- Refrigerate in a sealed container for 4-6 days.
Nutrition
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