How to Make Homemade Condensed Milk

Name: Homemade Condensed Milk (2 methods)
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 4 cups Milk (whole 3%); 1½ cup Sugar (honey or maple syrup); 4 tbsp Butter ((unsalted) ); 1 tbsp Vanilla extract; 1 cup Whole milk (3%); 2 cups Milk powder; ½ cup Sugar; 4 tbsp Butter ((unsalted)); 1 tsp Vanilla extract

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As the name suggests condensed milk is milk that has been condensed to about ⅓ of its original volume by evaporating the liquid over low slow cooking. Today, I show you how to make it homemade using the traditional as well as a quick 5 minutes condensed milk.

Condensed milk in mason jars. — How to make homemade condensed milk

Homemade sweetened condensed milk is deliciously rich, creamy, and silky smooth. Perfect to use as an ingredient for many dessert recipes, from ice creams to mirror glaze and puddings. Did you know if you combine whipped heavy cream with condensed milk you can make a basic no-churn vanilla ice cream?

With these recipes, you will be able to control the amount of sweetness and make low-sugar condensed milk. You can also use maple syrup to make no-sugar condensed milk.

Evaporated milk Vs condensed milk?

Let's address this first. Both condensed milk and evaporated milk are reduced milk. Meaning, both have been cooked until almost 60% of the water content of the milk has evaporated or reduced. The main difference between the two is that condensed milk is always sweetened while evaporated milk is unsweetened.

About these two recipes

As the name suggests condensed milk is milk that has been condensed to about ⅓ of its original volume by evaporating the liquid over low slow cooking. Today I am going to share two methods to make homemade sweetened condensed milk from scratch.

Traditional condensed milk

The traditional way to make this can take hours. That's because it requires taking milk and heating it on low heat, stirring often until it is reduced to about ⅓ of its original volume.

Depending on how much milk you have it could take from 45 minutes to an hour or more. Also, you do have to stir it frequently so it does not touch the bottom of the pan and get burnt.

The result is a thick, creamy, delicious sweetened condensed milk you can eat with a spoon. Or use it in any recipe that that calls for condensed milk.

Quick 5 mins condensed milk

How often have you been in a situation when you start making a recipe and realized that you don't have sweetened condensed milk? And, of course, you don't have an hour to make it from scratch?

Thanks to modern technology and the availability of powdered milk this process is simple, easy, quick. So basically what we are doing is instead of heating the milk and evaporating all the liquid we are instead adding the powdered milk. (powdered milk is also been made by evaporating liquid from the milk) I hope that makes sense.

Two jars with condensed milk. — How to make homemade sweetened condensed milk

Ingredients and substitutes

Milk - it's best to use whole milk that's at least 3% fat. Skimmed milk has too much liquid so it will take longer to evaporate and you won't get thick milk. You can also use coconut milk, almond milk, or oats milk.
Sweetener - I've used white sugar but you can use brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, agave syrup, or even sugar-free alternatives. Do take note though that what you use as sweeter will also flavor it as well. For example, brown sugar adds a nice caramel flavor while maple makes delicious maple condensed milk.
Butter - I like to use unsalted white butter - the color of the butter you use will affect the color of your milk.
Vanilla extract - adds a nice flavor to the condensed milk.
Milk powder - If you use the quick method then you will need mil powder. And, you don't want to use skimmed milk powder as it will not give you a thick consistency.

Ingredients collage for condensed milk. — How to make homemade sweetened condensed milk

Step by step instructions

Traditional condensed milk

Place milk in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium to low heat and let come to an almost boil. Turn the heat down to an almost simmer and continue to simmer stirring frequently – almost every 3 to 5 minutes.
Pro tip - it is important to keep the heat low and stir frequently, otherwise, the milk will scorch on the bottom giving the condensed milk a burnt smell
When the milk has reduced to about half, add the sugar and continue to simmer on low stirring frequently.
Pro tip - we added the sugar after half the milk was reduced because sugar can burn easily and make the condensed milk darker. This way it gives a brighter color.
Continue to cook the milk on a low simmer until it is reduced to about ⅓ of its original volume (about 2 cups).
Pro tip - The more it reduces – the thicker the condensed milk will be. It will continue to thicken as it cools so I'd say about ⅓ of its original volume is a good guide.
When reduced to half add the butter and vanilla extract. Remove from heat, let cool in the pan for a few minutes.
Then, pour into a clean mason jar or glass container. Let it cool completely at room temperature then store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

5 Mins Quick Sweetened Condensed Milk

Place milk in a heavy-bottom saucepan and let come to an almost boil. Add sugar - stir until dissolved.
Pro tip- as the sugar dissolves the milk will increase in volume but do not overcook or reduce it
Once the sugar has dissolved add the milk powder stirring with a whisk to prevent any lumps.
Pro tip - the mixture will be quite lumpy at first but don't worry as the powder will dissolve and disappear in the milk
After the milk powder has been well incorporated add the butter and the vanilla extract. Stir on low for about a minute or two until the mixture comes to an almost boil again
Pro tip - at this point you will see that the mixture has thickened, it will continue to thicken as it cools so no need to overcook.
Remove from heat, strain into a clean mason jar or glass container. Let it cool completely at room temperature then store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Pro tip- straining will remove any undissolved milk powder and give you a smooth velvet-like texture similar to canned condensed milk.

Progress pictures collage for quick condensed milk. — Quick condensed milk progress pictures. How to make homemade condensed milk

Traditional condensed milk in a jar. — How to make homemade condensed milk

Condensed milk in a mason jar. — Quick condensed milk

Frequently asked questions

How long will this milk keep?

The cans have a shelf life of one year until opened, once opened they can be left in the fridge for about 2 weeks. Similarly, the homemade condensed milk also will last for about 2 weeks in the fridge.

Can I make condensed milk from evaporated milk? Can I turn evaporated milk into condensed milk?

Condensed milk and evaporated milk are the same. One is sweetened and one is unsweetened. If you want to make condensed from evaporated - add ⅔ cup powdered sugar, 1 tbsp melted butter, and 1 tsp vanilla extract to one can of evaporated milk. Combine well. You can also make evaporated milk in 5 minutes from scratch using the method we used to make this recipe

What can I use in place of condensed milk?

If you don't have time to make traditional condensed milk then use the second recipe to make the quick condensed milk. But, if you don't have milk powder then perhaps you can use the above method to make condensed milk from evaporated milk.

Why is my homemade condensed milk not thick?

If the condensed milk is not thick it means you took it off the heat too early. You can place it back on the stovetop and cook it some more. Alternatively, you can use the quick method above by adding some powdered milk.

Why is baking soda used in condensed milk?

Adding baking soda may prevent the protein in the milk from coagulating which gives a smoother consistency. Personally, I would use it in dulce de leche but not condensed milk because we do not cook it down as much as we do dulce de leche.

What is a vegan substitute for condensed milk?

It is easy to make dairy-free or vegan condensed milk by simply replacing the milk with 4 cups coconut milk and cooking it down for 40 to 45 minutes with 1 cup sugar. The milk thickens similar to condensed milk. Cool it and store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.