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Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk

Featured in Sweet Delights for Every Occasion.

This clever dulce de leche method cuts the traditional cooking time in half without sacrificing any flavor. By splitting milk and sugar between two pans instead of one large pot, you'll get that rich, caramel-like sauce much faster. The key is patience and attention - keeping the heat steady at medium-low while stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Watch as the mixture slowly transforms from white to golden to a rich peanut butter brown, becoming thick and glossy. When it coats the back of a spoon perfectly, you'll have authentic dulce de leche in just a couple of hours.
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Updated on Thu, 16 Jan 2025 02:03:57 GMT
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A spoon drips creamy liquid from a small white pot, placed on a wooden surface. Pin it
A spoon drips creamy liquid from a small white pot, placed on a wooden surface. | cookingkeys.com

Let me share this easy homemade sweetened condensed milk recipe that completely changed my coffee game! I started making this when I ran out of the canned stuff one morning, and honestly, I haven't looked back. It's incredibly simple - just milk and sugar - but the result is this gorgeous, thick, creamy mixture that's way better than anything from the store.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This easy homemade version costs less than store-bought and tastes so much fresher. There's something magical about watching plain milk transform into this rich, sweet syrup. Plus, you can control the sweetness and add your own flavors - I love sneaking in a dash of vanilla or cinnamon. No preservatives, no additives, just pure, simple ingredients working their magic.

Ingredients

  • The Basics:
    • 2 cups whole milk (full-fat works best)
    • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • Optional Add-ins:
    • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • Pinch of cinnamon
    • Dash of nutmeg
  • Equipment Needed:
    • Heavy-bottomed saucepan
    • Wooden spoon for stirring
    • Glass jar for storage

Step-by-Step Instructions

Getting Started
Pour your milk into a heavy-bottomed pan - this helps prevent scorching. Add the sugar and give it a good stir to combine.
The Heating Process
Turn your heat to medium and stir until the sugar dissolves completely. You'll know it's ready when you don't feel any graininess when you rub a bit between your fingers.
The Crucial Simmer
Reduce heat to low - we want gentle bubbles, not a rolling boil. This is where patience comes in! Keep an eye on it and stir every few minutes.
Testing for Doneness
After about 35-40 minutes, dip a spoon in. The mixture should coat the back and leave a clear trail when you run your finger through it.
Finishing Touches
Remove from heat and stir in any flavors you're using. Let it cool completely - it'll thicken more as it cools.

Pro Tips

Keep the heat low! I've burned more than one batch by rushing things. Stir frequently, especially towards the end when it's getting thicker. If you see any brown bits forming on the bottom, lower your heat immediately. Want it extra smooth? Run it through a fine-mesh strainer while it's still warm.

A spoon scoops creamy, yellow sauce from a decorative bowl, with a lace doily beneath. Pin it
A spoon scoops creamy, yellow sauce from a decorative bowl, with a lace doily beneath. | cookingkeys.com

Creative Uses

I love stirring this into my morning coffee or afternoon tea. It's amazing drizzled over warm brownies or fresh berries. Use it to make incredible no-churn ice cream or fudge. Sometimes I'll mix different spices in - cardamom for chai lattes, or cocoa powder for a chocolate version.

Storage Tips

Store your homemade condensed milk in a clean glass jar in the fridge - it'll keep for about a month. If it gets too thick, just warm it gently or add a tiny splash of warm milk. You can even freeze portions in an ice cube tray - perfect for dropping into iced coffee!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why two pans instead of one?
40 minutes in two pans versus 3 hours in one. Less surface area means slower evaporation.
→ How thick should it be?
Like maple syrup when hot, thickens more as it cools. Pour into measuring cup to check it's reduced by half.
→ Why not whisk while cooking?
Whisking creates sugar crystals on pan sides. Just stir bottom occasionally to prevent sticking.
→ Too thick after chilling?
Normal! Warm in microwave 10 seconds at a time until pourable again.
→ How long does it keep?
One month in fridge in airtight container. Mark the date you made it.

Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk

Make your own sweetened condensed milk at home with just two ingredients. It's cheaper than store-bought and tastes just as good in your recipes.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 cup)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 2 cups whole milk.
02 1/4 teaspoon salt.
03 1/2-3/4 cup sugar.
04 1 teaspoon vanilla.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix milk, sugar, and salt in heavy pan. Heat to gentle simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves.

Step 02

Lower heat. Cook uncovered without whisking, just occasional stirring of bottom. About 30-45 minutes.

Step 03

Should reduce by half and look like maple syrup. Add vanilla.

Step 04

Pour through strainer if there's foam or solids. Let cool completely.

Step 05

Keep in sealed container in fridge up to 1 month. Warm briefly to make pourable again.

Notes

  1. Use two pans for faster cooking.
  2. Don't whisk while simmering.
  3. Thickens more as it cools.

Tools You'll Need

  • Heavy saucepan.
  • Strainer.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 111
  • Total Fat: 2 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 22 g
  • Protein: 2 g