How do you make condensed milk recipe at home?

To make condensed milk recipe at home, combine 2 cups of milk with ⅔ cup sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Simmer gently for 35–40 minutes without stirring, until the mixture thickens and reduces by half. Cool completely before storing. It’s perfect for baking, desserts, or sweetening drinks naturally.

Is it better to make or buy condensed milk?

Making your own condensed milk recipe gives you full control over ingredients, flavor, and consistency. It is budget-friendly, free from additives, and easy to customize with natural sweeteners or dairy-free milk. Store-bought options work when you are short on time, but homemade versions taste fresher and richer. They also store well and last for months. If you enjoy cooking or baking, homemade condensed milk is worth the extra time. It turns a basic item into something truly special.

What do you do with condensed milk?

Condensed milk is one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen. I use my condensed milk recipe to make no-churn ice cream, cookie bars, flan, tres leches cake, and even drizzle it over toast or pancakes. It adds both moisture and sweetness to baked goods and richness to drinks like iced coffee or milk tea. You can also add it to sauces or dressings for a sweet twist. Just a spoonful brings instant flavor and texture.

What is condensed milk made out of?

The classic condensed milk recipe calls for only two ingredients—milk and sugar. Simmering them together slowly reduces the liquid until it becomes thick and creamy. There is no need for thickeners or additives. For dairy-free versions, almond, oat, or coconut milk works well with sweeteners like maple syrup or honey. As long as the milk contains enough fat and the sugar can caramelize, you will get a rich homemade version that stores easily and tastes naturally sweet.

How do you cook condensed milk?

When following a condensed milk recipe, the cooking step is all about reduction. The milk and sugar are simmered gently until thickened. If you are using store-bought condensed milk, you can bake with it, turn it into caramel, or heat it gently in other recipes. Homemade condensed milk is already cooked during preparation, so it is ready to use. Always use low heat when warming it to avoid scorching or forming crystals. Patience and gentle heat make the perfect creamy texture.

Condensed Milk Recipe

Name: Condensed Milk Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 1 cup
Cuisine: Global
Ingredients: 2 cups (450ml) full-fat milk or low-fat milk; ⅔ cup (142g) white sugar

Description

Learn how to make sweet, creamy, homemade condensed milk with just milk and sugar. This condensed milk recipe is perfect for coffee, baking, ice cream, and more. Skip the can and make a pantry staple from scratch in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups (450ml) full-fat milk or low-fat milk

⅔ cup (142g) white sugar

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Instructions

1. Add milk and sugar to a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan.

2. Heat on low and stir until sugar dissolves.

3. Once dissolved, bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.

4. Do not stir once it starts simmering to avoid crystalization.

5. Simmer for 35–40 minutes until reduced by half and creamy.

6. Gently skim off any foam that forms on the surface.

7. Avoid stirring in any sugar stuck to the pan’s sides.

8. Remove from heat and pour into a clean jar.

9. Let cool completely before sealing with a lid.

10. Store in fridge for up to 6 months.

Notes

Makes 1 cup (8oz) condensed milk.

Recipe can be made with dairy-free milk such as almond or coconut.

Use natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey if preferred.

Stevia and artificial sweeteners will not caramelize.

Thickens more as it chills. Warm slightly to loosen for pouring.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Basics, Condiments, Dessert Prep
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: Global

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 130
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 35mg
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg