Make your own homemade sweetened condensed milk to bake with or to add to lattes for richer flavor. It just takes two ingredients you likely already have at home to whip this up!
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I’ve gotten into a routine of enjoying a latte pretty much every afternoon.
Since it is the start of pumpkin season, I revisited my pumpkin spice latte recipe. As much as I loved it, I felt like it could be better. Enter, sweetened condensed milk!
This homemade version is way better than anything you’ll get out of a can. With just milk, sugar, and a little heat, you end up with the most creamy, sweet liquid that makes a perfect addition to any latte. Of course, you can also use it in any recipe that calls for this sugar and milk concoction.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple ingredients (just two!) – All you need is milk and sugar, a fridge staple and a pantry staple!
Can make it in a pinch – Making a recipe that calls for sweetened condensed milk, but you don’t have any? No need to run to the grocery store for the canned version.Now, you can easily make it yourself!
Rich and creamy – We love milk on its own. But add a little sugar and heat and you get something sweet, rich, and oh so creamy.
Ingredients
Full-fat milk – You’ll want to use whole milk for this recipe. If you want to make a diary-free version, try using full-fat coconut milk.
Cane sugar – I typically stick with good old cane sugar. You could experiment using coconut sugar, brown sugar, or even maple syrup. If using maple syrup, decrease the amount slightly.
Recipe Modifications and Variations
I love that this recipe is only two ingredients.
You can always play around with flavor, though, by adding vanilla extract (or even vanilla bean), cinnamon, or a pinch of salt.
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk
Step 1: In a medium saucepan on medium-low heat, add in milk.
Step 2: Add sugar to the milk and stir until it is dissolved.
Step 3: Allow the mixture to simmer lightly with the lid off for about 30 minutes, until it is reduced by about half. Stir frequently to make sure the mixture does not burn. Turn the heat to low, if needed.
Step 4: Once reduced, let the mixture cool to room temperature before putting into an airtight container. Use right away or store in the fridge.
Tips
- You’ll know the mixture is ready once it reduces by about half, thickens, and is slightly darker in color. Keep in mind that the mixture will continue to thicken more once it is cooled.
- You can double recipe if you need to make a big batch. Keep in mind, though, that it will take longer for the milk to condense.
- Use homemade sweetened condensed milk in cream pies, such as homemade pumpkin pie or key lime pie (which is even better with a sourdough graham cracker crust). You can also use it in homemade ice cream, cheesecake, and more.
Recipe FAQs
Sweetened condensed milk is milk mixed with sugar that has been heated, removing the water content and creating a thicker substance.
Yes! Homemade is always better. Plus, with this homemade sweetened condensed milk recipe, you have more control over the ingredients and the amount of sugar added.
It depends on the recipe. In many cases, you can substitute with heavy cream. But keep in mind that you’ll have to add another sweetener to get the same sweet result.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
More From Scratch Recipes From the Farmhouse
- Lavender Honey Syrup
- Easy Fermented Lemonade – Refreshing Probiotic Soda
- Homemade Lavender Latte with Honey
- How to Make Milk Kefir
- How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract
If you try this recipe and love it, I would love it if you could come back and give it 5 stars! Tag me on Instagram @farmhouseonboone.
How to Make Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
Ingredients
- 2 cups full-fat milk
- 3/4 cup cane sugar
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan on medium-low heat, add in milk.
- Add sugar to the milk and stir until it is dissolved.
- Allow the mixture to simmer lightly with the lid off for about 30 minutes, until it is reduced by about half. Stir frequently to make sure the mixture does not burn. Turn the heat to low, if needed.
- Once reduced, let the mixture cool before putting into an airtight container. Use immediately or store in the fridge for up to a week.
Notes
- You’ll know the mixture is ready once it reduces by about half, thickens, and is slightly darker in color. Keep in mind that the mixture will continue to thicken more once it is cooled.
- You can double recipe if you need to make a big batch. Keep in mind, though, that it will take longer for the milk to condense.
- Use homemade sweetened condensed milk in cream pies, such as homemade pumpkin pie or key lime pie (which is even better with a sourdough graham cracker crust). It also can be used in homemade ice cream, cheesecake, and more.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I am diabetic, can I use Stevia sugar for sweetener?
Will this work with no sugar?
Not really. The sugar is what helps the milk to condense.
This cooked up perfect!! Thank you!! I can’t wait to use it in my pumpkin pies!
How would you use the condensed milk in your homemade ice cream recipe? To replace the 1/2 cup of maple syrup/honey (1:1)? Thanks!
Yes, I would do that!
Is there a way to can this for longer storage?
Could this be cooked in a crockpot at a low temperature? I love sweetened condensed milk and it’s a pricey item in the store. So glad to have found this recipe!
I’ve not personally tried it, but I think it could work.
Would it work with lactose free whole milk?
It should!
Can one use half and half instead of whole milk?
That should work!