Sweetened Condensed Milk
Create delicious Sweetened Condensed Milk at home with this simple recipe! In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, sweet base for all your favorite recipes—ideal for baking, desserts, or even drizzling over fruit.

Sweetened Condensed Milk
Making Sweetened Condensed Milk at home is super easy and fun!
You only need a few ingredients, like milk and sugar.
This thick, sweet treat can be used in many recipes or enjoyed on its own. It’s easy to make, and you can store it in the fridge or freeze it.
Once you try it, you might never want to buy it from the store again!
Ingredients

Whole milk: Use whole milk for the creamiest texture.
Granulated sugar: Granulated sugar is the best choice for this recipe, as it dissolves easily.
Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the final product.
Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract gives a wonderful flavor. If you want a more intense vanilla taste, consider adding a little extra, but avoid imitation vanilla for the best results.
Optional substitutions: If you need dairy-free options, almond milk or oat milk can work well, though the texture may vary. For sweeteners, honey or maple syrup can add unique flavors, but keep in mind they may alter the consistency slightly.
How to Make
Pour the whole milk and granulated sugar into a medium saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking it occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves.
Once the sugar has dissolved, let the milk simmer gently for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent it from burning. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture has reduced by half and has thickened.


After the milk has reduced, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract.
Return the mixture to medium heat, whisking continuously until everything is well combined and smooth.

Once done, pour the Sweetened Condensed Milk into a glass mason jar or an airtight container and let it cool to room temperature. If the butter separates while cooling, simply stir it back together.

Finally, store the Sweetened Condensed Milk in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it for up to three months. Remember to shake it well before each use!
Leftovers/Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container or glass mason jar in the fridge for up to one week.
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the Sweetened Condensed Milk in freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for up to three months.
To reheat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Stir well before using to ensure a smooth consistency. Always shake or stir before using, as some separation may occur during storage.
Tips & Tricks
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan: This helps prevent the milk from scorching and ensures even heating.
- Whisk continuously: Stirring frequently keeps the mixture from sticking to the bottom and burning.
- Experiment with flavors: Add a pinch of sea salt or different extracts, like almond or coconut, to create unique variations.
- Make a larger batch: Double or triple the recipe and store in smaller containers for quick access later.
- Cool quickly: Place the container in an ice bath to speed up cooling before refrigerating.
- Use it creatively: Incorporate it into coffee, desserts, or drizzled over pancakes.
Why is my Sweetened Condensed Milk too thick?
If it turns out thicker than you expected, try whisking in a bit of warm milk to adjust the consistency to your liking.
What if the sugar doesn’t dissolve completely?
Make sure you’re whisking consistently and not heating the mixture too quickly. If there are still sugar granules, continue to heat and whisk until they dissolve.
What if I burn the mixture?
If you notice a burnt smell or flavor, unfortunately, it’s best to start over, as burnt sugar can affect the overall taste.

Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
Equipment
- Medium Sauce pan
- Whisk or Rubber Spatula
- Glass Mason Jars or Air tight containers
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Substitutions:
- Dairy: Almond milk Cashew milk, Oat milk, etc
- Sweetener: Cane sugar honey or maple syrup
- Vanilla: Gluten Free Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Pour milk and sugar into a medium saucepan and bring to medium heat.2 cups whole milk, 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- Whisk until the sugar has dissolved.
- Allow the milk to simmer for about 30 mins, it will reduce by half.
- Stir frequently so that it doesn’t burn.
- Once it has reduced by half, remove the heat.
- Add in vanilla and butter.4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Return to medium heat, whisking until it’s all combined.
- Pour into a container and let it come to room temperature, then move to the fridge or use it right away.
- If the butter separates while cooling just stir it back together.
- Be sure to shake well before use.
Notes
1.5 cups granulated sugar Bring the evaporated milk and sugar to boil, stirring constantly. Stir until sugar is fully melted. Pour into a mason jar or airtight container to cool for 30-45 minutes.

