Sweetened condensed milk is a key ingredient in many desserts, drinks, and confections. It adds sweetness and a creamy texture to recipes and is indispensable in classics like cakes, pies, candies, and even some coffees. While sweetened condensed milk is widely available in stores, making your own at home offers several advantages, including full control over the ingredients, the absence of preservatives, and the ability to customize the sweetness and texture to your liking. In this recipe, you will learn how to make homemade sweetened condensed milk in just a few simple steps using basic ingredients like whole milk, sugar, butter, and optional vanilla extract.
Why Choose Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk?
One of the major benefits of making your own sweetened condensed milk is the ability to avoid the additives and preservatives often found in store-bought versions. Many commercial sweetened condensed milk products contain preservatives, artificial colorings, and other chemicals that can alter the quality of the product. By making it at home, you can use fresh, quality ingredients, ensuring a much more natural and healthier product.
Additionally, homemade sweetened condensed milk allows you to adjust the consistency and sweetness according to your personal preferences. You can also customize it by adding flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, or even orange zest for a unique twist in your recipes.
Essential Ingredients for Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
To make your own sweetened condensed milk, you only need a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen:
1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
Whole milk is the main ingredient in this recipe. It provides the richness and creamy texture that’s characteristic of sweetened condensed milk. You can use skim milk or 2% milk, but whole milk will yield the richest, creamiest consistency.
2 tablespoons butter
Butter is added to the recipe to give it a smoother, creamier texture. It also adds richness, making the sweetened condensed milk taste more indulgent. You can use unsalted butter to better control the salt level in your milk.
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
Sugar is the key ingredient that gives the sweetened condensed milk its sweetness. The amount of sugar can be adjusted according to your personal taste, but one cup of sugar is typically enough to provide the characteristic sweetness. You can also try using cane sugar or brown sugar for a caramelized flavor.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Vanilla extract is an optional addition that will flavor the sweetened condensed milk and add depth to its taste. If you prefer a more neutral flavor, you can omit this ingredient, but it will provide a pleasant touch to recipes where the sweetened condensed milk is a key component.
Steps to Make Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
Making homemade sweetened condensed milk is simple and doesn’t take much time. Follow these easy steps to create a rich and creamy sweetened condensed milk that’s ready to be used in your favorite desserts or enjoyed on its own.
Step 1: Combine milk and sugar
In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk and sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir gently to dissolve the sugar into the milk. It’s important to mix well so that the sugar fully dissolves, with no sugar crystals left. This process should take around 1-2 minutes.
Step 2: Heat and simmer
Once the sugar is dissolved, bring the milk and sugar mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low to let it simmer slowly. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 30 to 40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan or burning. The milk will slowly reduce and thicken, taking on a creamy texture.
It’s important not to increase the heat to speed up the cooking process, as this can cause the milk to overheat and disrupt the consistency. A slow, consistent cook will give you the ideal texture.
Step 3: Add butter
Once the milk mixture has thickened to the consistency of sweetened condensed milk, remove the pan from the heat. Add the unsalted butter and stir until it is completely melted and incorporated into the mixture. The butter will provide a silky, smooth texture to the sweetened condensed milk.
Step 4: Add vanilla extract (optional)
If you’re using vanilla extract, now’s the time to add it. Stir in the half teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix well to incorporate the flavor. Vanilla adds a lovely aroma that complements the sweetness of the milk.
Step 5: Cool and store
Allow the sweetened condensed milk to cool to room temperature before transferring it into a jar or airtight container. Once cooled, store it in the refrigerator. It will typically keep for up to two weeks, although the flavor is best within the first week. Make sure the container is tightly sealed and stored in a cool place for the best shelf life.
Uses for Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
Homemade sweetened condensed milk is extremely versatile and can be used in a wide variety of recipes. Here are a few ideas for how to make the most of your homemade sweetened condensed milk:
In Desserts
Sweetened condensed milk is a key ingredient in many dessert recipes, including pies, cakes, cookies, and puddings. It can also be used to make confections like fudge or coconut candy. It’s perfect for making homemade ice cream, offering a creamy texture and subtle sweetness without the need for cream.
In Drinks
Sweetened condensed milk is a great addition to hot and cold beverages. It’s commonly used in recipes like iced coffee, lattes, sweet teas, and milkshakes. Add it to your favorite drinks for a creamy sweetness that elevates your daily beverages into something special.
In Asian Recipes
In Asian and Latin American cuisines, sweetened condensed milk is often used in desserts like tapioca pudding, coconut tarts, and other sweet treats. It’s also a key ingredient in drinks like Thai iced tea and some mango desserts.
To Top Fresh Fruit
Another simple and delicious way to use homemade sweetened condensed milk is by drizzling it over fresh fruit. Whether it’s with slices of mango, caramelized apples, or strawberries, a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk adds creamy sweetness and transforms any fruit into a delectable dessert.
Tips and Tricks
- Adjusting the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sweetened condensed milk, let the mixture simmer for longer to reduce further. If you want a lighter consistency, remove it from the heat a little earlier.
- Storage: Don’t forget to store your homemade sweetened condensed milk in an airtight jar to keep it fresh.
- Reduce Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe. However, this may slightly affect the texture and shelf life.
Conclusion
Making your own sweetened condensed milk at home is a satisfying and simple process that results in a healthier, preservative-free product. Not only can you control the sweetness and consistency, but you can also customize it to your liking with various flavor additions. Whether you’re using it in desserts, beverages, or recipes, homemade sweetened condensed milk adds richness and flavor to every dish. So, put on your apron and start making this delicious treat from scratch!
