Here’s a simple recipe to make Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk from scratch. This recipe requires just a few ingredients and is perfect for when you need it in a pinch!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine Milk and Sugar:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk and granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Cook the Mixture:
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir frequently to prevent the milk from scorching. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Add Butter:
- Stir in the butter and continue cooking the mixture for another 5-10 minutes, or until it thickens to the consistency of sweetened condensed milk. Be sure to keep stirring to ensure it doesn’t burn.
- Check Consistency:
- The mixture should reduce and thicken. Once it has reached your desired thickness (it should coat the back of a spoon), remove it from the heat. It will thicken more as it cools.
- Add Vanilla (Optional):
- Stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor, if desired.
- Cool and Store:
- Let the sweetened condensed milk cool to room temperature before using. Once cooled, transfer it to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate. It should last for up to a week in the fridge.
Tips:
- If you want a thicker consistency, continue simmering the mixture until it reduces further.
- For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the whole milk with coconut milk and use a non-dairy butter alternative.
- If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can skip it, or try adding a small amount of almond extract for a different flavor twist.
Now you have homemade sweetened condensed milk ready for any recipe or to enjoy in your coffee, desserts, or baked goods!