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Glass jar filled with creamy homemade sweetened condensed milk sitting on a wooden board next to a silver spoon.

Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk

This simple recipe allows you to create your own rich and creamy sweetened condensed milk from scratch. With just a few common ingredients and a bit of patience, you'll have a versatile base perfect for countless desserts, beverages, and sweet cravings.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 1.5 cups
Course: Dessert, Ingredient, Sauce
Cuisine: American, International
Calories: 1950
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups Whole Milk
  • 1 1/2 cups Granulated Sugar
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (optional, for richness)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp Salt (balances sweetness)

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Heat-proof jar
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the whole milk, granulated sugar, unsalted butter (if using), and salt.
  2. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Whisk continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved and the butter has melted, ensuring the milk doesn't scorch at the bottom. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low-medium to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 40-50 minutes, stirring frequently (every 5-10 minutes, and more often towards the end) to prevent scorching and to ensure even reduction.
  4. The mixture will gradually thicken and turn a pale ivory color. It should reduce by approximately half to two-thirds of its original volume (down to about 1.5 to 2 cups). To test, dip a spoon into the milk; it should coat the back of the spoon and leave a clear trail when a finger is drawn across it.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. If using, stir in the vanilla extract.
  6. Pour the hot sweetened condensed milk into a clean, heat-proof jar or container. Let it cool completely to room temperature before covering tightly. It will thicken further as it cools. Store in the refrigerator.

Notes

Storage: Homemade sweetened condensed milk can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks.
Troubleshooting: If your milk doesn't seem to be thickening, increase the heat slightly to maintain a more vigorous simmer, but be extra diligent with stirring to prevent burning.
Uses: Use your homemade sweetened condensed milk in coffee, tea, desserts like no-bake cheesecakes, fudge, ice cream, or as a drizzle for fruit and pancakes.
Preventing Skin Formation: To prevent a skin from forming on top as it cools, you can place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the milk.