Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk: Simple Stovetop Recipe

Learn how to make thick, creamy, and sweet homemade sweetened condensed milk. This easy recipe is perfect for holiday baking and can be made without refined sugar. Read on for tips, tools, and a simple method to make a pantry-staple at home.

When I was preparing a homemade pumpkin pie recently, I realized how many recipes call for sweetened condensed milk. It’s a common ingredient in desserts but often forgotten at the store, so having an easy homemade method is handy. Making it yourself lets you control the ingredients, avoids refined sugar if you prefer, and can be more economical. It’s also simple and delicious.

Tips for making sweetened condensed milk:

• Use higher-fat milk (whole milk or adding cream) for a richer texture and better mouthfeel.
• Cook gently over medium-low heat. Slow, steady simmering prevents scorching and keeps the texture smooth.
• Once the mixture reaches a simmer and the sweetener has dissolved, stop whisking. Vigorous stirring can cause sugar crystals to form and affect smoothness.
• This recipe works with unrefined sweeteners like maple syrup or honey and can be adapted to dairy-free milks; expect slight flavor differences.
• If you don’t have cream, simply increase the milk amount instead.

Tools you may need:

Saucepan

Silicone spatula

Measuring cups

Whisk

Difference between evaporated milk and condensed milk

Evaporated milk is simply milk reduced by heat and is unsweetened. Sweetened condensed milk is reduced milk that has been sweetened, making it much thicker and much sweeter—the added sugar also helps thicken and preserve it.

Turn evaporated milk into sweetened condensed milk

If you already have evaporated milk, add about 1.5 cups of sugar per 12-ounce can, warm until dissolved, then cool. Alternatively, follow the simple homemade method below using milk and your preferred sweetener.

How to use sweetened condensed milk

Use it in pies, cookies, cakes, no-churn ice cream, fudges, and to make caramel sauce. It’s versatile wherever a rich, sweet milk component is needed.

Can I substitute milk for sweetened condensed milk?

No. Plain milk is much thinner and unsweetened, so it cannot be substituted one-for-one. Making this simple condensed milk is the best alternative.

What are the ingredients in sweetened condensed milk?

Milk – Whole milk or dairy-free alternatives will work. Lower-fat milks can be used but will yield a lighter texture. Dairy-free options change the flavor slightly depending on the type.

Cream – Optional but improves richness and texture. If not using cream or using dairy-free milk, replace with additional milk.

Sweetener – Use maple syrup, honey, or regular sugar. Maple syrup adds a warm flavor and is a good unrefined option. Avoid artificial sweeteners for this application.

Salt – A small dash enhances sweetness and flavor.

Vanilla (optional) – A teaspoon of vanilla extract brightens the flavor; if using maple syrup you may choose to omit it.

How to make sweetened condensed milk

1. Measure the ingredients and add them to a medium saucepan.
2. Warm over medium-low heat and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally until the sweetener has dissolved.
3. Once simmering and the sweetener is dissolved, stop stirring. Continue to simmer gently until the mixture reduces by about half—this usually takes 30–45 minutes.
4. Watch carefully to prevent boiling over and to avoid scorching. Reduce the heat if necessary.
5. The condensed milk is ready when it has thickened and reduced to about half its original volume, approximately 1.5 cups from these amounts.
6. Remove from heat, let cool, and transfer to a clean jar. It will thicken further as it cools. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
7. If cooked too long, the mixture can start to caramelize and become clumpy. Aim for a smooth, thick consistency rather than a caramel texture unless that is your goal.

Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe

This simple recipe yields about 1.5 cups of sweetened condensed milk.

More recipe ideas

• Lace cookies with pumpkin spice
• Blackberry cobbler
• Creamy custard pie
• Peppermint fudge topped shortbread bars

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