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Homemade sweetened condensed milk, creamy and thick, in a mason jar with a golden hue, placed on a wooden kitchen counter.

How to Make Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk

Make your own sweetened condensed milk with this easy homemade recipe. Yields about 1 ¼ cups, the equivalent of one store-bought can.
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Serving Size 1

Equipment

  • 1 heavy-bottom saucepan

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups whole milk
  • 1 cup white granulated sugar

Instructions

  • Combine the whole milk and sugar in a heavy-bottom saucepan or a wider pan, like an enameled cast iron skillet. Stir to dissolve the sugar completely.
  • Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and continue simmering. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from scorching or forming a skin.
  • Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 30-40 minutes. The milk will gradually reduce and thicken. Be patient and avoid increasing the heat, which can cause the milk to scorch.
  • Remove it from the heat once the mixture has reduced to about half its original volume and has a creamy consistency. Remember, it will thicken further as it cools.
  • Let the condensed milk cool to room temperature. Pour it into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep in the fridge for up to a week.

Notes

  1. Use the Right Cookware: A heavy-bottom saucepan is ideal to prevent scorching. Alternatively, I’ve found that using a wider pan, like an enameled cast iron skillet, helps the mixture reach the desired consistency more evenly.
  2. Keep an Eye on It: While this recipe is simple, it’s important not to leave the saucepan unattended for a very long period of time.
  3. Maintain a Low Simmer: Avoid boiling the mixture. A gentle simmer ensures the milk reduces slowly and evenly without boiling over.
  4. Let It Thicken Naturally: The mixture will continue to thicken as it cools, especially after being refrigerated. If it’s still a bit runny when warm, don’t worry—it’ll set beautifully in the fridge.