Need sweetened condensed milk in a pinch or without the chemicals? Homemade sweetened condensed milk is easy to whip up and is comparatively cheaper than its store-bought counterpart, requiring only a blender. Perfect for drinks, baked goods, or holiday gifts.
How many times have you gotten home from the store where you went to buy sweetened condensed milk, only to unpack and realize you grabbed evaporated milk instead?
ALL THE TIME. Perhaps I’m just speaking from experience here, but by that point I am much more likely to scrap my baking idea versus go back out to the store – until now!
No more tossing your ideas for Chocolate Flan Cake or Chocolate Fudge. Simply grab a blender and let us get baking!
What is Condensed Milk?
Condensed milk is essentially milk with the water taken out of it. Naturally there is quite a bit of water in milk. Having too much water in a dessert (like fudge) can greatly change the desired results. We use milk powder for this recipe though so we don’t have to wait as long to get that excess water removed. This is the key to making fantastic condensed milk at home.
How to make sweetened condensed milk at home
What are the best ingredients for condensed milk?
Sweetened condensed milk has a slight caramel flavor, a smooth, creamy texture, and thick like honey in consistency. Because we are not actually caramelizing the sugar during the process, the addition of vanilla extract (you can replace with other extracts for a different flavor) brings in the warmth associated with traditional store-bought condensed milk. Otherwise, you simply need boiling water, sugar, butter, milk powder, and the vanilla extract.
How to make condensed milk from scratch
I love recipes, tips and tricks that require only one tool. It makes cleanup easier and thus, gives me the motivation to actually complete the recipe.
Condensed milk from scratch is easier than ever with just a blender. Simply add your sugar and milk powder to a blender and blend until fine and fluffy. Add the vanilla, butter, and boiling water to the blender and set for three minutes.
The speed and aeration from the blender creates the most luscious, thick, frosting-like texture perfect for sweetened condensed milk. Transfer it to a mason jar with a lid and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Evaporated milk vs. sweetened condensed milk
Evaporated milk is a shelf-stable canned cow’s milk with 60% of the water removed. Sweetened condensed milk has the addition of, you guessed it, sweetener. It is also thicker in texture compared to evaporated milk. Both have their uses in baked goods or your morning coffee. Learn more about milk here.
Variations of sweetened condensed milk
You can also make this recipe dairy-free by using coconut milk and other nut milks, and a plant based butter. Make it sugar-free by using Erythritol or Monkfruit. Change up the flavors by using different extracts. You really can make so many different things with this diy condensed milk.
Other homemade staples you’ll love
- Homemade Taco Sauce
- Slow Cooker Apple Butter
- DIY Bisquick
- Homemade BBQ Sauce
- Homemade Fish Stock
- Whole Wheat Bread
Homemade Condensed Milk
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry milk powder
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1/3 cup water boiling
Instructions
- In a blender, combine sugar and dry milk powder. Blend!
- Combine vanilla, melted butter and boiling (HOT!) water and pour into the blender.
- Blend for 3 minutes, until thick. Reserve in the fridge and use as regular sweetened condensed milk.
Nutrition
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Claudiaicatlett says
Wow, can’t wait to make some. How long does it keep in frig? Thanks for sharing this information to us. Your recipes look yummy. Can’t wait to try them.
Becca says
I hope you love the sweetened condensed milk recipe! If you keep it in a well sealed container or mason jar, I think it will stay good for at least a couple of weeks, and possibly longer. If you see any signs of discoloration or mold growth, do not use it and throw it out.
Robin Jaggers says
Awesome! I have seen MANY recipes for do it yourself things, THIS IS THE BEST! I use it in my homemade (Wendy;s) Frosty recipe!….Thanks so very much!
Chef Becca says
Your sweet comment completely made my day, Robin. Thank you!
Rosalie says
How well does this work when used in recipes like fudge?
Chef Becca says
Rosalie, it’s my understanding that Nelly’s recipe works as an absolute replacement for the condensed milk that you can buy in the store, so I’d say without hesitation that it will work wonderfully in a fudge recipe! If you’re still unsure, you’re welcome to contact Nelly directly via email at marnely@gmail.com
Alice says
how long would you expect this to kep in the fridge and can you preserve it for future use in glass jars?
Becca Heflin says
Thanks for the questions, Alice. I’ve forwarded your questions on to Nelly and will hopefully have answers for you soon!
Karin Anderson says
Great to find this. I’m making Vietnamese Coffee Ice Cream, and sweetened condensed milk is the main ingredient. I would love to make my own (and reduce the sugar amount a bit.)
Becca Heflin says
I’m hopeful that it will give you the results you’re looking for, Karin! This recipe is SO easy that you may never pay for condensed milk again! 🙂
Michele says
Great idea! Thank you 🙂
haniela says
That is so awesome, thanks for the recipe!
DessertForTwo says
What a genius idea! Thanks for this! 🙂
Rachel Cooks (formerly Not Rachael Ray) says
Nelly is a genius! Can’t wait to try this.
Becca from It's Yummilicious says
Nelly is definetly a keeper, Rachel, but so are YOU! Thanks for stopping by for the great recipe!
Donna says
Woah. That’s easier than putting on my shoes, getting in the car, and going to the store.
Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen says
It’s that easy? Holy Moly! I will be doing this, wonderful, excellent!
Heather | Farmgirl Gourmet says
How cool is that? I would’ve never thought to make it myself. Great guest post. <3 Nelly!
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc. says
what a novel idea!