How to Make Condensed Milk at Home (Easy 3 Ingredient Recipe)

Name: Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk (3 Ingredients)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 cups whole milk; 3/4 cups granulated sugar; 2 tbsp unsalted butter

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If you’ve ever wondered how to make condensed milk at home, you’re in the right place. This easy recipe for condensed milk comes together with just 3 simple ingredients and tastes every bit as rich and creamy as the canned version.

Making homemade sweetened condensed milk is surprisingly simple. All you need is milk, sugar, and a little butter to create a thick, silky mixture that’s perfect for everything from coffee and desserts to homemade caramel sauce.

Whether you ran out of a can at the worst possible moment or simply prefer making things from scratch, this homemade condensed milk recipe is an easy way to keep a kitchen staple on hand using ingredients you probably already have.

homemade condensed milk in a glass bowl with a spoon.

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What Is Condensed Milk?

Sweetened condensed milk is simply milk that’s been slowly simmered to remove much of its water content. As the milk reduces, sugar is added, creating a thick, rich, and noticeably sweeter product than regular milk.

The process of making condensed milk is actually quite simple. Milk and sugar are cooked together over low heat until the mixture thickens into a smooth, creamy consistency. Some homemade condensed milk recipes, like this one, also include a little butter for added richness and flavour. The result is a versatile kitchen staple that’s commonly used in everything from baked goods and candies to coffee drinks and homemade caramel sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Homemade Condensed Milk

ingredients for recipe for condensed milk - milk, butter, sugar

Who knew that making homemade sweetened condensed milk is as simple as combining three basic ingredients? Milk, sugar, and butter are all you need to create a rich, creamy substitute for the canned version. Here’s what each ingredient brings to the recipe:

Milk: The foundation of homemade condensed milk. As it slowly simmers, the liquid reduces and becomes thicker and more concentrated. Whole milk will give you the richest flavour and texture, but 2% milk can work in a pinch.
Sugar: Sweetened condensed milk wouldn’t be the same without it. Sugar sweetens the mixture while also helping create the thick, syrupy consistency condensed milk is known for.
Butter: A small amount of butter adds richness, flavour, and a silky texture. I recommend using unsalted butter so you can control the overall flavour of the finished condensed milk.

Find the full ingredient list and exact measurements in the recipe card below.

Helpful Tips for Making Condensed Milk

Cook It Low and Slow

Patience is key when making homemade condensed milk. Keep the heat low and allow the milk and sugar mixture to reduce gradually. Cooking it too quickly can cause scorching, uneven thickening, or a slightly burnt flavour.

Watch for the Right Texture

The condensed milk is ready when it has noticeably thickened and coats the back of a spoon. It should still be pourable when hot, so don’t worry if it seems a little thinner than expected at first.

It Thickens as It Cools

One of the most common mistakes is cooking condensed milk for too long. Keep in mind that it will continue to thicken as it cools, and even more once refrigerated. If it reaches a thick, creamy consistency on the stovetop, it’s usually ready to come off the heat.

Condensed Milk vs Evaporated Milk

Although they’re often found side by side on grocery store shelves, condensed milk and evaporated milk are not the same thing.

Both are made by simmering milk to remove some of its water content. The biggest difference is that sweetened condensed milk contains added sugar, while evaporated milk does not. As a result, condensed milk is thick, rich, and sweet, whereas evaporated milk has a more neutral flavour.

Because of the added sugar, evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk can’t always be used interchangeably in recipes. If a recipe specifically calls for sweetened condensed milk, using evaporated milk instead will significantly change both the flavour and texture of the finished dish.

hands holding a bowl of condensed milk with a spoon in it

Frequently Asked Questions

The main ingredient in condensed milk is regular milk. It’s slowly simmered to remove much of its water content, then combined with sugar to create the thick, sweet consistency it’s known for.

Absolutely! Homemade sweetened condensed milk is surprisingly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. This recipe uses milk, sugar, and butter to create a rich, creamy substitute for the canned version.

Store homemade condensed milk in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. As it chills, it will continue to thicken slightly. Give it a good stir before using if needed.

This recipe makes approximately 1 to 1½ cups (350 ml) of sweetened condensed milk, which is roughly the equivalent of one standard 14-ounce can.

Yes! You can use this homemade sweetened condensed milk anywhere you’d normally use canned condensed milk. Use it in desserts, candies, baked goods, coffee drinks, and sauces just as you would the store-bought version.

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Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk (3 Ingredients)

This recipe for condensed milk uses just 3 simple ingredients to create a rich, creamy homemade version that's every bit as good as the canned kind.

4 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 40

Total Time 45

Servings 1.5 Cups

Video

Equipment

Ingredients

2 cups whole milk
¾ cups granulated sugar
2 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine the milk and sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Add the butter and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring often, until the mixture has reduced and thickened to a creamy consistency, about 30 to 40 minutes.

Stir frequently, especially toward the end of cooking, to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Remove from the heat and let cool completely. The condensed milk will continue to thicken as it cools. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Use whole milk for the richest flavour and creamiest texture. Lower fat milk will produce a thinner final result.

A heavy bottomed saucepan helps prevent scorching and promotes even cooking.

Keep the heat low and gentle once the mixture starts simmering. Cooking it too quickly can affect both the texture and flavour.

Don’t wait for the mixture to become extremely thick on the stovetop. It will continue to thicken as it cools.

Store homemade condensed milk in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

This recipe yields approximately 1 to 1½ cups (350 ml), which is roughly equal to one standard 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk.

Nutrition

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scroll up above the recipe card for ingredient notes, tips & tricks, and easy swaps/variations.

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Recipe for Condensed Milk (Easy Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk)

What Is Condensed Milk?

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Homemade Condensed Milk