Easy Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk

This Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk is rich, creamy, and incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Made with full-fat milk, organic cane sugar, butter, and a touch of vanilla, this from-scratch version delivers the same thick, velvety texture and sweet, caramel-like flavor as store-bought—but even better. Whether you’re using it for baking, coffee, desserts, or homemade treats, this recipe is a must-have staple for any kitchen. Dairy-free, Quick + Freezer options!

I'm always looking to share basic and essential recipes like this Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk because it's so important to be able to create your own substitute at home, especially when you realize at last minute that you forgot an ingredient or ran out of it. If you're an avid sweetened condensed milk user then you know that this stuff adds a beautiful punch to many things like Classic Southern Banana Pudding, Southern Strawberry Banana Pudding, Creamy Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge, Espresso Martini without Kahlua [Mocktail], or even the basis for homemade ice cream like this No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream with Rainbow Sprinkles or any other flavor.

Perfect for recipes like pies, cakes, fudge, and sweet beverages, this condensed milk comes together with minimal effort and no preservatives. You can even customize it using evaporated milk for a quicker method or adjust the sweetness to your preference. If you’ve ever wondered how to make sweetened condensed milk at home, this simple, foolproof recipe will quickly become a go-to.

Condensed Milk vs. Evaporated Milk: What’s the Difference?

While they may look similar, sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk serve very different purposes in recipes.

Sweetened Condensed Milk

• Thick, rich, and very sweet
• Made by simmering milk and sugar until reduced
• Has a creamy, syrup-like consistency
• Used in desserts, baking, and sweet drinks

Best for:

• Fudge
• Pies
• Cheesecakes
• Sweet beverages

Evaporated Milk

• Unsweetened and more neutral in flavor
• Made by removing about 60% of the water from milk
• Thinner consistency than condensed milk
• Used in both savory and sweet dishes

Best for:

• Soups
• Sauces
• Creamy casseroles
• Coffee or tea

Jump to:

• Condensed Milk vs. Evaporated Milk: What’s the Difference?
• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• How to Make Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
• Ingredients
• SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING + BAKING!
• Ways to Use Sweetened Condensed Milk
• Substitutions (Dairy-Free, Quick Method + More)
• Troubleshooting Guide
• Storage + Shelf Life Options
• Common Q + A's for Easy Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
• More Must Have Essential Recipes
• MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
• Easy Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Made with just a few simple ingredients
• Rich, creamy, and better than store-bought
• No preservatives or artificial ingredients
• Perfect for baking, coffee, and desserts
• Easy to customize (dairy-free, less sweet, etc.)
• Budget-friendly pantry staple
• Great for holiday baking and homemade treats
• Comes together on the stovetop with minimal effort

How to Make Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk

Start by adding the milk and sugar to a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves. Reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to gently simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and reduces in volume.

Once the mixture becomes rich and slightly thickened, stir in the butter and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated. Remove from heat and let it cool—the condensed milk will continue to thicken as it sits. Transfer to a jar and use as desired.

Ingredients

• Full-Fat Whole Milk. The base of the recipe that creates a rich, creamy texture. Substitutes: Evaporated milk (for a quicker method), or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free.
• Organic Cane Sugar. Provides sweetness and helps thicken the milk as it simmers. Substitutes: Granulated sugar, coconut sugar (for a deeper flavor), or maple sugar.
• Salted Butter. Adds richness, smoothness, and a slight depth of flavor that mimics store-bought condensed milk. Substitutes: Unsalted butter + pinch of salt, or dairy-free butter.
• Vanilla Extract. Adds warmth and depth while rounding out the sweetness of the condensed milk. Even a small amount helps give it that classic rich, homemade flavor. Substitutes: Vanilla bean paste, scraped vanilla bean seeds, or omit for a more neutral condensed milk flavor.

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING + BAKING!

Here, I've curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially for the foods within this Easy Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk recipe. Everything from my fave baking sheet, dutch ovens, immersion hand-blender, mixing bowls, storage containers + jars, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

Ways to Use Sweetened Condensed Milk

Sweetened condensed milk is incredibly versatile and can be used in both classic and creative ways:

Baking + Desserts

• Pies (like key lime or cream pies)
• Cakes and cupcakes
• Fudge and no-bake desserts
• Cheesecakes
• Sweet sauces and drizzles

Coffee + Drinks

• Sweeten coffee or iced coffee
• Add to lattes for a creamy, rich finish
• Use in homemade iced beverages

Sweet Breakfast Additions

• Drizzle over pancakes or waffles
• Add to oatmeal or yogurt
• Pair with fruit bowls

No-Bake Treats

• Ice cream bases
• Truffles
• Bars and layered desserts

Flavor Boosting

• Add to sauces for sweetness + richness
• Mix into glazes or frostings
• Swirl into caramel-based recipes

Make a batch and store it—this is one of those ingredients that instantly upgrades simple recipes into something special.

Substitutions (Dairy-Free, Quick Method + More)

Quick Method (Using Evaporated Milk)

• Use evaporated milk instead of whole milk
• Omit the butter
• Reduces cooking time significantly

Dairy-Free Option

• Use full-fat coconut milk
• Use dairy-free butter (optional)
• Choose a neutral or lightly sweet plant-based milk if needed

NOTE: Coconut milk will add a slight coconut flavor.

Sweetener Options

• Maple syrup (for a more natural option)
• Honey (slightly different flavor profile)
• Coconut sugar (deeper, caramel-like taste)

Butter Alternatives

• Unsalted butter + pinch of salt
• Vegan butter
• Omit for a lighter version (texture may be slightly less rich)

Troubleshooting Guide

My condensed milk didn’t thicken?

• It likely needs more simmering time
• Keep heat low and allow it to reduce slowly
• Remember: it thickens more as it cools

It thickened too much?

• Add a splash of warm milk and stir
• Heat gently to loosen if needed

It tastes grainy?

• Sugar may not have fully dissolved
• Stir thoroughly at the beginning
• Keep heat low to avoid crystallization

It burned or turned too dark?

• Heat was too high
• Stir more frequently
• Use a heavy-bottom pan for even heat

It’s not as creamy as expected?

• Make sure you used full-fat milk
• Add butter for extra richness

It separated or looks oily?

• This can happen if overheated
• Whisk well while cooling to bring it back together

NOTE: Low and slow is key—gentle heat and patience will give you the best texture and flavor every time.

Storage + Shelf Life Options

Refrigerator

• Store in an airtight glass jar or container
• Keeps well for up to 5–7 days

Freezer

• Freeze in a sealed container or portioned cubes
• Lasts up to 2–3 months
• Thaw in the refrigerator and stir well before using

Texture Tip

The condensed milk will thicken more as it cools. If it becomes too thick:

• Stir in a small amount of warm milk to loosen

Common Q + A's for Easy Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk

More Must Have Essential Recipes

If you thoroughly enjoyed this Easy Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk recipe, don't forget to add these delicious creations to your "must-make essentials" list:

• Refreshing Homemade Lemonade
• Homemade Pico de Gallo
• Easy Homemade Italian Dressing
• My Favorite Gochujang Sauce
• Simple Blueberry Compote
• Favorite Dairy-Free Nacho Cheese
• Creamy Pistachio Milk
• How to Make Lemon Juice
• All-Purpose Al Pastor Marinade
• Vodka Sauce
• How to Make Homemade Tomato Sauce
• Candied Frozen Sour Grapes
• Homemade Whipped Cream
• How To Bake A Sweet Potato
• Garlic Herb Butter

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried my Easy Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag me @shanikagrahamwhite on Instagram. I love hearing from you!

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