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    Home » Recipes » Healthy Basics » 2-Ingredient Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe

    2-Ingredient Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe

    by: Anya·posted: Dec 3, 2014·updated: Dec 15, 2023·24 CommentsThis post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    text overlay imagine of condensed milk being pored from mason jar into a glass mug.

    Learn how to make condensed milk with this simple 2-ingredient recipe. Use any natural sweetener such as honey, coconut sugar, or granulated sugar and learn what the secret ingredient that makes it so rich and creamy! This sweetened condensed milk recipe unveils the key to velvety sweetness with wholesome ingredients that you'll feel good about!

    condensed milk being poured from mason jar into another glass jar.

    Sweetened condensed milk is a combination of milk, sugar, and sometimes an added fat. It's a pantry staple that is often an essential ingredient in other sweet treats. But beyond its role as a convenient ingredient, there's a delightful transformation that happens when you add a little bit of ...uhmm..magic to it.

    That magic is my secret ingredient and the unsung hero in this classic recipe - butter! And it takes this humble mixture to new heights. Whether baking up a storm during the holiday season or adding it to your daily herbal coffee, this homemade condensed milk recipe infuses your everyday moments with a touch of sweetness.

    Looking for more healthy basics category? 
    Check out How to Roast Buckwheat in the Oven, Healthy Marshmallows, and Roasted Garlic Confit.  
    Jump to:
    • Recipe Overview
    • Ingredients for Homemade Condensed Milk
    • Substitutions and Variations
    • How to Make Condensed Milk
    • Helpful Tips for Homemade Condensed Milk
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storage and Reheating Instructions
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Printable Recipe

    Recipe Overview

    • Prep and Cook Time: 5 minutes to prep and 45 minutes to simmer
    • Cooking Method: Stove-top
    • Dietary Info: Gluten-free with dairy-free option
    • Tools Needed: Medium saucepan and a whisk
    • Skill Level: Easy

    Key Features & Benefits

    Customize sweetness - Control the sweetness in the final product by adjusting the amount of sweetener to suit your taste preferences.

    Wholesome ingredients: This homemade recipe allows better quality control by using wholesome and unprocessed ingredients as much as possible.

    Versatile uses in recipes - Enjoy this homemade version for a special occasion or in your everyday morning coffee. The smooth consistency works great in milk fudge or other sweet treats.

    Diet-friendly - Use honey to make GAPS-compliant condensed milk or use coconut milk to make dairy-free sweetened condensed milk.

    Cost effective: Skip your local grocery store and make this homemade sweetened condensed milk recipe at a fraction of the cost.

    Ingredients for Homemade Condensed Milk

    Learn how to make sweetened condensed milk with 3 simple ingredients. This easy recipe can be made in under an hour.

    an ingredients shot including milk in a measuring cup, sugar is a glass jar, and butter in a bowl..
    • Milk: Any regular milk will work, but I recommend whole milk as the fat content helps to stabilize the condensed milk. If using reduced-fat milk or skim milk, be sure to add butter. This recipe can also work with dairy-free milk, such as almond milk, coconut milk, or cashew milk (though they are not our favorite choice for homemade condensed milk).
    • Sugar: I used organic granulated sugar to keep the flavors mild but you can use any sweetener such as coconut sugar, brown sugar, rapadura, and sucanat. If using a liquid sweetener such as honey or maple syrup, reduce the amount to ½ cup. 
    • Butter: The butter is optional but helps stabilize the condensed milk, and the fat content prevents the milk from curdling during cooking. Use unsalted butter to keep the flavors mild.

    See the recipe card for exact quantities.

    Substitutions and Variations

    • Vanilla - add a touch of vanilla extract or the seeds from the vanilla bean for a deliciously aromatic final product.
    • Ultra creamy texture - swap a quarter cup of milk with heavy cream for super creamy, luxurious texture.
    • Dulce de leche - if you keep cooking it longer, you'll make a caramel-like consistency.
    💭Make it Nutrient-Dense: Use unpasteurized, unhomogenized whole cow's milk for maximum nutrition and check out this post on the best natural sweeteners for more mineral-rich sweeteners that would make excellent substitutions. 
    a wooden spoon next to a glass jar filled with condensed milk.

    How to Make Condensed Milk

    The complete printable recipe is below in the recipe card for your convenience. Follow these simple step-by-step instructions for the best results.

    a whisk inside of a metal pan mixing milk.

    Step 1. Combine

    In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine milk and sugar together and whisk. Bring to a boil on medium-high heat, whisking often.

    whisked milk inside of a metal pan.

    Step 2. Simmer

    As soon as the steam starts lifting off the milk and sugar dissolves, reduce to medium heat or medium-low heat and continue to simmer gently. 

    whisked milk inside of a metal pan with a slice of butter inside of it.

    Step 3. Reduce

    Add butter, if using, and continue on low simmer until darkened to a creamy color, thickened in consistency, and reduced by half, stirring every 15 minutes. Take care not to stir vigorously and avoid touching the bottom of the pan.

    hot condensed milk being poured into mason jar.

    Step 4. Chill

    When the condensed milk has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon, remove from heat and pour it into a small glass jar. Cool at room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator.

    Helpful Tips for Homemade Condensed Milk

    Continuously simmer condensed milk. It's essential to keep the milk gently simmering for the sugar to properly caramelize and the mixture to thicken. Keep an eye on the stove, checking the condensed milk every 5-10 minutes or so to make sure it doesn't boil over.

    Mind the cook time. The exact cook time may vary depending on the heat and size of saucepan. If it takes more than 10 minutes to bring the milk and sugar mixture to a simmer, increase the heat to medium-high. Likewise, reduce heat if the milk begins to simmer faster. 

    Stir gently. When stirring and whisking, avoid scraping the bottom of the saucepan to prevent lifting up the cooked milk solids that may have stuck to the bottom.

    Avoid separated layers. Stir during cooling to prevent condensed milk from forming a layer on top. Homemade sweetened condensed milk will thicken as it cools, especially once chilled in the refrigerator. 

    💭Meal Prep Suggestion: This condensed milk recipe is easy to scale up. Feel free to double the ingredients and use a larger pot to hold all the contents. 
    a glass jar filled with condensed milk and a wooden spoon with some condensed milk on it over the jar.

    Serving Suggestions

    Aside from using it in regular dessert recipes like fudge and healthy vanilla ice cream, you can add it you your favorite creamy drinks for extra creaminess, such as honey hot chocolate or pumpkin spice latte. 
    More sweetened condensed milk pairing suggestions:
    • Superfood Hot Cocoa with Honey-Sweetened Marshmallows - This treat is packed with nutrient dense ingredients such as mineral-rich coconut sugar, fermented raw cacao powder, and grass-fed collagen for a protein kick. Naturally primal with dairy free option. It also makes a great homemade gift with a FREE printable page for gift tags. #primal #nourishing #hotcocoa #homemadegifts
      Nourishing Hot Cocoa with Honey-Sweetened Marshmallows (Paleo) VIDEO
    • herbal coffee mix and mug of coffee
      Herbal Coffee (caffeine free)
    • Eggnog poured from bottle into a glass
      How to Make Eggnog
    • Easy 2-Minute Keto Pumpkin Spice Latte (Low Carb, Paleo, GAPS) - Rich in flavor and healthy fats, this Easy 2-Minute Keto Pumpkin Spice Latte will become a regular daily treat. This drink can be made with herbal "coffee", and coconut cream to keep it paleo.  #falldrinks #lowcarb
      Easy 2-Minute Keto Pumpkin Spice Latte (Low Carb, Paleo, GAPS)

    Storage and Reheating Instructions

    How long does condensed milk last in the refrigerator?

    To store: Store homemade condensed milk in an airtight container like a mason jar in the fridge for up to 4 weeks. Bring it to room temperature first before using and give it a quick stir for best results.

    Storage containers: These pint-size mason jars are excellent for storing condensed milk. As are these Weck juice jars with lids - they have a smaller neck making pouring easy and mess-free.

    To freeze: You can freeze condensed milk in a wide-mouth jar with enough headspace for expansion for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well to restore its smooth texture.

    a wooden spoon next to a glass jar filled with condensed milk.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

    While unsalted butter is recommended to control the salt content and flavor profile, you can use salted butter. Keep in mind, you may need to adjust the recipe that you are adding the condensed milk to.

    How do I know when the condensed milk is thick enough?

    A good way to check if the condensed milk is ready is when it coats the back of a spoon. Run your finger along the back of the spoon and if it leaves a clear trail, it's ready. Additionally, it will thicken as it cools so it's important to factor that in.

    Is condensed milk the same thing as evaporated milk?

    No, these two things are entirely different and serve different purposes. Both are made by removing water content of the milk. Condensed milk is sweetened with sugar, making it thick and sweet like syrup. Evaporated milk, on the other hand, is just reduced milk without added sugar and has a thinner consistency, similar to regular milk.

    Looking for more related recipes? Here are some ideas:
    • homemade marshmallows cut into bite-size pieces on a circular wooden cutting board.
      Easy Homemade Healthy Marshmallows (no corn syrup!)
    • spoonfuls of unrefined sugar like rapadura, coconut sugar, and turbinado.
      Best Natural Sweeteners and Unrefined Sugars Guide
    • two clear mugs with honey citrus mint tea and lemon slices, lemon wedges, and fresh mint as garnish.
      Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe (Honey Citrus Mint Tea)
    • two bowls filled with cottage cheese and fresh strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries and topped with honey; spoons in the bowls.
      Easy Cottage Cheese with Fruit Bowl Recipe
    Did you make this condensed milk recipe? Please leave a ⭐ recipe rating in the recipe card below and leave a review in the comments. Thank you!💚

    Printable Recipe

    condensed milk being poured from mason jar into another glass jar.

    Condensed Milk Recipe

    Anya @ Prepare & Nourish
    Learn how to make condensed milk with just 2 basic ingredients plus the optional butter that makes it rich and velvety smooth.
    4.95 from 39 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Cook Time 55 minutes mins
    chilling time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins
    Course Condiment, Dessert, Healthy Basics
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1 cup

    Equipment

    • small-medium saucepan

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cups whole milk
    • ⅔ cup organic granulated sugar
    • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter optional
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Combine: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk milk and sugar together. Bring to a boil on medium-high heat, whisking often (approx. 8-10 minutes).  
    • Simmer: As soon as the steam starts lifting off the milk and sugar is dissolved, reduce to medium-low heat and continue to gently simmer. 
    • Reduce: Add butter, if using, and continue to gently cook until darkened to a creamy color, thickened in consistency, and reduced by half, (approx. 45 minutes), stirring the condensed milk every 15 minutes or so but take care not to disturb vigorously and avoiding the bottom of the pot.
    • Chill: When the condensed milk has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon, remove from heat and pour it into a small glass jar. Cool at room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator.

    Notes

    Recipe makes 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk. 
    Storage: Store homemade condensed milk in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks. Bring to room temperature before using and give a quick stir. 
    Helpful Tips:
    • Continuously simmer condensed milk. It's essential to keep the milk gently simmering for the sugar to properly caramelize and the mixture to thicken. Keep an eye on the stove, checking the condensed milk every 5-10 minutes or so to make sure it doesn't boil over. 
    • The exact cook time may vary depending on the heat and size of saucepan. If it takes more than 10 minutes to bring the milk and sugar mixture to a simmer, increase the heat to medium-high. Likewise, reduce heat if the milk begins to simmer faster. 
    • When stirring and whisking, avoid scraping the bottom of the saucepan to prevent lifting up the cooked milk solids that may have stuck to the bottom.
    • Stir during cooling to prevent condensed milk from forming a layer on top. Homemade sweetened condensed milk will thicken as it cools especially once chilled in the refrigerator. 
    Substitutions and Variations:
    Sweeteners: Use the same amount of coconut sugar, rapadura, or sucanat. If using honey or maple syrup, reduce amount to ½ cup. 
    Milk: Any milk will work but I recommend whole milk as the fat content helps to stabilize the condensed milk. If using reduced fat milk or skim milk, be sure to use the butter. This recipe can also work with a dairy-free milk, such as almond milk, coconut milk, or cashew milk. 
    Nutrition Information
    The information shown is an estimate provided for your convenience by an online calculator. It should not be considered as a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice. See our complete Nutritional Information Disclaimer.
    Keyword condensed milk recipe, homemade condensed milk, how to make sweetened condensed milk
    ©Prepare and Nourish • Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is encouraged and appreciated but please do NOT screenshot or copy/paste complete recipes to websites or social media.
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Leave a comment below and share a photo on Instagram. Mention @prepareandnourish and be sure to tag #prepareandnourish!

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    About Anya

    Sharing wholesome recipes using seasonal ingredients and simplified methods since 2014. My hope is you'll feel right at home in this online kitchen, where you'll find real food recipes for real families.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      4.95 from 39 votes (39 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Lu says

      July 17, 2018 at 9:27 am

      Where the recipe ? I couldn't find anywhere how much milk , sugar and butter ?Please Thank You!

      Reply
    2. Lu says

      July 17, 2018 at 9:50 am

      Please can you email me the ingredients list ? How much of sugar, milk and butter ?

      Reply
      • Anya says

        August 01, 2018 at 12:10 pm

        Hi Lu,
        I apologize for that. The recipe has been fixed. 🙂

        Reply
    3. Jan says

      January 22, 2019 at 7:29 am

      Any results with using honey? Interested in keeping down the sugars

      Reply
      • Anya says

        January 23, 2019 at 6:42 am

        I'm sure it would work just as well. The finished product will most likely be darker in color but the taste still delicious - and yes - much healthier!

        Reply
    4. Tami says

      June 24, 2019 at 8:33 am

      How long does this last?

      Reply
      • Anya says

        June 26, 2019 at 8:33 am

        I would not store it beyond 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator. But it usually goes fast - especially with baking!

        Reply
    5. Jennifer Warren says

      July 10, 2019 at 8:24 pm

      Would 2% milk work?

      Reply
      • Anya says

        July 11, 2019 at 12:45 pm

        It should! But I haven't tried it myself to let you know how it turns out. If you do, please come back and tell us how it goes. 🙂

        Reply
    6. Ben says

      November 04, 2019 at 7:02 am

      Idk bloggers don’t just put the recipe at the top. No one actually reads all the mumbo jumbo bull*** before you actually get to the ingredients!

      Reply
      • Anya says

        November 14, 2019 at 9:33 pm

        The bull**** you're referring to has very important information about the recipe itself. Feel free to scroll down to the ingredients if you don't care for helpful tips and tricks to get a successful recipe.

        P.S. I edited your comment to reflect my no-cursing rule on my site. Thanks for understanding. 😉

        Reply
        • Jo says

          April 19, 2025 at 1:32 pm

          Wow Anya, I appreciate your response to such a rude, unnecessary comment. It blows my mind how rude people can be behind a computer screen. You are giving of your time, energy and talent to pass along helpful information and then someone has to be rude and ungrateful. You are very gracious! I'm sure you have to develop thick skin to be a blogger. And I'm so thankful for this recipe. I have been wanting to make my homemade ice cream recipe that calls for sweetened condensed milk but will no longer use the store-bought kind. This is perfect! Thank you so much

          Reply
          • Anya says

            April 20, 2025 at 8:23 pm

            Aww. Thank you Jo for such a sweet comment. And yes, you are correct - you have no choice but to grow a thick skin overtime. Enjoy the homemade sweetened condensed milk - glad you are here!

            Reply
    7. Sam says

      November 04, 2019 at 7:04 am

      What is the “secret ingredient” supposed to be? The organic sugar?

      Reply
      • Anya says

        November 14, 2019 at 9:30 pm

        The butter to make it rich and creamy. 🙂

        Reply
    8. Elizabeth says

      October 30, 2022 at 5:11 pm

      What brand you use as real butter?

      Reply
      • Anya says

        October 31, 2022 at 10:03 am

        We prefer Rumianos or Kerrygold unsalted but any grass-fed butter will work.

        Reply
    9. Don St John says

      January 27, 2024 at 2:02 pm

      Great results, but I ended up with 1/3 cup after 30 minutes.

      Reply
      • Anya says

        January 29, 2024 at 3:38 pm

        Wow! That's considerably less than what we normally yields. Did you start off with 2 cups of milk?

        Reply
    10. Arlene says

      August 28, 2024 at 9:56 am

      Do you think this would freeze well?

      Reply
      • Anya says

        September 04, 2024 at 9:58 am

        I'm not sure but in my experience, dairy doesn't freeze too well.

        Reply

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