Description
This homemade sweetened condensed milk recipe offers a rich, creamy, and naturally sweet dairy treat made from whole milk, sugar, and butter. Perfect for a variety of desserts, it’s crafted by simmering the ingredients low and slow to achieve the ideal thick, luscious consistency without any additives or preservatives.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Milk: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup whole milk and 1 cup granulated sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching and cook for 30 to 40 minutes until the liquid reduces by half and thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add Butter and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1/4 cup unsalted butter until fully melted. Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract if desired to enhance the flavor, mixing thoroughly.
- Cool and Store: Allow the sweetened condensed milk to cool to room temperature. As it cools, it will thicken further. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to one week.
Notes
- Stir continuously in the initial heating stage to prevent milk from scorching.
- Simmer gently to avoid boiling over and ensure proper thickening.
- Use unsalted butter to control the salt content in the finished product.
- Optional vanilla extract adds a subtle depth of flavor but is not necessary.
- Store in a clean, airtight container and refrigerate promptly for food safety.
