Have you ever been in the middle of making a killer dessert when all of a sudden you have that moment? You know, the “Oh crap. I thought I had that ingredient, but looks like I don’t,” moment? And typically it comes at a point in the recipe when you have to add it RIGHT NOW or the whole thing will be blown?
Sweetened condensed milk is that ingredient for me every. single. time.
You’d think I’d learn and just pick up a can whenever I’m at the store. Often I have good intentions, but then I see the price and sticker shock sinks in and I think, “Hmm self,… maybe next week it will be on sale and I’ll grab it then.” And then I don’t.
Recently I discovered I never have to buy it again. Ever. Who knew sweetened condensed milk was so quick and easy to make?
I’ve tried several different recipes and this one is the best, hands down. It’s just as rich and creamy as the original and I’ve never had any issues subbing it for its canned equivalent.
And also, you might find me hiding in the pantry licking the bowl.
Ingredients for Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
1/3 C boiling water
4 T butter
¾ C sugar
½ tsp vanilla
1 C powdered milk ((Buy some here))
Note: In the picture, there is an entire cube of butter. You only need 4 tablespoons for this recipe.
Directions
In a medium bowl, pour boiling water over butter. Add sugar and vanilla and mix well with an electric beater. Add powdered milk and mix until smooth. Pour into container of choice. Makes the equivalent of a 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Here’s the consistency right after I added the powdered milk:
And here it is, less than a minute later being poured into my mason jar:
I’m sure this would work equally well in a saucepan on the stove. Just bring the water to a boil and add butter, sugar, and vanilla. Mix well with electric mixer and then add your powdered milk. Mix until smooth.
I’ve also heard that sucanat subs beautifully for the sugar. We tend to eat whole, unprocessed foods for most of our meals, so I don’t feel too guilty using white sugar for a special dessert every now and then.
I used mine for a dulce de leche trifle, and used the leftovers for some dulce de leche hot chocolate when we had a random spring snow storm the other day. The options are endless!
So, how does the price stack up against store bought sweetened condensed milk?
Water: free
Sugar : $0.24
Powdered Milk: $0.85
Butter: $0.25
Vanilla: $0.04
Total Cost: $1.38
At my local grocery store, Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk costs $2.60, so that’s a 47% savings.
Homemade for the win!
Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup boiling water
- 4 tbsp butter
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla
- 1 cup powdered milk
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, pour boiling water over butter. Add sugar and vanilla and mix well with an electric beater. Add powdered milk and mix until smooth. Pour into container of choice. Makes the equivalent of a 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Do you have to use powdered milk?
This was so easy to make. Now I am going to try a macaroon recipe. I have baked all kinds of things over the past 50+ years but never made my own macaroons. You have no idea how happy I am to be able to make my own sweetened condensed milk. Guess where I nabbed the milk powder (something we don’t normally stock in our pantry)? Got it out of our emergency preparedness kit. Hahaha. The sweetened condensed milk was made with all organic ingredients (except for the milk powder—-next time that will change). For the milk and macaroons I am using Trader Joe’s organic sugar, organic eggs, organic coconut and then the organic vanilla is from the local healthfood store. These will be dynamite macaroons. So tempted to dip them in melted chocolate, but I do not have any organic chocolate on hand. Darn.
Oops. MiTmite9 again: I forgot to say THANK YOU for posting this great recipe.
Welcome!!!
I used this recipe last year to make coconut bon bons the first week in December. They were still excellent in flavor
Could you use coconut sugar?
This was SO EASY!!! Thank you! I am now off to enjoy my decadent cup of coffee. 🙂
Oh my goodness, thank you so much!! Now I can make my own coffee creamer!
How long of a shelf life?
She said that it lasts one week refrigerated. 🙂
Thank you for the condensed milk recipe. I was at home feeling down because my legs were to sore to go shopping and I saw this recipe for condensed milk and decided to cheer myself up and use your recipe to make a banoffee pie for a treat. No more paying £1.50 for a tin and yours seems to taste better too
Lorraine Baff
Scotland
I am so glad that it helped you. I love being able to make a product from home and not have to go to the store. I agree it does taste a lot better homemade!
Brilliant.
Just wondering if you could can the sweetened condensed milk? Would like to put some up for later use…
I haven’t tried it yet but if you do let me know!
Would using a sugar substitute such as splenda work for this recipe?
Not sure, some of those sugar substitutes are a different consistency and might add a different flavor, but give it a try and let me know what you think.
Silly question, but salted or unsalted butter? I never have a reason to buy unsalted butter. Is this it?
I used salted butter but I think either could work!
Hi! I was wondering if you can tell me at what temperature do you consider the water boiling? Is it when it starts bubbling? Is there a way to make it last longer than 1 week? I really want to try to make this because I bake a lot that requires condensed milk and any savings will be great. Thank you for posting this!!! 🙂
Technically the boiling point of water is 100°C or 212° F. I watch for rapid bubbles of the water. For this recipe it boils quickly because it is such a small amount.
I haven’t found a way to increase the time to make it last longer!
I always wanted to know how to make this, I’m glad you found and shared the recipe. Now my A. can make her syrup recipe without me buying anything ahead of time!
Thank you for the sweetened condensed milk recipe.
I noticed you buy your powdered milk thru Amazon.
I just wanted to let you know that I buy mine at Wal-Mart.
I am not sure of the cost, but I do think it is less expensive at Wal-Mart.
They have a special section in store for dehydrated foods all are Augason Farms brand.
Also you can order online with no shipping if you spend $45. You can even have it shipped to your home. Sometimes they have sales online on the dehydrated foods ie.. Morning Moo Milk.
Anyway, you may have know some of this, just thought I would share with you.
I enjoy your site keep it going.
We also have chickens and have enjoyed you experiences. I have to chuckle at some as we have experienced some of the same things you have.
Brings a little cheer into our lives.
Thanks again.
Liz