Sweet and Condensed Milk: How to Make this Luxurious Ingredient at Home

Ingredients Needed to Make Sweet and Condensed Milk

Making sweetened condensed milk is a straightforward process that requires just a few simple ingredients. These include:

1. Milk: The main ingredient is milk, usually whole milk. It’s important to use whole milk because it has a higher fat content, which makes the condensed milk richer and creamier.

2. Sugar: Lots of it! Sugar is the key to making condensed milk sweet. You’ll need about 2 cups of sugar for every 2 cups of milk.

3. Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract is optional, but it adds a lovely flavor to the condensed milk.

4. Pinch of salt: A pinch of salt helps to balance the sweetness of the sugar and vanilla.

5. Cornstarch (Optional): If you want a thicker consistency, add one tablespoon of cornstarch.

Step by Step Guide to Making Sweetened Condensed Milk

1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the milk and sugar.

2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently with a whisk.

3. Once the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and continue to cook it for around an hour until the volume reduces by almost half and gets a caramelized color.

4. Keep in mind that the process of reducing the milk is the key to making your sweetened condensed milk. You don’t want to rush this process as it can burn fast and spoil the texture of the condensed milk.

5. Once it has thickened and reduced, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

6. Mix in the vanilla and salt, stir well, and then allow the mixture to cool down entirely till it’s at room temperature.

7. Once the mixture has cooled completely and your texture is smooth, you can either store it in the fridge or continue to add flavors to make different sweet recipes.

Tips For Making Sweetened Condensed Milk

Here are some simple guidelines to ensure your sweetened condensed milk turns out perfectly:

1. Use whole milk and sugary granules: Do not substitute low-fat milk or different sweeteners for granulated sugar.

2. Watch the temperature: Take care to avoid burn after heating the mixture. It requires some attention and Stirring.

3. Keep stirring: Stir frequently to avoid any mess.

4. Use the right equipment: Make sure to use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent any scorching.

5. Perfect timings: Do not allow the condensed milk to boil for too long to prevent granulation.

6. Don’t add too much at once: Add ingredients one at a time to avoid over-flavoring the mixture.

7. Don’t be afraid to adjust: Feel free to adjust the quantity of sugar or other ingredients to taste.

8. Storability: Store the final product in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

9. Add flavors: You can add different flavors, including cocoa powder for chocolate flavor or coconut milk powder for a coconut flavor.

10. Use your product creatively: Sweetened condensed milk can be used in many recipes, including cakes, pies, and puddings.

By following these tips, You can enjoy the taste of sweetened condensed milk anytime and any day.

How to Make Sweet and Condensed Milk: The Process

Once you have all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to start making sweet and condensed milk. As mentioned earlier, there are two methods to try: the stovetop and slow cooker methods. Here’s a look at the process you can follow for both methods:

Stovetop Method

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

In a medium-sized pot, pour in the milk and add the sugar. Stir the mixture and place it over medium heat. As the mixture begins to heat up, keep stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.

Step 2: Reduce the Mixture

After the sugar dissolves, reduce the heat to low. Here, let the mixture simmer for approximately 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The milk and sugar mixture should start to thicken. Keep stirring until it reduces to about half its original quantity.

Step 3: Add the Butter

When the mixture has thickened, add in the butter and keep stirring for about 15 minutes. The butter helps to give the condensed milk a creamy texture and a smooth consistency.

Step 4: Store the Sweet and Condensed Milk

Finally, turn off the heat and let the condensed milk cool down. Once it has cooled, pour the mixture into a jar or container with a lid. Store your sweet and condensed milk in the fridge for up to a month.

Slow Cooker Method

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

In your slow cooker, add in the milk and sugar. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely. Add in the butter and vanilla extract, and give the mixture another stir.

Step 2: Cook on Low Heat

Set the slow cooker on low heat and let it work its magic for about 8-10 hours. The mixture should start to thicken, but make sure to give it a stir occasionally.

Step 3: Prep and Store the Sweet and Condensed Milk

Once the mixture has thickened to half its original quantity, turn off the slow cooker and let the condensed milk cool down. Pour it into a jar or container with a lid and store it in the fridge for up to a month.

That’s all there is to making sweet and condensed milk using either the stovetop or slow cooker methods. Of course, it’s always important to taste as you go and adjust the ingredients to your liking. With a little patience and some time, making sweet and condensed milk from scratch can be a rewarding and delicious experience.

That’s how you make sweet and condensed milk!

I hope you enjoyed reading this article and found the recipe easy to follow. Making your own sweet and condensed milk can save you money and allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring that it’s free from any unwanted additives. If you have any questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Otherwise, thanks for reading and don’t forget to check back later for more fun and exciting recipes!