How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk at Home

Have you ever ran out of sweetened condensed milk while baking a delicious dessert? Fret not, because making your own sweetened condensed milk is a breeze! With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can have a homemade version in no time.

First and foremost, what exactly is sweetened condensed milk? It is a thick and creamy milk that has been heated and had sugar added until it has been reduced by about 60%. It is often used in baking as a sweetener and to add richness to desserts such as fudge, pies, and ice creams. Ready to make your own? Let’s get started!

The Ingredients Needed for Sweetened Condensed Milk

Making sweetened condensed milk from scratch is easy, but first you need to gather all the ingredients required, which includes:

1. Sugar – You’ll need about 1 cup of granulated sugar to sweeten the milk.
2. Whole Milk – Use a full-fat milk for the best taste and texture. Skimmed milk won’t be thick enough.
3. Water – You’ll need 1/4 cup of water to help dissolve the sugar.
4. Vanilla Extract – A teaspoon of vanilla extract will add flavor to the condensed milk. It’s optional, but highly recommended.
5. A Heavy-Bottomed Pan – The heavier the pot, the more even the heat distribution will be during cooking.

How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk

Now that we’ve gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to learn the steps involved in making sweetened condensed milk. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Combine Sugar and Water

Begin by combining the sugar and water in a heavy-bottomed pan. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves. Set the pan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 2: Add the Milk

Once the sugar dissolves and you’ve brought the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Add the milk and continue to stir.

Step 3: Cook the Milk

Now, all you have to do is be patient and keep stirring until the milk has reduced to about 1 to 1 1/4 cups, which makes about one can of condensed milk. This process can take up to an hour.

Step 4: Add Vanilla Extract

Once you’ve achieved the desired consistency, remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the condensed milk to cool down before transferring it to a sterile jar or can. Refrigerate until you’re ready to use it.

Troubleshooting Tips

As simple as this recipe is, there are a few things that can go wrong, and you may end up with lumpy or grainy condensed milk or even burnt sugar. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you avoid these:

1. Keep the heat low and the stirring consistent to prevent burning.
2. Don’t rush the process. Patience is key.
3. Stirring consistently ensures that the milk doesn’t get scorched and that the sugar dissolves evenly.
4. If you notice any lumps, strain the milk through a fine-mesh sieve to remove them.
5. For a smoother texture, you can use a hand mixer or blender to process the condensed milk.

Final Thoughts

Making sweetened condensed milk requires patience, attention to detail, and some basic cooking skills. But with the right ingredients, tools, and a little bit of effort, you’re sure to produce a sweet treat that tastes and feels just like store-bought condensed milk. Follow these simple steps and troubleshooting tips, and before you know it, you’ll be a pro at making this delicious treat. Enjoy!

Section 2: The Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe

Ingredients Needed

When it comes to making sweetened condensed milk, there are only a few ingredients that you need. You will need a can of evaporated milk, granulated sugar, and some vanilla extract. You will also need a medium-sized saucepan and a wooden spoon.

Step 1: Combine the evaporated milk and sugar

To start making sweetened condensed milk, you need to take the can of evaporated milk and the granulated sugar and combine them in your medium-sized saucepan.

Step 2: Heat the milk and sugar mixture

Once you have combined the milk and sugar, you want to heat the mixture on medium-high heat. You need to keep stirring the mixture until the sugar is dissolved. This will take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Reduce heat and simmer

After the sugar has dissolved, you want to reduce the heat to low. You will need to simmer the mixture for about 25-30 minutes. It’s critical that you stir the mixture every 5-10 minutes to avoid burning and sticking.

Step 4: Add the vanilla extract

Once you have simmered the mixture for the recommended time, you can turn off the heat. Add in the vanilla extract and stir it all together.

Step 5: Time to cool

Now, you’ll need to let the mixture cool. You can either leave it in the pot or transfer it to an airtight container. Let it cool at room temperature before storing in the refrigerator.

Step 6: Storage

Your freshly made sweetened condensed milk can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Remember to shake the container before using it.

Cooking Tips

Here are some cooking tips to follow when making sweetened condensed milk:

1. Stir frequently to avoid burning and sticking
2. You can also use a whisk to help dissolve the sugar
3. You can adjust the sweetness to your taste by adding more or less sugar
4. Use full-fat evaporated milk for a creamier texture
5. Don’t try to rush the process by turning up the heat as it could cause curdling.

Conclusion

Making sweetened condensed milk is super easy and takes only a few ingredients. The recipe yields a smooth, rich, and sweet milk that can be used for many dessert recipes. Follow the steps above, and you will have a delicious homemade sweetened condensed milk in no time!

Ingredients needed to make sweetened condensed milk at home

Making sweetened condensed milk at home is a great way to save some money and avoid any additives or preservatives that you might find in store-bought versions. You only need a few simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry to make this delicious treat.

Step-by-step process of making sweetened condensed milk

Making sweetened condensed milk may seem intimidating, but it’s surprisingly easy and only takes about an hour. Here is a step-by-step process:

1. Pour 4 cups of milk, 1 ½ cups of sugar, and a pinch of salt into a heavy-bottomed saucepan.

2. Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly so the sugar dissolves.

3. Gradually increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil while continuing to stir.

4. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for around 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Skim off any foam that forms.

5. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the mixture and stir until it melts.

6. Continue to cook the mixture for another 10 to 15 minutes or until it has thickened and reduced by about half.

7. Remove from the heat and let cool.

8. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl and let it cool to room temperature.

Tips for making perfect sweetened condensed milk each time

Making sweetened condensed milk is relatively easy, but there are a few tips that can help you get perfect results every time.

1. Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent the milk from scorching.

2. Stir the mixture frequently while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

3. Be patient and let the mixture simmer on low heat for at least 45 minutes to allow the sugar to caramelize and the milk to thicken.

4. Do not leave the mixture unattended or let it boil too vigorously because it can easily burn and ruin the flavor.

5. Use the right ratio of milk, sugar, and butter to get the perfect consistency and flavor.

Ways to use sweetened condensed milk in your recipes

Sweetened condensed milk is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. Here are some ways to use it:

1. Use it as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or French toast.

2. Drizzle it over ice cream or mix it into your favorite milkshake.

3. Use it in place of regular milk in your coffee or hot chocolate.

4. Add it to your baked goods like cakes, muffins, and cookies for a richer flavor.

5. Mix it with melted chocolate to make a chocolate sauce for your desserts.

Storage tips for sweetened condensed milk

Store your homemade sweetened condensed milk in a clean and airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before using it. Always check for any strange odors, mold, or discoloration before using it, and discard if you notice anything unusual.

Time to Sweeten Up Your Life!

Now that you know how to make sweetened condensed milk, you can add it to all your favorite desserts and drinks. From pies to hot cocoa, this versatile ingredient is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Thanks for reading this how-to guide and we hope you enjoyed learning how to make sweetened condensed milk. Come back soon for more fun and tasty recipes!