Why You’ll Love This Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe
You’ll love this homemade sweetened condensed milk recipe because it’s incredibly easy to whip up and tastes just as good, if not better, than store-bought.
I’ve made this countless times, and each batch brings a sense of satisfaction. You won’t believe how quickly it comes together! Just a few simple ingredients, and you’ll have a creamy, sweet treat ready for your favorite recipes.
I love knowing exactly what’s in it, without any preservatives. Plus, it stores well in the fridge, making it perfect for last-minute baking or coffee indulgences.
Trust me; you’ll never want to buy it again!
Ingredients of Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
Making your own sweetened condensed milk isn’t just a handy skill, but it’s also a delightful way to elevate your baking game. Imagine this: you’re in your kitchen, surrounded by the warm scent of freshly baked goods, and you suddenly realize you’re out of your favorite sweetened condensed milk. Panic sets in, but wait! You remember this easy recipe you stumbled upon.
With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up your very own batch in no time, and trust me, it tastes amazing. Plus, you get to be the hero of your own dessert story.
Here’s what you’ll need to gather for your homemade sweetened condensed milk:
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 – 2 tablespoons margarine (I usually go with 1 tablespoon)
- 2 cups powdered milk
Now, let’s chat about these ingredients for a moment. First off, boiling water is essential because it helps dissolve the sugar smoothly, creating that lovely silky texture we all crave.
As for the sugar, you can’t have sweetened condensed milk without it—it’s kind of the star of the show. Margarine adds that rich, creamy element, but if you’re feeling fancy or want to ditch the margarine, unsalted butter works just as well, or even coconut oil for a different flavor twist.
And powdered milk? It’s your secret weapon here, giving the mixture that thick, luscious quality. So, dig through your cupboards and let’s get ready to blend up some sweet magic!
How to Make Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s plunge into making our homemade sweetened condensed milk. First things first, grab that 1/2 cup of boiling water. It’s super important to use boiling water because it helps dissolve the sugar quickly and thoroughly—nobody wants crunchy bits of sugar floating around in their sweetened condensed milk, right? So, pour the boiling water into a mixing bowl or a blender if you’re feeling fancy.
Next up, add in 1 cup of sugar. Watch how it dissolves almost instantly in that hot water; it’s like magic! Give it a little stir if you’re using a bowl, or just let the blender do its thing.
Then, toss in 1 to 2 tablespoons of margarine—let’s stick with 1 tablespoon for now unless you want to drown your mixture in buttery goodness. The margarine will melt right into the mix, adding that creaminess we crave.
Finally, it’s time for the star of the show: the 2 cups of powdered milk. This is where the thickening magic happens. Stir, whip, or blend everything together until it’s thick and smooth.
Once you’ve achieved that luscious consistency, take a moment to admire your handiwork. You’ve just made sweetened condensed milk from scratch—how cool is that?
Now, if you’re not planning to use it right away, make sure to store it in the fridge. It’ll keep well until you’re ready to whip up those dreamy desserts or pour it into your coffee for that sweet touch.
And trust me, when you take a spoonful of this homemade goodness, you’ll feel like a kitchen rock star, just without the shiny guitar.
Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Substitutions & Variations
While the classic recipe for homemade sweetened condensed milk is delicious on its own, there are plenty of substitutions and variations to contemplate if you want to customize it to your taste or dietary needs.
You can use almond milk or coconut milk instead of powdered milk for a dairy-free option. If you prefer a healthier alternative, try using honey or maple syrup in place of sugar.
For a richer flavor, swap margarine with coconut oil. You can even experiment by adding vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to enhance the taste.
Get creative and make it your own!
What to Serve with Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
Homemade sweetened condensed milk is incredibly versatile and can elevate a variety of dishes. I love drizzling it over pancakes or waffles for a sweet twist on breakfast.
It’s also fantastic in coffee, adding a rich, creamy sweetness that’s hard to resist. For dessert, I use it in pie fillings or to enhance brownies, giving them a delectable moistness.
You can even mix it into yogurt or smoothies for an extra layer of flavor. Don’t forget about using it in homemade fudge or as a dip for fresh fruit.
The possibilities are endless, and I’m always discovering new favorites!
Additional Tips & Notes
When you’re making sweetened condensed milk at home, it’s helpful to keep a few tips in mind for the best results.
First, use boiling water to guarantee the sugar dissolves completely; this makes a smoother mixture. I recommend using powdered milk for a creamier texture, and don’t skimp on the margarine—it adds richness.
If you want a thicker consistency, whip it longer. Always store your homemade condensed milk in an airtight container in the fridge, and it should last for about a week.
Finally, feel free to experiment with flavors like vanilla or cocoa for a tasty twist!