This easy homemade condensed milk only has 2 ingredients and is super easy to make. It’s also gluten-free, ultra-creamy, and thick, and can be used in so many different recipes! I also include vegan/dairy-free as well as sugar alternative options!

This homemade condensed milk recipe is amazing! I’ve been meaning to share it with you for a while now because it’s such a versatile staple in my kitchen! It’s also incredibly simple to make. There are only 2 ingredients in this homemade condensed milk, which I’m almost certain you probably already have in your pantry: sugar and milk! I’ve also included a dairy-free option for a vegan version!

What exactly is condensed milk?

Generally speaking, condensed milk is a combination of milk and sugar that is slow-cooked. As a result, a lot of water is removed without scalding the milk. It’s rich, thick, and sweet. It is also naturally gluten-free and found in many different cuisines around the world.

Why make homemade condensed milk?

Many store-bought products tend to have processed ingredients in them, most of which are not healthy. However, as with any homemade recipe, the greatest advantage is that you have complete control over what you use. To me, homemade is always best! If you’ve never made your own condensed milk before, now’s the time to try it! Don’t be intimidated – it’s really simple!

You can enjoy this homemade condensed milk in a variety of recipes! My personal favorite is using it for homemade fudge! You could also use it in coffee, like this amazing Healing Mushroom Coffee, Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte, and in dessert recipes like this Vietnamese Avocado Shake, Mango Sago Dessert, or Mexican Horchata (a delicious Mexican rice milk drink)! So, the sky’s the limit, really, as far as how to use condensed milk!

The ingredients

• Milk: I used full-fat dairy milk, but you can use low-fat milk. You can even use your favorite dairy-free milk if you prefer.
• Sugar: I used cane sugar, but you can also use white sugar or brown sugar. 

Note: I think brown sugar will give a deeper color with a slight caramel flavor (because of the molasses). However, if you want the taste of traditional condensed milk, then it’s best to just use granulated white sugar.

Sweetener options

Instead of cane sugar, you could use the following sweeteners:

• Coconut sugar
• Maple syrup
• Honey
• Agave

Keep in mind, though, that the flavor and color of the condensed milk may be slightly different, depending on which sweetener you use. Also, keep in mind that the sweetener needs to be able to caramelize, so substitutes like xylitol will not work for this recipe.

How to make condensed milk

Here’s how to make homemade condensed milk in 4 super simple steps!

First, combine the milk and the sugar in a saucepan. Gently bring the mixture to an almost-boil, stirring continuously to help the sugar dissolve. Stirring frequently will also help to avoid any lumps from forming.

Then reduce the heat and simmer for about 35-45 minutes. There’s no need to stir anymore.

You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture has reduced by around half and has slightly darkened in color. It will also be of a thicker consistency – you should have thick syrupy milk.

Let the condensed milk cool completely at room temperature. Then transfer it to an airtight glass container. 

Note: the condensed milk will thicken further once it is placed in the fridge.

How to store

Fridge: Homemade condensed milk can be stored In the fridge for up to about a week.

Freezer: You could also freeze it for about 3 months. Just bring it to room temperature before using or thaw in the refrigerator overnight. If needed, whisk to a smooth consistency.

How to use

As I mentioned above, this homemade condensed milk can be used to make fudge and caramels and can be used instead of milk or creamer in coffee and tea drinks (hot or iced). You can also use it in baking when making cookies, custards, puddings (like this Egyptian Bread Pudding), pies. Furthermore, you can use it for homemade ice cream recipes (like for this peach ice cream).

These are just a few options. Let me know in the comments below what your favorite ways to use condensed milk are.

FAQs

Recipe notes

• Simmering on low heat is very important so that the milk doesn’t curdle.
• Using full-fat milk gives the condensed milk a nice thick consistency, just like store-bought.
• You can add some vanilla extract for a sweeter flavor if you want. You could also make this condensed milk exotic by adding some rose extract!
• You can also add some butter (unsalted or even salted). It will make the condensed milk so rich and silky and will enhance the flavor.

Other milk recipes

• Homemade coconut condensed milk
• How to Make Almond Milk in 2 Minutes
• Bantha Milk-Sweet Coconut Blue Milk
• Simple Oat Milk Creamer (Oat Cream)
• Silky Ginger Milk Pudding (Ginger Curd)
• Healthy Blueberry Milkshake
• Homemade Powdered Milk

If you try this homemade condensed milk recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts/questions below. Also, I’d really appreciate a recipe card rating below, and feel free to tag me in your recipe recreations on Instagram @Alphafoodie!