This homemade sweetened condensed milk is rich, creamy, and a perfect substitute for the store-bought canned version in any recipe! Not to mention, it will only take you 35 minutes to make and uses all common ingredients! You can use it for a variety of desserts or add it to your coffee for a sweet and decadent twist.
vanilla bean(optional - or use vanilla paste, extract, cinnamon stick, or a splash of pure maple syrup)
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Instructions
Combine milk and heavy cream in a medium saucepan and place it over medium-low heat.
Simmer, stirring frequently, until it reduces to about half of the amount (roughly 30 minutes). *If using vanilla bean or cinnamon stick, add them to the milk mixture while you bring it to a simmer.
Once reduced, remove from the heat and stir in sugar, salt, and butter, if using. Keep stirring until all of the sugar has dissolved and the butter is completely melted and incorporated. *If using vanilla paste, vanilla extract, or pure maple syrup add them to the heated milk mixture with the sugar and salt.
Allow to cool completely before storing or using in a recipe.
Notes
This recipe will make 1¼ cups (10 ounces) of sweetened condensed milk and each serving is for 1 ounce (8 fluid ounces per US cup).
The butter adds a nice richness and depth to your sweetened condensed milk. However, you can omit it if you prefer not to use it.
If you use salted butter, you can omit the pinch of salt. If you're using unsalted butter, still add in the pinch of salt as normal.
To make this recipe sugar-free, use your favorite heat-safe sugarless alternative. I like to use stevia and swerve.
To store: Put your sweetened condensed milk into an airtight jar or container in the fridge for up to a week. Freeze with an inch gap for expansion for up to 3 months.