Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk: Ingredients
You only need four basic ingredients:
2 cups whole milk
1 cup granulated sugar
4 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but wonderful)
This recipe makes roughly the equivalent of one standard can (14 ounces).
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk (Amish Style)
1. Combine and Heat
Pour the milk and sugar into a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
Heat over medium-low, stirring frequently until the sugar fully dissolves.
2. Simmer Slowly
Once dissolved, reduce to low heat.
Let the mixture simmer gently—never boil—for 35–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
It will slowly thicken and reduce by about half.
You’ll know it’s ready when:
It coats the back of a spoon
The color turns creamy and pale
The texture becomes glossy and syrup-like
3. Add Butter and Vanilla
Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted.
For extra richness and aroma, add vanilla.
4. Cool Completely
Let the mixture cool at room temperature. It will thicken even more as it rests.
Once cooled, it’s ready to use in any recipe that calls for canned condensed milk.
How to Freeze Your Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
This was the part my Amish neighbor insisted on—never make just one batch.
So now, I double or triple the recipe and freeze it.
Here’s how:
✔ Portion Wisely
Spoon into small freezer containers, silicone molds, or even zip-top bags.
✔ Label Clearly
Mark each container with the date and portion size.
✔ Freeze Up to 3 Months
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when needed.
Once thawed, give it a quick stir—it returns to the perfect consistency.
Ways to Use Your Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
Once you have it on hand, the possibilities are endless:
Fudge and candy recipes
Creamy pies
Sweet breads
Coffee creamer
Homemade ice cream
Caramel sauce
Cookie bars
Smoothies
Tres leches cake
It becomes one of those kitchen staples you never realized you needed until you have it ready all the time.
Final Thoughts
It’s amazing how a simple recipe shared by a neighbor can become such an essential part of everyday cooking. Making your own sweetened condensed milk is easy, cost-effective, and incredibly rewarding—plus it brings a touch of homemade comfort to any dish you add it to.
Now, thanks to my Amish neighbor’s wisdom, I keep my freezer stocked with small containers of this creamy, homemade goodness. Whenever a recipe calls for it, all I have to do is thaw, stir, and enjoy.
