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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Milk
In a medium saucepan, pour in the whole milk. Heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from burning. You don’t want it to boil, just to get warm enough to dissolve the sugar completely.
Step 2: Add the Sugar
Once the milk is warm, stir in the sugar. Continue stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved into the milk. This may take a few minutes, depending on the temperature of the milk.
Step 3: Simmer the Mixture
Lower the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook, stirring frequently, for about 15-20 minutes. During this time, the mixture will thicken and reduce by about half. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t boil over or burn at the bottom.
Step 4: Add the Butter (Optional)
If you’re using butter, add it at this point. Stir it in until the butter has melted completely. This step helps create a smooth, creamy texture for the condensed milk. For a vegan version, you can skip this step and opt for coconut milk instead of dairy milk to enhance the richness.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Once the mixture has thickened and reduced to the consistency of sweetened condensed milk, remove it from the heat. Let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. As it cools, it will thicken slightly more.
You can store homemade sweetened condensed milk in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The consistency will change as it cools, but it will remain smooth and pourable.
Tips for Success
- Watch the Heat: Be careful not to let the milk boil, as this could cause it to scorch or curdle. Keeping the heat on low to medium is key to getting the perfect texture.
- Consistency: If the mixture is too thick after cooling, you can always add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it for a little longer.
- Vegan Alternatives: For a dairy-free version, simply swap the whole milk with coconut milk or almond milk. You can also use vegan butter in place of regular butter.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter or less sweet version, feel free to adjust the amount of sugar. For a low-sugar version, try using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit.
Why This Recipe Works
The beauty of homemade sweetened condensed milk lies in its simplicity and versatility. With only three ingredients, it mimics the rich texture and sweetness of store-bought versions but allows you to control the flavor and quality. The slow simmering process reduces the milk and thickens it naturally, while the sugar adds sweetness and the butter (if used) gives it that extra creamy richness.
This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to avoid the preservatives and added chemicals found in many commercial products. Plus, it’s ideal for customizations—whether you’re making it vegan, low-sugar, or just tweaking the flavor to suit your tastes.
Uses for Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
Now that you’ve made your own sweetened condensed milk, you can use it in a variety of delicious recipes:
- Baking: Add it to cakes, pies, and cookies for a rich sweetness and creamy texture.
- Coffee and Tea: Sweetened condensed milk is a key ingredient in many coffee beverages, including Thai iced coffee and Vietnamese coffee.
- Fudge and Candies: Use it as the base for easy homemade fudge or caramel candies.
- Ice Cream: It’s perfect for making no-churn ice cream, adding both creaminess and sweetness.
- Smoothies: Sweeten smoothies with a splash of homemade condensed milk for extra creaminess and flavor.
Conclusion
Homemade sweetened condensed milk is a simple yet delicious pantry staple that will elevate your cooking and baking. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a high-quality alternative to store-bought versions that’s rich, creamy, and customizable to your taste. Whether you’re using it for desserts, beverages, or even savory dishes, homemade sweetened condensed milk will quickly become your go-to ingredient for a wide range of recipes. Try it today, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!
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