Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk

Name: Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: ¾ Cup White Granulated Sugar; ¾ Cup Dry Milk; ½ Cup Hot Water

Never run out of condensed milk again! This 3-ingredient homemade sweetened condensed milk comes together in 5 minutes with basic pantry staples. It’s perfect when you’re halfway through a recipe and realize you forgot to buy the canned stuff.

Two mason jars of sweetened condensed milk on a counter.

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Best of all, this recipe gives you complete control over the ingredients, and you’ll love how quick and easy it is to whip up. No cooking required – just mix, rest, and you’re ready to start baking!

Looking for recipes to use your homemade sweetened condensed milk? Try my Cool Whip Candy or Easy Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge. It’s also perfect in my No Bake Key Lime Pie!

Table of Contents

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

Super quick – ready in just 15 minutes total.
Only 3 simple ingredients needed.
No cooking or special equipment is required.
It is the perfect substitute for store-bought.
Budget-friendly pantry recipe.

What is Sweetened Condensed Milk?

Sweetened condensed milk is a thick, sweet dairy product made by removing water from milk and adding sugar. It’s a key ingredient in many desserts, from fudge to pie fillings. This homemade version creates the same creamy, sweet result using dry milk, sugar, and hot water – no lengthy cooking process is needed!

Recipe Ingredients

White sugar, dry milk, and hot water in bowls on a marble counter.

Ingredient Notes:

White granulated sugar – Regular granulated sugar works best here. Don’t substitute with other sweeteners, as they may not dissolve properly.
Dry milk – Use regular, non-fat dry milk powder. This creates the rich, milky base of our condensed milk.
Hot water – The water needs to be very hot to properly dissolve both the sugar and milk powder.

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Substitutions and Additions

Sugar: While regular white sugar works best, you can try powdered sugar in a pinch.
Dry milk: Full-fat dry milk can be used for a richer result.
Flavoring: Add ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Dairy-free: Unfortunately, this specific recipe doesn’t work with non-dairy milk powders.

How to Make Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk (step-by-step directions)

Mixing of ingredients in a glass bowl with a whisk and water.

Combine the sugar and dry milk powder in a medium mixing bowl. (Photo 1)
Add hot water and whisk immediately. (Photos 2 & 3)
Continue whisking until all ingredients are completely dissolved and no lumps remain.
Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes to thicken.

Two glass containers of sweetened condensed milk.

Recipe Tips

Use very hot water to ensure everything dissolves completely.
Whisk thoroughly to prevent any lumps from forming.
Let it rest the full 10 minutes to achieve proper thickness.

Storing Tips

Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Duration: Use within 4-6 days for best results.
Container: A glass jar or sealed plastic container works well.
Not recommended: Don’t store at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

Use your homemade sweetened condensed milk in dessert recipes like my Sugar Cookie Fudge or Cherry Cheesecake In A Jar. It’s also perfect for making Chocolate Lucky Charms Bark extra creamy!

Open jar of sweetened condensed milk on a table.

Recipe FAQs

Why isn’t my mixture thickening?

Make sure your water is very hot and give it the full 10 minutes to rest and thicken. It will continue to thicken as it cools.

How do I know if it’s thick enough?

The consistency should be similar to store-bought sweetened condensed milk – thick but still pourable.

Can I use this in any recipe that calls for sweetened condensed milk?

Yes! This homemade version works as a 1:1 replacement for store-bought.

Why did I get lumps in my mixture?

Lumps usually form if the water isn’t hot enough or if the ingredients aren’t whisked thoroughly enough. Try whisking more vigorously next time.

Need More Basics Recipes? Try These:

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Two glass jars of sweetened condensed milk.

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