Homemade sweetened condensed milk
Making homemade sweetened condensed milk is a simple process that requires just a few ingredients and a little bit of time. By making it yourself, you can customize the sweetness level and ensure that you’re using high-quality ingredients. Here’s a basic recipe to make sweetened condensed milk at home:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups (1 liter) whole milk
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine Milk and Sugar:In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, pour the whole milk and add the granulated sugar. Stir well to combine.
- Heat the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the milk and sugar mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir constantly to dissolve the sugar and prevent the milk from scorching on the bottom of the pan.
- Reduce and Thicken: Once the mixture comes to a simmer, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the volume is reduced by about half and the mixture has thickened to a creamy consistency. Be patient as this process takes time.
- Add Butter and Vanilla:Once the mixture has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the unsalted butter until it’s completely melted and incorporated into the mixture. If desired, add the vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Cool and Store: Allow the homemade sweetened condensed milk to cool completely in the saucepan. Once cooled, transfer it to a clean, airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will continue to thicken as it cools.