Learning how to make homemade sweetened condensed milk is incredibly easy and only requires a few simple pantry ingredients. In just about 30 minutes, you can make a rich, creamy substitute that works perfectly in pies, candies, frostings, coffee drinks, and so much more.
If you have ever started baking only to realize you are out of sweetened condensed milk, don’t panic!

Homemade sweetened condensed milk tastes even better than the canned version because it is fresh, creamy, and made without preservatives. Plus, you can customize it using whole milk, half-and-half, or even dairy-free alternatives.
Whether you are making fudge for the holidays, a creamy cheesecake, or your favorite coffee creamer, this easy recipe will quickly become a kitchen staple.

This is CRAZY good and goes great in recipes like my delicious Butterfinger Cake.
Why do you want to spend money buying storebought things when you can take just a little bit of extra time and create something delicious in your own kitchen?
What Is Sweetened Condensed Milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is simply milk that has been simmered down to remove some of the liquid while sugar is added to create a thick, sweet, syrupy consistency. It is commonly used in desserts because it adds sweetness and creaminess all at once.
Unlike evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk contains sugar and has a much thicker texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk

You can use sweetened condensed milk as a milk replacement in your daily coffee as many people do. Instead of creamer, they use this because it is already pre-sweetened.
It's also a key ingredient in dessert recipes like my Old Fashioned Cherry Cheesecake or my Frozen Lemonade Pie.
Place the dry milk, granulated sugar, 1/3 cup of the boiling water, and the melted butter in a blender.
Blend all ingredients together until they are smooth. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the blender. This is to make sure you get the dry ingredients incorporated.
Homemade Sweetened Condensed milk typically has a thick, syrupy consistency, but if your homemade condensed milk is too thick to pour easily, add another spoonful or two of boiling water and blend to incorporate. Adjust the water until you are happy with the consistency.

Use your homemade sweetened condensed milk right away, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When you put this in the fridge, it will thicken up. You can loosen it by letting it sit at room temperature.
Can I Use Dairy-Free Milk?
Yes! Coconut milk works wonderfully and creates an extra rich version that is delicious in coffee drinks and desserts. Almond milk can also work, though it may be slightly thinner.
Ways to Use Sweetened Condensed Milk
This homemade version can be used in:
- Frostings
- Fudge recipes
- Key lime pie
- Ice cream
- Cheesecake
- Coffee drinks
- Homemade caramel
- No-bake desserts

Now that you know how to make your own sweetened condensed milk, you can experiment with all the sweet treats you can create with this easy-to-make pantry staple.
Check out these other baking essentials
Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
Making your own sweetened condensed milk is fast and easy! Whip up a batch in 5 minutes, and use it for baking or candy making. All you need are four ingredients and a blender.
Ingredients
- 1 cup instant nonfat dry milk
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
- Place the dry milk, granulated sugar, 1/3 cup of the boiling water, and the melted butter in a blender.
- Blend all ingredients together until they are smooth, scraping down the sides of the blender occasionally to get all the dry ingredients incorporated.
- If your homemade condensed milk is too thick to pour easily, add another spoonful or two of boiling water and blend to incorporate. Adjust the water until you are happy with the consistency.
- Use your homemade sweetened condensed milk right away, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 98Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 62mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 0gSugar: 14gProtein: 2g

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jozee
Friday 5th of August 2011
do you know how to make this chocolate? Used to be able to buy chocolate sweetened condensed mild but no more. I'm thinking maybe use a hot chocolate mix instead of instant milk? what do you think?
Jennifer Sikora
Saturday 6th of August 2011
You might just try playing around with it. Either that or add some cocoa powder to it in place of some of the powdered milk.