Making your own sweetened condensed milk at home is surprisingly simple and allows you to control the sweetness and quality of the ingredients. This homemade version yields a rich and creamy condensed milk that can be used in a variety of desserts and recipes.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
1. Combine Milk and Sugar:
- In a saucepan, pour the whole milk and add the granulated sugar.
2. Heat the Mixture:
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the milk and sugar mixture until the sugar completely dissolves.
3. Simmer and Reduce:
- Once the sugar has dissolved, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently.
- Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from scorching on the bottom of the pan.
- Allow the mixture to simmer and reduce by about one-third of its volume. This will take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
4. Add Butter and Vanilla (Optional):
- Once the mixture has reduced, remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Stir in the unsalted butter until it melts completely.
- If using, add the vanilla extract and stir to combine.
5. Cool and Store:
- Let the homemade sweetened condensed milk cool to room temperature.
- Transfer it to a clean and sterilized jar or airtight container for storage.
6. Refrigerate:
- Store the homemade sweetened condensed milk in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Stir well before using in recipes.
Tips:
- Stirring: Stir the mixture occasionally during the simmering process to ensure even heating and to prevent scorching.
- Consistency: The condensed milk will thicken further as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit thin while still hot.
- Vanilla Extract: Adding vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the condensed milk, but it’s optional. You can also experiment with other flavorings like almond or coconut extract.
Usage:
- Desserts: Use homemade sweetened condensed milk in various desserts like pies, puddings, fudge, ice cream, and more.
- Coffee and Tea: Add a spoonful to your coffee or tea for a creamy and sweetened beverage.
- Baking: Substitute homemade condensed milk in recipes that call for store-bought condensed milk.
Why Make Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk?
- Control Ingredients: Homemade allows you to control the quality of ingredients, avoiding additives and preservatives found in some store-bought varieties.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness and flavor according to your preferences by varying the amount of sugar and adding different flavorings.
- Freshness: Enjoy the freshness of homemade condensed milk, knowing exactly what went into it.
- Cost-Effective: Making your own condensed milk can be more economical than buying it pre-made, especially if you use it frequently in your cooking and baking.
Conclusion:
Creating your own homemade sweetened condensed milk is a rewarding and practical endeavor that enhances your culinary creations. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can enjoy the rich and creamy goodness of homemade condensed milk in your favorite desserts and recipes. Plus, the satisfaction of making it yourself is truly sweet!