Sweetened condensed milk is a key ingredient in many dessert recipes, providing richness, sweetness, and a creamy texture. While it’s readily available in stores, making it at home allows you to customize the sweetness and flavor while avoiding any additives or preservatives. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make with just a few basic ingredients and some patience.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups (1 liter) whole milk
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Milk: Pour 4 cups of whole milk into a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Whole milk ensures a rich and creamy result.
- Heat the Milk: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the milk to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add 1 cup of granulated sugar to the simmering milk, stirring continuously to dissolve the sugar completely.
- Simmer and Reduce: Once all the sugar has dissolved, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Allow the mixture to cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and reduces to about half its original volume. This process may take around 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
- Cool: Once the mixture has thickened and reduced, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- Transfer and Store: Transfer the homemade sweetened condensed milk to a clean, airtight container. Let it cool completely before sealing the container.
- Refrigerate: Store the sweetened condensed milk in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Before using, give it a good stir as it may separate during storage.
Homemade sweetened condensed milk is a versatile ingredient that adds sweetness and creaminess to a variety of desserts and recipes. By making it yourself, you have control over the quality of ingredients and can adjust the sweetness to suit your taste preferences. With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious homemade version that’s perfect for all your baking needs. Enjoy experimenting with this homemade staple in your favorite recipes!
