Sweetened Condensed Milk

Description

Rich, golden homemade sweetened condensed milk pours with the same thick sweetness and coating texture as canned versions. Everything cooks together in a single saucepan since you're already melting the butter there. Using only whole milk, butter, and sugar eliminates corn syrups, seed oils, and stabilizers for a cleaner ingredient list. This one-pot method keeps it non-toxic while matching the pourable consistency needed for baking, drinks, and creamy desserts.

Ingredients

• 2 Cups of Milk
• 3 Tablespoons of Butter
• 2/3 Cup of Organic Cane Sugar
• 1/8 Teaspoon of Salt
• 1/2 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract

Equipment

• Medium Saucepan
• Spoon
• Liquid Measuring Cup
• Measuring Spoons
• Large Mason Jar

Instructions

• Measure the milk and let it sit on the counter for 10–15 minutes so it is cool but not ice cold.
• Add the butter to the saucepan and melt it over low heat until just fully liquid.
• Pour the room temperature milk directly into the saucepan with the melted butter. Add the sugar.
• Stir well over medium-low heat until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture reaches a gentle simmer. Do not let it boil hard.
• Reduce to the lowest simmer setting. Stir often, scraping bottom and sides, for 30–40 minutes until reduced by about half.
• The mixture should look thick, glossy, and coat the back of a spoon (it thickens more when cooled).
• Remove from heat. Whisk in the pinch of sea salt until dissolved. Add vanilla extract if using.
• Cool in the saucepan for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally as it thickens.
• Pour directly from the saucepan into a clean glass jar.
• Let cool completely to room temperature, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Whisk before using.

Notes

• Since butter melts first, milk pours right into the warm fat for perfect emulsion from the start
• Heavy-bottom saucepan and low heat prevent scorching during the long simmer
• Stir constantly to prevent skin formation or sticking
• Finely ground sugar dissolves faster for smoother texture

Phase: Luteal Phase (used sparingly). Provides recipe density without synthetic stabilizers. Season: All Seasons. Perfect for holiday baking and summer iced drinks. Storage: Sealed glass jar in refrigerator for 5–7 days. Whisk before each use.