Here's how to make sweetened condensed milk at home. This version is sugar-free but it can be made with regular sugar as well. Making your own sweetened condensed milk results in a much richer and better-tasting version than the store-bought canned variety. Use it in desserts and even cocktails such as this copycat Bailey's Irish Cream. 😉
You'll Love Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
Of the two methods, the quickest way uses already evaporated milk (from the store) and you sweeten it yourself. This is a great option if you're in a hurry. The other way is to condense your own milk and sweeten it.
Condensing your own milk results in the best taste (it is quite simply amazing) but takes the longest and is a very hands-on process.
Ingredients You'll Need
Here are the ingredients you'll need to make homemade sweetened condensed milk. There are two ways to make it. One uses milk the other unsweetened evaporate milk.
Milk Method
- Whole Milk
- Sugar Substitute (Allulose) or Regular Sugar (if not following a sugar free diet)
- Butter (thickener
Evaporated Milk Method (Easiest Method)
- Unsweetened Evaporated Milk
- Sugar Substitute (Allulose) or Regular Sugar is fine (if not following a sugar free plan)
- Butter (thickener
How To Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Sugar Free
Here's how to make sweetened condensed milk sugar free and keto:
Milk Method
- Bring the milk and sugar to a light simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- Once it begins to simmer turn heat to the lowest setting allow to cook until liquid is reduced by half. Stir every 10 to 15 minutes to ensure it is not sticking to the bottom of the pan. This can take anywhere from 2 to 2-1/2 hours.
- Remove from heat and add butter; allow it to melt then stir. Let the milk cool then place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge.
Evaporated Milk Method
- Bring the evaporated milk and sugar to a simmer on the stovetop. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and add butter. Stir until melted. Let the milk cool then place it in an airtight container and then store it in the fridge.
Helpful Hints
- Deciding whether to make the milk method or the evaporated milk method? The evaporated milk method is easiest and allows you to control your sugar (type and amount) if you're in a hurry. The milk method takes a while but tastes amazing. If you are making Homemade Irish Cream to give as gifts I would definitely follow the milk method!
- Keep the milk and sugar from sticking to the bottom of the pan by stirring frequently. It can very easily burn. Always keep on a gentle simmer - never let it boil.
- The milk and sugar will start to thicken over time as the liquid evaporates.
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How To Make Sweetened Condensed Milk (Sugar Free)
Ingredients
Milk Method
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup allulose sugar substitute (with a 1:1 sugar ratio)
- 1 tablespoon butter (thickener)
Evaporated Milk Method
- 1 (12-ounce) can unsweetened evaporated milk
- 1 cup allulose sugar substitute (with a 1:1 sugar ratio)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
Milk Method
- Bring the milk and sugar to a light simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently. Once it begins to simmer turn heat to the lowest setting allow to cook until liquid is reduced by half. Stir every 10 to 15 minutes to make sure it is not sticking to the bottom of the pan. This can take anywhere from 2 to 2-1/2 hours.
- Remove from heat and add butter, allow it to melt then stir. Let the milk cool then place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge.
Evaporated Milk Method (Easiest Method)
- Bring the evaporated milk and sugar to a simmer on the stovetop. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and add butter. Stir until melted. Let the milk cool then place it in an airtight container and then store it in the fridge.
Kori's Tips
- Deciding whether to make the milk method or the evaporated milk method? The evaporated milk method is easiest and allows you to control your sugar (type and amount) if you're in a hurry. The milk method takes a while but tastes amazing. If you are making Homemade Irish Cream to give as gifts I would definitely follow the milk method!
- Keep the milk and sugar from sticking to the bottom of the pan by stirring frequently. It can very easily burn. Always keep on a gentle simmer - never let it boil.
- The milk and sugar will start to thicken over time as the liquid evaporates.
Nutrition
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is a low carb, sugar-free, and keto recipe. Making this at home is a healthy recipe compared to store-bought and you can control the amount and type of sugar you use. Condensing your own milk makes the most amazing tasting sweetened milk you've ever had. Two ways to make - a quick method and a best tasting method. You choose! This sugar-free recipe is just what you need to stay healthy! #lowcarb #keto #ketogenic #lchf #sugarfree #seekinggoodeasts #baking
Kelly Ellis
Where are you finding unsweeted evaporated milk? I even checked Amazon...... Thanks!
Kori
Hi, look for evaporated milk. I included a link so you could see 🙂
Jo
Could I use unsweetened almond milk in place of whole milk?
Kori
Hi, I believe you can, although I have never done it. It would be the same principle - evaporating the liquids out. I think you can follow the recipe as it stands and cook until it has thickened. Not sure if this will take longer than the milk, though. Next time I'm at the store, I am grabbing almond milk and making this. Let me know how it turns out - I would love to know 🙂