Sweetened Condensed Milk

Sweetened condensed milk is a must have pantry item for bakers. It makes the perfect base for pie, fudge, and any dessert your heart desires. My favorite use for it lately is as coffee creamer. A lot of store-bought sweetened condensed milks surprisingly have a simple ingredient list; milk and sugar. However, my husband has an autoimmune disease, my son has eczema, and my daughter and I just prefer to stay, well, healthy…

So, I’m always looking for ways to elevate recipes to a healthier level. This sweetened condensed milk is rich, creamy, sweet, and as versatile as the one you buy in stores. The difference is that this one is made with raw milk, raw butter, and sweetened with maple syrup instead of sugar. Luckily, it’s also incredibly easy to make!

Why Make Sweetened Condensed Milk with Raw Milk?

I won’t babble on about this on this post. If you’re new to raw dairy and curious about what it is and why it’s awesome, I have a blog post that goes into all the details here. If you don’t have access to raw dairy, or are on the fence about it, you can make this recipe with grass-fed milk and butter. You can honestly make it with whatever cows milk you have, raw, grass-fed, or not – it will still turn out delicious. Having said that, if you are looking to make the healthiest condensed milk, raw reigns supreme.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups whole milk
• 3/4 cup maple syrup
• 4 tbsp salted butter
• 1.5 tsp pure vanilla extract

EQUIPMENT

To make this you’ll need a handful of simple items:

• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring spoons/cups
• Airtight container to store it in, like a Mason Jar.

How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk?

Step 1:

First, bring maple syrup and milk to a gentle boil in a saucepan over medium/low heat, whisking often.

Step 2:

Allow the mixture to continue simmering for about 25 minutes, being sure to whisk frequently.

Step 3:

Remove the saucepan from heat, and whisk in vanilla extract and butter until well combined.

Step 4:

Once completely cooled to room temperature, pour contents into an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for a week.

Tips

• This recipe yields approximately 1.5 cups of sweetened condensed milk
• Whisk the maple syrup and milk frequently while bringing them to a gentle boil and simmering..
• Allow the mixture to simmer for about 25 minutes or until it has thickened and reduced by about half.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat before adding the vanilla extract and butter.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of milk for this recipe?

Yes, you can use alternative milks such coconut milk, but keep in mind that the flavor and consistency may vary slightly from using whole milk.

Can I substitute the maple syrup with another sweetener?

While maple syrup adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with honey if desired.

Can I omit the butter from the recipe?

Yes, you can omit the butter for a dairy-free version of sweetened condensed milk. However, the butter adds richness and flavor to the final product.

How long does homemade sweetened condensed milk last in the refrigerator?

Homemade sweetened condensed milk will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Be sure to check for any signs of spoilage before using.

Conclusion

Making homemade sweetened condensed milk is easy and fulfilling. With simple ingredients and minimal equipment, you can craft a flavorful ingredient that make your desserts and baked goods. Whether in recipes or enjoyed solo, homemade sweetened condensed milk elevates your cooking.