Mastering how to make condensed milk is easier than it sounds and faster than you think. Achieving smooth homemade decadence is so easy breezy that you wouldn’t think about buying canned milk again. You’ll be making sweet desserts and beverages in no time at all using any of these THREE simple methods!

The process of making condensed milk always fascinated me because I use it in a lot of my recipes. If you’re like me, you love making homemade ingredients just to be sure about what I’m putting in my food.
So for today, we’re making a homemade version of this smooth sweet thick milk in THREE ways! Yes, not just one, but three simple methods. And once you master this, you won’t be buying canned condensed milk ever again. This is just right on time for all your holiday sweet treats and beverages.
Evaporated Milk vs Condensed Milk

Evaporated milk is simply whole milk that has been simmered down to about 40% of its content. This means that around 60% of the water is removed through evaporation. The final product is thicker than the regular milk but is unsweetened. This makes it perfect for savory dishes like Southern Baked Mac and Cheese.
Condensed milk, on the other hand, adds sugar to the milk to make it sweeter. Similarly, we simmer it down to half its volume. About 40% of sugar is dissolved in the mixture as the water content evaporates. It’s a great ingredient to use in treats like this Condensed Milk Cake or beverages such as this Brazilian Lemonade.
What’s in Condensed Milk?
This recipe is different in the sense that it’s creamier than traditional condensed milk. But you don’t have to worry because the ingredients for this recipe are still as convenient. You can even find it in your local grocery store as we speak. Here are the things we’ll need.
- Whole Milk – With the high amount of fat, this is the creamiest kind of commercially available milk.
- Granulated Sugar – Common table sugar you can easily find in any grocery store.
- Unsalted Butter – A super versatile ingredient that gives your whole dish a moist and flavorful sensation
- Powdered milk – Basically considered dried milk. This kind of milk has the longest shelf-life with its lack of water content.
- Vanilla Extract – you can also make it at home with this Vanilla Extract recipe.
Why use Condensed Milk?
Although there are a lot of artificial sweeteners out there, condensed milk brings about a different game. The added granulated sugar dissolves in the mixture making it a lot sweeter. But since it is dissolved, the sweetness becomes milky smooth rather than grainy. This is important when making desserts.
Another reason to use condensed milk is its cohesive consistency. It acts as a binder for many ingredients because it’s naturally sticky. You can see it work its magic in this Coconut Macaroons recipe.
Personally, I just like it in my coffee. I usually prefer a strong black cup of coffee but, every now and then, this girl likes some sweetness!
Ways to Use It
Condensed milk contains sugar which gives it a bit of a caramelized flavor. This is why it is best used for sweet desserts or drinks. The smooth and creamy texture also helps the overall feel of the treat.
- This delicious Tres Leches Cake uses condensed milk as one of the main ingredients. It makes the cake taste naturally sweeter without the grainy texture granulate sugar makes.
- Bring it up a bit more with Cuatro Leches Cake that also uses condensed milk. You can also find Dulce de Leche in this recipe which is basically a caramelized version of the same ingredient.
- You also ought to try this Flan Recipe to sweeten up your day. Or this holiday must-have drink Coquito (Puerto Rican Eggnog). This also happens to have condensed milk in it. Maybe this is why it’s so addicting.
More Milky Recipes

How to Make Condensed Milk
Method 1 (Whole Milk Method)
- Mix the sugar and milk: Mix together whole milk and sugar in a medium saucepan.
- Boil the mixture: Place saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and let it cook without stirring the pot until mixture has reduced in size and is creamy- about 40 minutes.
- Add the butter and vanilla: Remove from the heat. Whisk in vanilla extract and butter.
- Let it cool: Let it sit until the mixture cools completely. Get rid of any sugar that has crystallized on the corner of the saucepan.
- Store it properly: Transfer to a bowl or jar. Cover and refrigerate for up to a week or use as needed.
Method 2 (Evaporated Milk)
- Mix the milk and sugar: Mix together evaporated milk and sugar in a medium saucepan.
- Boil the mixture: Place saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and let it cook without stirring the pot until the mixture has reduced and is creamy. If desired, add in vanilla extract.
- Let it cool: Remove from the heat and let it sit until the mixture cools completely. Get rid of any sugar that has crystallized on the corner of the saucepan.
- Transfer and store: Transfer to a bowl or jar. Cover and refrigerate or use as needed.
Method 3 (Powdered Milk Method)

- Melt the butter: Combine butter and water in a medium bowl. (Photo 1)
- Microwave the mixture: Microwave for about a minute, remove and mix until melted. (Result in Photo 2)
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Combine powdered milk and granulated sugar so they can be added in little by little later in next step (Photo 3)
- Blend all the ingredients: Pour into a blender then add vanilla extract, and powdered milk a cup at a time while pulsing after each addition, until all the powdered milk has been used up and the mixture is creamy.
- Transfer and refrigerate: Pour into a bowl or jar. Cover and refrigerate or use as needed.

Watch How To Make It
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How To Make Condensed Milk
Ingredients
Method 1 (Using Whole milk)
- 2 cups (16 fl oz) whole milk
- ¾ cup (6 fl oz) granulated sugar or cane, honey, or maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons (42.6 g) salted butter
- ½ teaspoon (2.45 ml) vanilla extract
Method 2 (Using Evaporated Milk)
- 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
- 1 ½ cups (2.08 g) granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon (2.45 ml) vanilla extract , optional
Method 3 (Using Powdered Milk)
- 3 tablespoons (42.6 g) butter
- 1 cup (237 ml) water
- 2 cups (402 g) granulated sugar
- 4 cups (500 g) powdered milk (nonfat or full fat)
Instructions
Method 1 (Using Whole Milk)
- Mix the sugar and milk: Mix together whole milk and sugar in a medium saucepan.
- Boil the mixture: Place saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and let it cook without stirring the pot until mixture has reduced in size and is creamy-about 40 minutes.
- Add the butter and vanilla: Remove from the heat. Whisk in vanilla extract and butter.
- Let it cool: Let it sit until the mixture cools completely. Get rid of any sugar that has crystallized on the corner of the saucepan.
- Store it properly: Transfer to a bowl or jar. Cover and refrigerate for up to a week or use as needed.
Method 2 (Using Evaporated Milk)
- Mix the milk and sugar: Mix together evaporated milk and sugar in a medium saucepan.
- Boil the mixture: Place saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and let it cook without stirring the pot until the mixture has reduced and is creamy. If desired, add in vanilla extract.
- Let it cool: Remove from the heat and let it sit until the mixture cools completely. Get rid of any sugar that has crystallized on the corner of the saucepan.
- Transfer and store: Transfer to a bowl or jar. Cover and refrigerate or use as needed.
Method 3 (Using Powdered Milk)
- Melt the butter: Combine butter and water in a medium bowl.
- Microwave the mixture: Microwave for about a minute, remove and mix until melted.
- Blend all the ingredients: Pour into a blender then add vanilla extract, and powdered milk a cup at a time while pulsing after each addition, until all the powdered milk has been used up and the mixture is creamy.
- Transfer and refrigerate: Pour into a bowl or jar. Cover and refrigerate or use as needed.
Maritn says
Could you write how much condensed milk the recipes make?
Otherwise, great job!
Imma says
The three different ways makes different amounts. From scratch and with evaporated milk should make about a cup. The powdered milk method should make at least 1½ cups. Thanks:)
Kristine Lockwood says
SUPER helpful! I thought I had bought a couple of cans of condensed milk on my last store run, turned out I forgot.
It turned out lovely! I used method 2. I might not buy condensed milk anymore!
Imma says
You are more than welcome. And if there’s a recipe you’d love to see, please let me know. Thanks:)
Nina Olney says
I would like to try METHOD 2. Can I use honey instead of the sugar ( reduce the honey to 1 cup) and leave out the vanilla?
Imma says
I’ve never tried it so I can’t guarantee the results. But I don’t see why it wouldn’t work. And it would be a lot better for you. Please let me know if you try it.
John Doe says
I loved this recipe so much
Imma says
Thank you for your comment but seems you forget to add your rating 🙂 Much Love!!!
MARIAN MARTINEZ says
I really liked it! I didn’t have condensed in the house so i thought Id try it
Amina says
Great idea, I must say if you try it, you won’t be left disappointed. Annnd do not forget to share how it goes. Happy Wednesday!!!
Michelle says
Question: to make this dairy free, can I use any plant milk and vegan butter? Thanks so much in advance!
Amina says
Yes, that should work fine. Please let me know how it goes if you try it.
Cat says
I’m having trouble getting the milk to thicken and “reduce in size” it’s just sweet milk and not turning! Please help asap!
Cat says
Is it because the heat is not high enough? I put it on low and I don’t have a fire stove it electric.
imma africanbites says
Hi, Cat. Electric stoves are slow to heat up compared to fire stoves. I’d say put your electric stove on medium-high and keep an eye on it. Bring the milk mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
Christina says
Vrry very useful love it
Immaculate Bites says
Thank you, Christina! 🙂
Tarela says
Can margarine be substituted for butter? And also how many grams came out of method 3
imma africanbites says
Hi, Tarela. I’ve never tried substituting margarine for butter in this recipe so I can’t say for sure.
Tim Howe says
Very thorough info!!
Immaculate Bites says
Thank you, Tim! 🙂
Lizz Hard says
I love this guide but what are the measurements for method 3?
imma africanbites says
Hi, Liz. Ingredient measurements are listed in the recipe card ingredient list under Method 3 (Using Powdered Milk).