Sweetened Condensed Milk Redux

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 45 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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Who doesn't love the creamy, sweet goodness of sweetened condensed milk? This homemade version is perfect for adding a personal touch to your favorite desserts or beverages. Simple ingredients and a little patience transform into a delightful treat.

Ingredients for Sweetened Condensed Milk Redux

Whole milk is the base, providing a creamy texture and rich taste. Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps thicken the mixture. Unsalted butter enhances the milk's richness, giving it a smoother consistency. A splash of pure vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic depth. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness, highlighting all the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • Keep an eye on the heat to avoid scorching the milk; a gentle simmer is key.
  • Stirring occasionally prevents the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
  • If you want a thicker consistency, extend the simmering time, but watch closely.
  • Use a timer to keep track of reduction time, especially if you’re multitasking in the kitchen.

Serving Suggestions

Drizzle over fresh fruit for an instant dessert or mix into your morning coffee for a sweet start. You can also incorporate it into your baking projects, like pies or cakes, for an extra layer of flavor. It's also a fantastic base for homemade ice cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use low-fat milk instead?
Whole milk is recommended for the best texture and flavor, but you can use low-fat milk if needed. Just note that the final product may be slightly less creamy.
How long will homemade sweetened condensed milk last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it should last up to two weeks.
Can I use non-dairy milk?
Yes, but the consistency and flavor will vary depending on the type of non-dairy milk used.

Sweetened Condensed Milk Redux Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a medium saucepan and pouring in the whole milk and granulated sugar. Place the saucepan on medium heat and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once you see the sugar has vanished into the milk, add the unsalted butter and keep stirring until it melts seamlessly into the mixture.

Now comes the patient part. Keep the mixture at a gentle simmer. You don't want a rolling boil here, just some soft bubbling. Stir occasionally over the next 45 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the liquid has reduced by half. It should have a slightly thicker consistency, but don't worry if it's not super thick yet—it will thicken more as it cools.

Once reduced, take the pot off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. These last additions will not only enhance the flavor but also bring everything together. Let it cool down a bit before you transfer it to a glass jar for storage.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect for customizing sweetness levels to suit your taste.
  • A great way to avoid preservatives found in store-bought versions.
  • Utilizes everyday ingredients you probably have on hand.
  • Imparts a richer, more authentic flavor to your recipes.

Ingredients

2 cups whole milk
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/8 tsp salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk and granulated sugar.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
3. Add the unsalted butter and continue to stir until melted.
4. Maintain a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 45 minutes, or until the mixture is reduced by half.
5. Once reduced, remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
6. Allow the mixture to cool before transferring to a glass jar.

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