Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe

Whole milk: The base of the recipe, providing richness and creaminess.

Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to thicken the milk.

Butter: Enhances the flavor and adds a smooth texture.

Baking soda: Prevents the milk from curdling during the simmering process.

When making sweetened condensed milk, it's crucial to maintain a gentle simmer. This allows the milk to reduce and thicken without scorching. Stirring occasionally helps prevent the sugar from settling at the bottom and ensures even cooking. Adding baking soda helps to neutralize the acidity in the milk, resulting in a smoother texture.

• whole milk - Substitute with evaporated milk: Evaporated milk has a similar consistency and richness, making it a good alternative for whole milk in this recipe.

• whole milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can provide a creamy texture and a slight coconut flavor, which can add a unique twist to the recipe.

• granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add sweetness and a slightly different flavor profile, though it may alter the texture slightly.

• granulated sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a natural sweetness and a distinct flavor, but it may also change the consistency of the final product.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can mimic the richness of butter and adds a subtle coconut flavor.

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a direct substitute for butter, providing a similar texture and flavor.

• baking soda - Substitute with cream of tartar: Cream of tartar can help stabilize the mixture, though it may not have the exact same effect as baking soda.

• baking soda - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can provide the acidity needed to achieve a similar chemical reaction, though it may slightly alter the flavor.

• To store your homemade sweetened condensed milk, pour it into a clean, airtight jar or container. Ensure the container is completely dry before adding the milk to prevent any bacterial growth.

• Place the jar in the refrigerator. Your sweetened condensed milk will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Always use a clean spoon to scoop out the milk to avoid contamination.

• For longer storage, you can freeze the sweetened condensed milk. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top as the liquid will expand when frozen.

• Label the container with the date of freezing. This will help you keep track of how long it has been stored. Frozen sweetened condensed milk can last up to three months.

• When you're ready to use the frozen sweetened condensed milk, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Give it a good stir before using, as the consistency might change slightly after freezing.

• Avoid refreezing sweetened condensed milk once it has been thawed. This can affect the texture and quality of the milk.

• If you notice any off smells, discoloration, or mold, discard the sweetened condensed milk immediately. Always prioritize safety and quality in your culinary creations.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a small saucepan.
  2. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
  3. Once warmed through, remove from heat and use as desired.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer the sweetened condensed milk to a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Heat on medium power in 15-second intervals, stirring after each interval.
  3. Continue until the milk is warmed to your liking.

• Double Boiler Method:

  1. Fill the bottom of a double boiler with water and bring to a simmer.
  2. Place the sweetened condensed milk in the top part of the double boiler.
  3. Stir occasionally until the milk is heated through, ensuring it doesn't scorch.

• Hot Water Bath Method:

  1. Place the jar of sweetened condensed milk in a bowl of hot water.
  2. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes, occasionally stirring to distribute the heat evenly.
  3. Replace the water if it cools down too much before the milk is warmed.

• Saucepan: A medium-sized saucepan is essential for combining and heating the milk and sugar mixture evenly.

• Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring the mixture as it heats, ensuring the sugar dissolves properly without scratching the pan.

• Measuring cups: Accurate measuring cups are necessary to measure out the milk and sugar precisely.

• Measuring spoons: Use measuring spoons to measure the butter and baking soda accurately.

• Stove: A stove is needed to provide the heat source for simmering the mixture.

• Jar: A jar is perfect for storing the cooled sweetened condensed milk.

• Ladle: A ladle can be useful for transferring the mixture from the saucepan to the jar without spilling.

• Timer: A timer helps keep track of the 45-minute simmering period to ensure the mixture thickens correctly.

Use a non-stick pan: A non-stick pan prevents the milk from sticking and burning, making cleanup easier and saving time.

Pre-measure ingredients: Have all ingredients measured and ready before starting to streamline the process.

Constant stirring: Stir the mixture frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, reducing the risk of burning.

Simmer with a lid: Partially cover the saucepan to maintain a steady simmer and reduce evaporation, speeding up the thickening process.

Cool quickly: Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a shallow dish to cool faster before storing.