In the world of baking and dessert-making, sweetened condensed milk is a magical ingredient that can elevate your creations to a whole new level. Whether you want to whip up a creamy fudge, a luscious cheesecake, or the perfect key lime pie, sweetened condensed milk always comes in handy. If you’ve ever found yourself in the middle of a recipe only to realize you’re out of this essential ingredient, fear not! Today, we’re sharing a super easy recipe for making your own Sweetened Condensed Milk at home. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a deliciously sweet and creamy base for all your dessert needs.
### Easy Sweetened Condensed Milk
#### Ingredients:
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2/3 cup granulated sugar
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
#### Instructions:
1. **Combine Ingredients**: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the whole milk and granulated sugar. Stir gently until the sugar has completely dissolved.
2. **Simmer**: Once the sugar is dissolved, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
3. **Thicken**: As the mixture simmers, it will gradually thicken and reduce in volume. Keep a close eye on it and continue simmering until you have about half the original volume. The consistency should be creamy and coat the back of a spoon.
4. **Add Butter and Vanilla**: Once you reach the desired thickness, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract until the butter has melted completely.
5. **Cool and Store**: Let the sweetened condensed milk cool to room temperature before transferring it to a clean, airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
6. **Usage**: Use your homemade sweetened condensed milk in any recipe that calls for the store-bought version. Enjoy the rich and creamy flavor it adds to your favorite desserts!
By making your own Sweetened Condensed Milk at home, you not only ensure that you always have this essential ingredient on hand but also have the satisfaction of creating something from scratch. This recipe is versatile and customizable – you can adjust the sweetness level or even experiment with flavored extracts to give your desserts a unique twist. With just a little time and effort, you’ll have a homemade staple that will take your baking to the next level. So, next time a recipe calls for sweetened condensed milk, you’ll know just what to do – whip up a batch of this Easy Sweetened Condensed Milk and watch your desserts shine!
