Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Ingredients : Only milk, sugar, and baking soda—no thickeners or additives.
- Customizable Sweetness : Adjust sugar to taste (great for keto or low-sugar diets with substitutes).
- Versatile : Use in pies, lattes, or as a caramel-like topping.
- Budget-Friendly : Cheaper than buying canned condensed milk.
- No Waste : Make small batches for immediate use.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Makes 1 cup (enough for 1 dessert recipe)
- 2 cups whole milk (or coconut milk for vegan)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (or ¼ cup for less sweetness)
- ¼ tsp baking soda (helps thicken and neutralize acidity)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Simmer the Milk
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine milk, sugar, and baking soda.
- Heat over medium-low , whisking until sugar dissolves.
Step 2: Reduce & Thicken
- Simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes , stirring frequently. The mixture will bubble gently and thicken to a caramel-like consistency.
- Remove from heat when it coats the back of a spoon (like honey).
Step 3: Cool & Store
- Let cool completely—it will thicken further as it cools.
- Store in a jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Why This Recipe Works
- Baking Soda Magic : Reacts with milk sugars to speed up thickening and mimic the can’s texture.
- Low Heat : Prevents scorching while evaporating excess liquid.
- Customizable : Swap sugar with maple syrup or erythritol for different sweetness levels.