Updated 1 August 2026 · Written by Sofia Romano
You can make a sweetened condensed milk substitute by simmering regular milk with sugar until thick and reduced, about 1 cup of milk to 1/3 cup of sugar. Alternatively, stir sugar into evaporated milk and warm until dissolved. Both give the thick, sweet, pourable result condensed milk provides.
Simmer 1 cup milk with 1/3 cup sugar until thick. Or stir sugar into evaporated milk and warm.
How to Make It
- Simmer regular milk with sugar (about 1 cup milk to 1/3 cup sugar) until reduced and thickened.
- Or add sugar to evaporated milk and warm gently until dissolved.
- Add a little butter for extra richness, and cool before using.
Why It Works
Sweetened condensed milk is simply milk that has been reduced and sweetened, so simmering milk with sugar recreates it. It is thicker and much sweeter than evaporated milk, which has no added sugar. Simmer in a heavy saucepan and stir to prevent scorching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between condensed and evaporated milk?
Sweetened condensed milk has sugar added and is thick and sweet, while evaporated milk is unsweetened. They are not interchangeable without adjusting sugar.
How do I make condensed milk from scratch?
Simmer about 1 cup of milk with 1/3 cup of sugar until it reduces and thickens, then cool it before use.
