Last Updated 00:42, 27/05/2025
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How to make evaporated milk at home

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Condensed milk is a familiar ingredient often used in cooking or preparing beverages. You can buy canned condensed milk at stores, but you can also make it at home with ease. In this article, Zextrasure will guide you on how to make evaporated milk at home with various recipes.

How to make evaporated milk from milk?

The traditional way to make evaporated milk from milk can take hours. That’s because it requires you to simmer the milk in a heavy-bottom saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until it is reduced to about ⅓ of its original volume. Depending on how much milk you have it could take from 45 minutes to an hour or more. 

How to make unsweetened evaporated milk

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups of water (for measuring)
  • 2 quarts (8 cups) of milk

Instructions:

  • Prepare the Milk: Place the slow cooker on the stove, turn on the heat, and cook the milk for 18–20 hours. This slow-cooking process will help reduce the water content in the original whole milk.
  • Monitor and adjust: If you notice it burning at the bottom, reduce the heat to low. Every few hours, especially toward the end of the cooking process, make sure to skim off the milk film on the surface proactively.
  • Check consistency: Once the milk has thickened to your preferred consistency, turn off the heat and let it cool completely. After that, pour it into a clean jar or pitcher and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.

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How to make evaporated milk from milk

How to make Sweetened Condensed Milk from milk

If you want your condensed milk to last longer and have a sweeter taste, you can refer to the guide below on how to make evaporated milk with added sugar.

Ingredients:

  • 7 cups of milk
  • 2 cups of liquid sweetener (like maple syrup, or honey) or crystalline sugar (such as evaporated cane sugar)
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions:

  • Add the ingredients to the pot: Prepare a clean pot, then pour 7 cups of milk and your chosen sweetener (liquid or crystalline) into the slow cooker. Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine the sugar and milk. Set the slow cooker to a low temperature and let it cook for 19–21 hours with the lid off.
  • Monitor and stir the mixture regularly: To prevent the bottom from burning, make sure to stir the milk frequently to help the ingredients dissolve completely and minimize burning. Additionally, you should periodically skim off the milk skin that forms on top, especially towards the end of the cooking time.
  • Finish with butter and vanilla: Once the milk has thickened to the desired level (matching your earlier water depth measurement), stir in 4 tablespoons of butter and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. This will add richness and flavor to your sweetened condensed milk. Pour the mixture into a clean jar or airtight container, and refrigerate.

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Sweetened Condensed Milk from milk, when finished, will have a thicker texture than the low-sugar version 

See other: 

Some other condensed milk recipes

The above is a guide on how to make evaporated milk using the traditional method. If you don’t want to follow these steps or don’t have the necessary ingredients, you can explore some alternative methods below.

How to make evaporated milk  from dry milk

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup powdered milk
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1/4 cup boiling water
  • 2 tablespoons butter (optional for extra creaminess)

Instructions:

  • Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the powdered milk and sugar.
  • Add Water and Mix: Pour the boiling water into the mixture and stir continuously until the powder dissolves completely, and becomes a smooth texture.
  • Add Butter (Optional): For a richer, creamier texture, add 2 tablespoons of butter and mix until well incorporated.
  • Store and Refrigerate: Transfer the sweetened condensed milk into a container and let it cool.

This method is convenient when you don't have fresh milk but still want to make your own sweetened condensed milk. If you know how to make evaporated milk from milk powder, the process is quite similar but here you’re adding sugar for the sweetness.

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You can use dry milk powder to make condensed milk 

How to make evaporated milk  from Soy Milk (Vegan Option)

If you are a vegetarian or prefer not to use animal-based dairy products, the recipe for condensed milk made from soy milk below will be perfect for you. With this guide on how to make evaporated milk, you can create vegan condensed milk that is just as delicious and creamy as other types of traditional condensed milk.

Ingredients:

  • 500ml unsweetened soy milk
  • 200g sugar
  • Pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions:

  • Heat the soy Milk: Pour the soy milk into a saucepan and heat it over low heat.
  • Add sugar: Once the soy milk is warm, slowly add the sugar while stirring to dissolve it completely.
  • Simmer and Thicken: Keep simmering the soy milk over low heat, and stir occasionally for about 30-40 minutes. The mixture will reduce and thicken.
  • Cool and store: Once the sweetened soy milk reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool. Transfer the milk to a jar or container and refrigerate.

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How to make homemade evaporated milk from Soy Milk (Vegan Option)

Tips for evaporated milk 

Understanding how to make evaporated milk that we have outlined above, you should also be aware of the following important tips to ensure the best quality of the product.

  • Use whole milk: Whole milk gives the richest, creamiest evaporated milk. Skim or low-fat milk won’t provide the same texture.
  • Simmer: To avoid scorching, simmer the milk on low heat. Patience is crucial when making evaporated milk from milk.
  • Stir Occasionally: Stir the milk to prevent skin formation.
  • Use a Wide, Heavy Pan: A wide, heavy-bottomed pan speeds up evaporation and prevents burning.
  • Leave Uncovered: Don’t cover the pan—evaporation is key to reducing the milk.
  • Watch Consistency: Stop when it thickens and turns slightly golden.
  • Cool and Store: Cool evaporated milk completely before storing it in an airtight container for up to 5-7 days.

These tips will help you master how to make evaporated milk from milk easily at home.

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Make sure to heat it at the right temperature so the milk doesn't burn

How to store evaporated milk

Above, we have guided you on how to make evaporated milk at home quickly and effectively with various recipes. However, to ensure the milk stays fresh and does not spoil, you need to keep in mind some important points during the storage process:

  • Homemade Evaporated Milk: Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure it's in a clean, airtight container to maintain freshness.
  • Unopened Cans: For commercial evaporated milk, keep unopened cans in a cool, dry place, which is away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, like your pantry. 
  • Opened Cans: Once opened, refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container immediately. It's best to use it within 3-4 days.
  • Freezing Unused Evaporated Milk: If you have extra evaporated milk, transfer it to an airtight container, and leave some space for expansion. Seal and label the container, then place it in the freezer. 

The article above has helped you learn how to make evaporated milk from milk. The methods are not too difficult, and you can easily make it at home. Additionally, if you have any questions during the process, let’s leave a comment, and we will assist you.

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