Condensed milk is a pantry staple for many dessert lovers, but its high sugar content can be a challenge for those who need to reduce their sugar intake. Whether you’re on a low-sugar, keto, or diabetic-friendly diet, or simply want to avoid refined sugar, this homemade sugar-free condensed milk recipe provides a delicious alternative that’s easy to make and incredibly versatile. The creamy texture and sweet flavor will work beautifully in a variety of recipes, allowing you to indulge in your favorite treats without any of the guilt.
This sugar-free version of condensed milk is perfect for all kinds of dessert preparations. Whether you use it for baking, puddings, sugar-free brigadeiros (Brazilian chocolate truffles), or as a sweet addition to your morning coffee, it offers a rich and velvety consistency that mimics the original. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your specific dietary needs, so you can adjust the sweetness with your preferred sugar-free sweetener. No more worrying about added sugars – just pure, creamy goodness!
Ingredients
- 1 cup nonfat powdered milk
Nonfat powdered milk is the base of this recipe, providing the same texture and consistency as traditional condensed milk without the fat content. It also helps to keep this recipe lower in calories, which is ideal for those looking for a lighter option. - 2 tablespoons sweetener (e.g., stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit)
This is where you can personalize the recipe to your taste. Choose a sugar-free sweetener like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit to get the sweetness without the sugar. If you prefer a sweeter condensed milk, feel free to adjust the quantity to suit your preference. - 1/2 cup hot water
Hot water helps dissolve the powdered milk and the sweetener, making it easier to blend everything into a smooth, creamy consistency. It ensures that the mixture is well-combined and ready to chill in the next step. - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Adding a tablespoon of unsalted butter to the mixture gives the condensed milk its rich, smooth texture. It also adds a subtle, deliciously creamy flavor that mimics traditional condensed milk.
Instructions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Start by adding the nonfat powdered milk, sweetener, hot water, and unsalted butter into your blender or food processor. Make sure the water is hot enough to help dissolve the ingredients quickly, but not boiling, as that could affect the texture of the final product.
Step 2: Blend Thoroughly
Blend the mixture on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring that the butter melts fully and the sweetener dissolves. The goal is to create a smooth mixture where all the ingredients are fully incorporated. At this stage, the mixture will likely still appear slightly liquid, but that’s completely normal!
Step 3: Continue Blending
After the initial blend, continue blending for another 5 minutes. This extra time helps achieve a uniform texture and ensures that the powdered milk fully dissolves, creating the smooth consistency we want for condensed milk. You may notice that the mixture will thicken as it blends, even though it will still be slightly runny at this stage.
Step 4: Chill to Set
Transfer the blended mixture into a clean container or jar. The liquid may look thinner than you expect, but don’t worry—it will thicken as it chills in the refrigerator. Cover the jar tightly, then refrigerate for 2-3 hours (or even overnight if you have the time). By the time it’s fully chilled, the mixture will firm up to a nice, condensed milk-like texture.
Usage Suggestions
This homemade sugar-free condensed milk is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how to use it:
- In Puddings & Custards: It’s a great addition to sugar-free or low-carb puddings and custards. Simply swap out traditional condensed milk with this homemade version in your recipes for a lighter option.
- In Sugar-Free Brigadeiros: Brigadeiros are traditional Brazilian chocolate truffles made with condensed milk. This sugar-free version allows you to make this delicious treat without worrying about the sugar content. Use it in place of regular condensed milk in your favorite brigadeiro recipe for a healthier version.
- On Fresh Fruits: Drizzle this creamy condensed milk over fresh fruits like berries, bananas, or apple slices for a light and indulgent treat. The combination of natural sweetness from the fruit and the creamy texture of the milk is heavenly!
- On Pancakes & Waffles: Whether for breakfast or dessert, drizzle this sugar-free condensed milk over pancakes or waffles for a rich, creamy topping that won’t ruin your healthy eating goals.
- In Coffee or Tea: If you love a creamy coffee or tea, this sugar-free condensed milk will be a game-changer. Simply stir a spoonful into your favorite hot beverage for a smooth, creamy twist. It adds just the right amount of sweetness without the added sugar.
- In Baking: Use this sugar-free condensed milk as a substitute in any recipe that calls for traditional condensed milk. Whether it’s pies, cakes, or bars, this healthier alternative will still deliver the same creamy richness you crave.
Important Tips
- Thickening Time: One of the most important things to remember when making this sugar-free condensed milk is that it will seem runny immediately after blending. The magic happens in the fridge—don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t look like traditional condensed milk right away. The chilling process is what allows it to thicken and develop the proper texture.
- Clean Utensils: Ensure that your blender, jars, or containers are properly cleaned before use to prevent contamination and to keep the condensed milk fresh. A clean, airtight container is essential for keeping your condensed milk in top condition.
- Sweetener Choice: The choice of sweetener can make a big difference in flavor, so choose one that you love. Erythritol and monk fruit are great options for those seeking a low-carb or keto-friendly option, while stevia provides a calorie-free sweetener. Always taste the mixture before refrigerating it, and adjust the sweetness to your personal preference.
- Customizing the Texture: If you prefer an even creamier texture, you can add a little extra butter or use a heavier cream alternative. Adjusting the liquid-to-powdered milk ratio can also result in a thicker or thinner version, depending on your needs.
Storage and Shelf Life
Once your sugar-free condensed milk has chilled and thickened, it’s ready to use! Here are some tips for storage:
- Refrigerate: Store the homemade condensed milk in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Keep the lid on tight to prevent the mixture from absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge.
- Freezing: Freezing isn’t recommended for this condensed milk, as it could alter the texture when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh within the recommended 5-7 day window.
Final Thoughts
This homemade sugar-free condensed milk recipe is a true game-changer. It allows you to indulge in creamy, sweet desserts without the excess sugar, making it the perfect solution for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking to cut back on sugar. Whether you use it in your baking, beverages, or as a topping for fruits and pancakes, it’s guaranteed to add that creamy, delicious richness you crave.
So, the next time you need condensed milk, skip the canned versions loaded with sugar and make this easy, healthier alternative at home. Enjoy it in your favorite recipes, and savor the indulgence without the sugar crash!