Let’s paint a picture. You’re curled up on your couch with a steaming cup of coffee and a slice of your favorite dessert. But here’s the catch – you can indulge guilt-free because this dessert is homemade and sugar-free. Now find out How to Make Sugar Free Condensed Milk Easily at Home. Sounds too good to be true? Not if you have the secret ingredient – homemade, sugar-free condensed milk!
Many of us are on the constant hunt for recipes that are not only scrumptious but also in tune with our health-conscious lifestyles. That’s where this versatile ingredient comes in. A mainstay in countless traditional sweets, condensed milk is a baker’s dream. However, the store-bought kind is a sugar bomb waiting to explode. So, let’s explore how you can whip up your own healthier version of condensed milk right in your kitchen.
What is Condensed Milk?
Condensed milk is regular cow’s milk where the water content has been reduced, and sugar has been added. The result is a deliciously thick, sweet concoction that’s used in many dessert recipes. But when you’re keeping an eye on sugar intake, you might feel like this delight is off the table. Not anymore!
- Start by gathering your ingredients, including 2 cups of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of water, 1/4 cup of butter, and 1/2 cup of a sugar substitute such as erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit extract.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and water and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes or until it has reduced by about half.
- Add the butter and sugar substitute to the saucepan and stir until they are completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Continue to simmer the mixture for another 30-40 minutes or until it has thickened to a syrupy consistency.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the condensed milk cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container and storing it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make homemade, sugar-free condensed milk, you’ll need:
- 4 cups of full-fat milk
- 1 cup of a natural sugar substitute, like Stevia or Erythritol
Note: The sweetness level of sugar substitutes varies, so you may want to adjust the quantity according to your preference.
How to Make Sugar Free Sweetened Condensed Milk
Before we get started, ensure you have a non-stick pan and a whisk ready. Now, let’s dive into the steps!
Step 1: Mix and Heat
Pour the milk into your pan and place it over medium heat. Once the milk begins to warm, add your sugar substitute. Mix it in well using your whisk until it’s completely dissolved.
Step 2: Simmer
Reduce the heat and allow your mixture to simmer. Remember to stir it occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even condensation. This simmering process will take about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Step 3: Watch for Thickness
As your milk simmers, it will start to thicken and reduce. When the volume has reduced to half, and the milk has turned a creamy off-white color, you’ll know it’s ready.
Step 4: Cool and Store
Remove the pan from the stove and allow your sugar-free condensed milk to cool. It will continue to thicken as it cools. Once it reaches room temperature, pour it into a glass jar and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to one week.
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Pour 4 cups of full-fat milk into a non-stick pan and place it over medium heat. Once the milk warms, add 1 cup of your chosen natural sugar substitute. Stir well until the substitute is completely dissolved. |
| Step 2 | Reduce the heat to a simmer. Make sure to stir the mixture occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan and to allow even condensation. This step will take around 1.5 to 2 hours. |
| Step 3 | Keep an eye on the milk. Once it reduces by half and turns a creamy off-white color, you will know it’s ready. |
| Step 4 | Remove the pan from the heat and allow the sugar-free condensed milk to cool. As it cools, it will continue to thicken. Once it reaches room temperature, transfer it into a glass jar and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to a week. |
Also Read: Sugar Free Ketchup Nutrition: A Healthier and Tastier Twist
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Sugar Free Condensed Milk
- Patience is Key: Making condensed milk is a slow process, so don’t rush it. Keep the flame low and give it time to thicken to achieve the right consistency.
- Stir Occasionally: Don’t leave your milk unattended for too long. Stir it occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan or forming a skin on top.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste your condensed milk before removing it from the heat. If it’s not sweet enough for your liking, add a little more sugar substitute and stir until dissolved.
Now that you have this simple recipe in your culinary arsenal, the world of homemade, sugar-free desserts is your oyster. From puddings to pies, everything just got a little healthier and guilt-free. So go on, whip up some homemade, sugar-free condensed milk, and enjoy your favorite sweets without the sugar hangover!
FAQs
Can diabetics use condensed milk?
Yes, diabetics can use condensed milk, but it is important to be aware of the high sugar content. A single serving of sweetened condensed milk (1/4 cup) contains about 22 grams of sugar, which is more than half of the daily recommended intake for some people with diabetes.
How do I substitute sugar for condensed milk?
Heavy cream + sugar: This is a 1:1 substitution. Simply mix 1 cup of heavy cream with ¼ cup of sugar to get a creamy rich alternative. You can use this as a 1:1 exchange for sweetened condensed milk in any recipe.
Evaporated milk + sugar: This is another 1:1 substitution. Simply mix 1 cup of evaporated milk with ¼ cup of sugar to get a similar consistency and sweetness to condensed milk.
Coconut milk + sugar: This is a good dairy-free option. Simply mix 1 cup of full-fat coconut milk with ¼ cup of sugar to get a creamy, slightly sweet substitute for condensed milk.
Homemade sweetened condensed milk: This is a more involved option, but it gives you complete control over the ingredients. To make homemade sweetened condensed milk, you will need 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of sugar. Heat the milk and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens. Let cool completely before using.
Is there an unsweetened condensed milk?
No, there is no such thing as unsweetened condensed milk. Condensed milk is made by evaporating milk and adding sugar, so it is always sweet. The sugar content of condensed milk is typically around 40-45%.
Can you freeze condensed milk?
Yes, you can freeze condensed milk. It will not freeze solid due to the high sugar content, but it will thicken and become more viscous. You can freeze condensed milk in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you are ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
How long does homemade sugar-free condensed milk last?
Your homemade, sugar-free condensed milk should stay fresh for up to one week when stored properly in the refrigerator.
Why is my homemade condensed milk not thickening?
It might be that the milk hasn’t simmered long enough or the heat was too high. The thickening process requires slow, gentle heat. If after 2 hours it’s still not thickening, try simmering for a bit longer.
Learn Sugar Free Sweetened Condensed Milk Preparation from Keto Meals and Recipes (Not a paid promotion)
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