This homemade sweetened condensed milk dry mix is a simple way to keep a reliable sweetened condensed milk substitute ready at all times. It shows up in everything from old-fashioned fudge and no-bake desserts to cozy cups of coffee and holiday baking.
There are some ingredients I just love having on hand in the pantry, and sweetened condensed milk is one of them. But stocking cans isn’t always practical. And sometimes you just want a homemade, shelf-stable option you can mix up as needed.
This mix uses easy-to-find dry ingredients, stores well, and can be mixed up in minutes whenever a recipe calls for a can of sweetened condensed milk.
Why Keep a Dry Mix on Hand?
- Saves pantry space (no bulky cans)
- Long shelf life when stored properly
- No last-minute store runs
- Easy recipe to scale up or down
- Perfect for emergency baking or winter pantry cooking
It’s one of those quiet little kitchen wins that makes everyday baking feel easier and more intentional.
Sweetened Condensed Milk Dry Mix in Minutes
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 Cups Instant Dry Milk Powder
- 1 Cup Heavy Cream Powder
- 1 1/4 Cups Sugar
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight container.3 Cups Instant Dry Milk Powder, 1 Cup Heavy Cream Powder, 1 1/4 Cups Sugar
- Yield: About 5¼ cups dry mix total, which fills one quart jar plus a little extra. This is enough to make approximately three 14-ounce can replacements of sweetened condensed milk when prepared.
Notes
How Much Is in a Can of Sweetened Condensed Milk?
A standard can of sweetened condensed milk contains 14 ounces, which equals about 1 1/4 cups. This homemade version is designed to replace one can in recipes with no adjustments needed.How to Use the Dry Mix
To replace one 14‑ounce can of sweetened condensed milk:Prepared Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1 3/4 Cups Sweetened Condensed Milk Dry Mix
- 1/2 Cup Water, very hot
- 2 Tablespoons Butter, melted
- 1/8 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract (optional)
Instructions
You can use a blender for a smooth finish or a bowl and whisk to make the sweetened condensed milk. Pour the boiling water into a blender or bowl. Add the powdered mix, melted butter, and vanilla in using. Place the lid on the blender and cover with a folded kitchen towel. Hold the lid firmly and blend on high speed for about 30 seconds, or until smooth. Or whisk until smooth. Let the mixture sit 3-5 minutes, as it will thicken. Use this in your favorite recipe or pour it into a jar or container.Recipe Tips
- If you want it really thick, refrigerate for 30 minutes. The cold temperature will harden the butter in the recipe.
- If your mix clumps, a quick pulse in the blender or food processor fixes it right up.
- For extra richness in desserts, don’t skip the butter. It mimics the texture of canned condensed milk beautifully.
- Label your jar with the date and a note that 1 3/4 cups mix = 1 can. Future-you will be grateful.
- This mix is perfect for holiday baking when stores run out. Or in our case during the winter months when roads are icy and you’d rather stay home.
Nutrition
Storage Instructions
- Dry Mix. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Shelf life depends on your milk powders, but it typically keeps for several months.
- Prepared Condensed Milk. Store covered in the refrigerator and use within 3–5 days.
Common Uses for Sweetened Condensed Milk
This homemade sweetened condensed milk substitute works beautifully with dessert recipes. Really, anywhere you would normally use a can from the store. It’s especially handy for classic, from-scratch recipes and old-fashioned desserts.
Some of our favorite ways to use it include:
- Old-Fashioned Fudge. Chocolate, peanut butter, or maple fudge all set up beautifully with this mix.
- Pies & Desserts. Perfect for key lime pie, pumpkin pie, magic cookie bars, cheesecakes, and icebox desserts.
- No-Bake Treats. Think haystack cookies, no-bake chocolate oatmeal cookies, and layered dessert bars.
- Coffee & Tea Creamer. Add a splash to hot coffee or tea for a rich, lightly sweet homemade creamer.
- Holiday Baking. Great for Christmas baking, potlucks, and gift-worthy treats when condensed milk is in high demand.
- Homemade Ice Cream. Adds sweetness and creaminess without extra steps.
Because this mix is designed to replace a 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk, you can use it confidently in your favorite family recipes.
Does this taste the same as canned sweetened condensed milk?
Very close. When prepared, this homemade sweetened condensed milk has the same sweetness and creamy texture most recipes expect. In baked goods, candies, and desserts, you likely won’t notice a difference at all.
Can I use nonfat dry milk powder?
Yes. This recipe already uses instant dry milk powder, which is typically nonfat. The heavy cream powder and butter are what add richness and help mimic the fat content of canned sweetened condensed milk.
Is this dry mix shelf stable?
Yes, if all your powdered ingredients are fresh and stored properly. Keep the dry mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry pantry. Always check expiration dates on milk powders and label your container with the mix date.
Do I have to use a blender?
No. A blender creates the smoothest texture, but if you’re using it immediately in a recipe, mixing well in a bowl works just fine.
A Simple Pantry Win
This sweetened condensed milk dry mix is one of those humble recipes that quietly makes life easier. It’s practical and frugal.
Whether you’re baking for a crowd, stocking your pantry for winter, or just love having homemade options at your fingertips, this recipe is a keeper.
I use this all the time now. There is always a jar in my pantry.