Sugar Free Condensed Milk

What is sweetened condensed milk?

Sweetened condensed milk is a thick, sweet milk-based syrup that comes in a can and is available at the grocery store. It is used as an ingredient in many recipes for desserts and baked goods. It is made by heating milk to remove most of the water content, then adding sugar to sweeten and thicken it into a syrupy consistency.

The process of making sweetened condensed milk involves adding sweetener to milk or milk solids. Then evaporating about 60% of the water content from the milk, which concentrates its flavor and sugars. The resulting mixture is a smooth, creamy syrup with notes of caramel (produced from heating the sugars and milk).

What pot should you use to make sweetened condensed milk

When making sweetened condensed milk, it is best to use a heavy-bottomed saucepan or pot. A heavy-bottomed pot distributes heat evenly and prevents the milk or cream from scorching or sticking to the bottom of the pot, which can result in a burnt taste, curdled chunks and will ruin your batch.

Additionally, a saucepan with a non-reactive surface, such as stainless steel or enamel-coated cast iron, is recommended. Avoid using aluminum or copper pots as they can react with the acid in the milk and affect the flavor.

Choose a pot that is large enough to hold the milk and sweetener mixture comfortably, with some room for expansion as the mixture heats up, simmers and thickens. A 2-quart or 3-quart pot should be sufficient for this recipe.

How to tell sweetened condensed milk is ready

Knowing when the sugar free sweetened condensed milk is ready is crucial to the success of the recipe; otherwise, you can risk burning the sweetened thicken cream. Generally, sweetened condensed milk is ready when it has thickened and reduced in volume, and has a light caramel color.

The easiest way to tell if your mixture is ready to pull from the burner, do the spoon test.

1. Dip a spoon into the mixture.
2. Then run your finger across the back of the spoon.
3. If the mixture leaves a distinct trail on the spoon and doesn’t immediately fill in, it’s ready.

Once the sweetened condensed milk is ready, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool before transferring it to a container for storage. Remember that the keto condensed milk will thicken further as it cools. If it’s too thick, you can add a little warm water to thin it out to the desired consistency.

What recipes can I use sweetened condensed milk in?

Many recipes call for a can of sweetened condensed milk in place of milk, cream or sugar. This is a shortcut ingredient used for making fudge, caramels, even ice cream.

For some low sugar or keto recipes that used sugar free condensed milk, consider making these:

• Keto Key Lime Pie
• Keto Fudge
• Vietnamese-inspired Keto Iced Coffee

Ways to modify your condensed milk

This sweetened condensed syrup is perfect as is but here are some suggestions on ways you can modify it for different flavor or texture.

Add more notes of caramel

In addition to the allulose, add a brown-sugar free sweetener like Brown Swerve or Truvia Sweet Complete Brown Sugar Replacement. Or instead of adding additional keto sweetener, add a teaspoon or two of molasses.

Thicker texture

This sweetened condensed milk will thicken as it cools, but if you need it to be thicker when warmed or at room temperature, try adding some powdered milk.

Make it dairy free

To make dairy free sweetened condensed milk, you can use a can of full-fat coconut milk and follow the same basic process as you would with dairy milk.

1. Heat the coconut milk, sweetener and ghee or vegan butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it has reduced.
2. Continue to stir until the mixture has thickened and developed a caramel color.

Keep in mind that the flavor and consistency may differ slightly from traditional dairy-based condensed milk.

Storage information

Refrigerator

Homemade keto sweetened condensed milk should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Sweetened condensed milk will thicken and become even more viscous as it cools in the refrigerator, so you may need to add a little warm water to thin it out before using it in recipes. Heating the mixture in a warm water bath will help to thin it out as well.

It is important to note that homemade sweetened condensed milk does not contain preservatives like store-bought varieties, so it is best to use it within a reasonable timeframe to ensure freshness and prevent spoilage. If the sweetened condensed milk develops an off odor, flavor, or appearance, it should be discarded.

Freezer

If you plan to store the sweetened condensed milk for longer than 2 weeks, it is recommended that you freeze it. Sweetened condensed milk can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, transfer the sweetened condensed milk to a freezer-safe container and label with the date. Thaw the sweetened condensed milk in the refrigerator overnight before using it.