Ultimate Keto Sweetened Condensed Milk

by

Ultimate Keto Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creamy, Sugar-Free, and Perfect for Low-Carb Desserts

If you’ve been following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, you’ve probably mourned the loss of sweetened condensed milk—that thick, creamy, caramel-like elixir that’s essential in so many beloved desserts. Traditional sweetened condensed milk is loaded with sugar (over 160 grams of carbs per can!), making it completely off-limits. But this homemade Keto Sweetened Condensed Milk changes everything.

Rich, velvety, and sweetly indulgent without a gram of added sugar, this recipe delivers all the luxurious texture and flavor of the classic version using just a few simple ingredients. Made with heavy cream, unsalted butter, and your favorite keto-friendly sweetener, it thickens beautifully on the stovetop into a pourable yet spoonable consistency that’s ideal for drizzling, mixing, or baking.

Whether you’re whipping up keto fudge, no-churn ice cream, magic bars, key lime pie, tres leches cake, or simply stirring it into coffee for a decadent treat, this sugar-free condensed milk is your new secret weapon. It’s naturally gluten-free, incredibly versatile, and stores well—meaning you can always have a jar ready for spontaneous low-carb creations.

Why This Keto Condensed Milk Recipe Is a Game-Changer

Traditional sweetened condensed milk relies on hours of simmering milk with massive amounts of sugar to achieve thickness and sweetness. On keto, we can’t use sugar, so many recipes fail to deliver the right mouthfeel or recrystallize unpleasantly.

This version solves those problems:

  • Ultra-low carbs — About 1-2g net carbs per serving, depending on your sweetener.
  • Perfect texture — Creamy and thick without needing thickeners like xanthan gum (though optional for extra body).
  • No crystallization — Using the right sweeteners prevents gritty results.
  • Rich flavor — Butter adds depth and a subtle caramel note as it reduces.
  • Quick and easy — Ready in 30-45 minutes with minimal stirring.
  • Customizable sweetness — Adjust to your taste without spiking blood sugar.

Thousands of keto bakers swear by homemade condensed milk because store-bought sugar-free options are rare, expensive, or filled with questionable ingredients. Making it yourself ensures clean, high-quality results every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe yields about 1 ½ cups (equivalent to one standard can), with roughly 12-16 servings (2 tablespoons each).

Core Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cups (600ml) heavy whipping cream (full-fat; no substitutes for best results)
  • ½ cup (100g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • ¾ cup (150g) keto granulated sweetener (see notes below)

Optional Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (added at the end)
  • Pinch of salt (enhances sweetness)
  • ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum (for extra thickness, if desired)

Sweetener Recommendations:

The choice of sweetener is crucial for smooth, non-crystallizing results:

  • Best overall: Allulose (preferred—it behaves most like sugar, caramelizes slightly, and stays soft)
  • Blend option: Half allulose + half powdered erythritol or monk fruit blend
  • Budget-friendly: Powdered Swerve or erythritol-based (may crystallize slightly when cold but still delicious)
  • Avoid: Pure stevia or liquid sweeteners (won’t provide bulk or proper texture)

Allulose is widely recommended in 2025 keto recipes for its natural taste and performance.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Combine ingredients: In a medium-heavy saucepan (non-stick works well), add heavy cream, butter, and sweetener. Whisk over medium heat until butter melts and sweetener dissolves completely.
  2. Bring to simmer: Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a gentle boil, stirring frequently. Once bubbling, reduce to medium-low for a steady simmer.
  3. Reduce the mixture: Simmer 30-45 minutes, stirring every 5-10 minutes to prevent scorching. The volume reduces by about half, turning thicker and lightly golden. Watch carefully in the last 10 minutes—it thickens quickly.
  4. Test consistency: Dip a spoon in; it should coat the back thickly and drip slowly. Off heat, it thickens more as it cools.
  5. Add extras: Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and salt if using. For thicker results, sprinkle xanthan gum and whisk vigorously.
  6. Cool and store: Pour into a glass jar. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate. It firms up significantly when chilled.

Your kitchen will smell like caramel heaven!

Essential Tips for Flawless Keto Condensed Milk

  • Stir regularly → Prevents sticking and ensures even reduction.
  • Use heavy-bottomed pan → Avoids hot spots and burning.
  • Don’t rush → High heat causes separation; low and slow is key.
  • Thickness check → It looks thin when hot but sets in the fridge.
  • If too thin → Simmer longer or add xanthan gum.
  • If too thick → Warm gently and stir in a splash of cream.
  • Caramel version → Simmer longer for keto dulce de leche.
  • Dairy-free → Use coconut cream + vegan butter (flavor changes slightly).

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Grainy texture — Sweetener didn’t dissolve fully; use powdered or allulose next time.
  • Separation — Overheated; whisk vigorously or blend when cool.
  • Too runny after cooling — Reduce longer next batch.
  • Crystallized when cold — Erythritol issue; switch to allulose blend.

Delicious Ways to Use Keto Sweetened Condensed Milk

This versatile ingredient shines in countless recipes:

  • No-Churn Ice Cream — Base for vanilla, chocolate, or fruit flavors.
  • Fudge — Classic chocolate or peanut butter varieties.
  • Pies and Tarts — Key lime, lemon meringue, or pumpkin.
  • Bars — Magic cookie bars or seven-layer bars.
  • Cakes — Tres leches or poke cakes.
  • Beverages — Keto Vietnamese iced coffee or hot chocolate.
  • Candy — Truffles, caramels, or brigadeiros.
  • Frosting — Whip with cream cheese for decadent icing.

Variations to Try

  • Chocolate — Stir in cocoa powder during simmering.
  • Coffee — Add instant espresso for mocha version.
  • Coconut — Use coconut cream for tropical twist.
  • Spiced — Cinnamon or pumpkin spice for fall treats.
  • Thinner — Stop reducing early for creamer consistency.

Storage and Shelf Life

  • Room temperature — Up to 2 hours.
  • Refrigerator — Airtight jar up to 2 weeks (stir before use).
  • Freezer — Up to 3 months; thaw in fridge and whisk.

Nutritional Information (Per 2 Tbsp Serving, Approximate)

Using allulose:

  • Calories: 180
  • Fat: 19g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Total Carbs: 2g
  • Net Carbs: 1-2g

Values vary by sweetener and exact measurements.

This keto sweetened condensed milk is pure low-carb magic—rich, satisfying, and endlessly useful. Keep a batch in your fridge, and you’ll never miss the sugary original again.

Enjoy your guilt-free indulgence!

Leave a Comment