Ever since I stumbled upon the joys of sugar-free living, I’ve been on the hunt for sweet alternatives that don’t skimp on flavor—like a treasure map leading to hidden delights. Imagine a creamy, dreamy condensed milk that doesn’t send your blood sugar soaring but instead whispers of indulgence without the guilt. This recipe, a gentle hug from the universe for those of us watching our sugar intake, feels like the perfect addition to your culinary arsenal—ready to drape over desserts or swirl into your morning coffee.
Steps
- Combine the heavy whipping cream and chosen sweeteners in a large heavy saucepan. Heat the mixture until it reaches a boil.
- Lower the heat to allow the mixture to simmer gently for 30 minutes. Ensure it maintains a gentle simmer with tiny bubbles appearing around the edges.
- Once simmered, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the butter until it melts completely.
- Sprinkle xanthan gum over the mixture and whisk vigorously to integrate it. Allow the condensed milk to cool fully before using or storing.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup allulose or Bocha Sweet
- 1/3 cup Swerve Confectioners
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1456kcal | Carbohydrates: 10.4g | Protein: 7.2g | Fat: 146.4g
FAQ
- Does this sugar-free condensed milk contain carbohydrates?
- Traditional condensed milk, made with sugar and milk, contains about 22g of carbs per serving. In contrast, this sugar-free version has only 1.3g of carbs per serving, making it a great option for those on a keto diet.
- What is the best way to store sugar-free condensed milk?
- After preparing the condensed milk, allow it to cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to a jar or resealable container and keep it in the refrigerator. It can last up to two weeks, provided the cream used was fresh.
- Can I make a dairy-free version of this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute full-fat coconut milk for the heavy cream to make it dairy-free. However, it’s not recommended to replace the butter with coconut oil, as it doesn’t blend in as well. You might need to cook it a bit longer and add extra xanthan gum for proper thickening.
- Why do I need to use two different sweeteners in this recipe?
- The combination of sweeteners is crucial for achieving the right consistency. Using only erythritol-based sweeteners can lead to recrystallization, while using just allulose or BochaSweet might result in a goopy texture. Mixing them ensures the perfect consistency.
- What should I do if the condensed milk doesn’t thicken as it cools?
- If your condensed milk remains too liquidy after cooling, don’t panic. It should thicken up naturally. However, if it doesn’t, you can bring it back to a simmer and whisk in an additional 1/8 teaspoon of xanthan gum.
Tips
- Use a Combination of Sweeteners: To achieve the perfect consistency in your keto condensed milk, it’s crucial to use a mix of sweeteners. Erythritol-based sweeteners, like Swerve, can recrystallize, while allulose or BochaSweet might make the mixture too gooey. Combining them helps avoid these issues.
- Let It Cool Completely: After cooking, the condensed milk may appear too thin. Allow it to cool completely before deciding if it needs more thickener, as it will thicken naturally as it cools. If necessary, you can reheat and add a small amount of xanthan gum.
- Consider a Dairy-Free Option: If you need a dairy-free version, you can substitute full-fat coconut milk for heavy cream. However, avoid using coconut oil as a butter substitute as it doesn’t integrate as well. Instead, cook it a bit longer and add extra xanthan gum to reach the desired thickness.
- Monitor the Heat: When simmering the mixture, maintain a gentle simmer with small bubbles along the edges. This prevents the mixture from boiling over and ensures even thickening.
Equipment
- free condensed milk, here are some main equipment items you might consider purchasing from Amazon if they are not already in your kitchen:
- Heavy Saucepan – A large, heavy-bottomed saucepan is essential for even cooking and preventing scorching when making condensed milk.
- Whisk – A good quality whisk is necessary for mixing ingredients smoothly without lumps.
- Xanthan Gum – Although not equipment, xanthan gum is a specialized ingredient that may not be readily available in all households and can be purchased online.
- Thermometer – While not explicitly mentioned in the recipe, a kitchen thermometer can help ensure you’re maintaining the right temperature during simmering, preventing the mixture from boiling over.
