Description
Learn how to make homemade powdered milk using simple kitchen methods. By slowly dehydrating milk in your oven or dehydrator at low temperatures, you can create your own fine milk powder that stores well and can be used in various recipes. This method works with skimmed or whole milk and requires minimal equipment.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 liter milk (skimmed or full fat/whole milk, room temperature)
Instructions
- Prepare the Milk: Pour the room temperature milk into a large oven-safe dish, ensuring the milk forms a shallow layer no deeper than one inch to allow faster and even drying.
- Multiple Dishes if Necessary: If your oven or dish is small, divide the milk among several shallow dishes to avoid thick layers that prolong drying time.
- Set the Oven Temperature: Preheat your oven to its lowest temperature, ideally between 120-140ºF (50-60ºC). Use the fan-assisted option if available to help with evaporation.
- Oven Door Slightly Open: If your oven lacks a fan option, leave the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape and speed up drying.
- Evaporate the Milk: As the water content evaporates, the milk will gradually thicken into a paste. Monitor carefully to ensure it does not brown, which indicates temperatures are too high.
- Stir Frequently: Stir the milk paste regularly to promote even evaporation and prevent burning, especially once it starts thickening.
- Spread Paste Thinly: Once a thick paste forms, spread the milk paste thinly on a tray lined with parchment paper or on a dehydrator sheet.
- Complete Drying: Return the tray to the oven or dehydrator to dry completely. The dried milk should be firm, brittle, and snap easily without any bending.
- Grind into Powder: Break the dried milk into flakes and grind them in a spice grinder or blender. Pass the powder through a fine-mesh sieve and regrind any larger pieces to achieve a fine, consistent powder.
- Store Properly: Transfer the powdered milk into an airtight container. Store it in a cool, dark place with no moisture exposure to maintain freshness. Properly stored, powdered milk can last for months or even years.
Notes
- Use shallow layers of milk for faster drying.
- Do not allow the milk to brown, as this alters flavor and quality.
- Stirring helps ensure even drying and prevents scorching.
- If using a dehydrator, follow the machine’s guidelines to keep temperatures low.
- Ensure the powdered milk is completely dry before storing to avoid mold or spoilage.
- Store in airtight containers to maximize shelf life.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Ingredient Preparation
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Universal
Keywords: powdered milk, homemade milk powder, dried milk, milk powder recipe, DIY milk powder, oven-dried milk
