Sweetened condensed milk is a versatile ingredient that can transform ordinary desserts into irresistible treats. This thick, syrupy milk product adds richness and sweetness to a wide variety of recipes. You can use condensed milk to create everything from creamy pies and fudgy cookies to refreshing drinks and no-bake bars.
With just a can of condensed milk in your pantry, you’ll have endless dessert possibilities at your fingertips. Whether you’re looking for quick 3-ingredient recipes or more complex layered desserts, condensed milk can help you satisfy your sweet tooth. Let’s explore 30 delicious ways to put this pantry staple to use in your kitchen.
Flan is a creamy custard dessert with a caramel topping. To make it, you’ll need condensed milk, eggs, vanilla, and sugar. Start by making the caramel in a pan over medium heat.
Pour the caramel into a baking dish. Mix the condensed milk, eggs, and vanilla in a blender. Pour this mixture over the caramel.
Place the dish in a water bath and bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes. The flan is done when it jiggles slightly in the center. Let it cool, then refrigerate for a few hours before serving.
When ready, run a knife around the edges and flip onto a plate. The caramel will drizzle down the sides, creating a sweet and silky dessert.
Dulce de leche is a sweet treat you can make with condensed milk. It has a rich caramel flavor and creamy texture.
To make it, you can cook a can of sweetened condensed milk. Put the unopened can in a pot of water and simmer for 3 hours. Keep the can covered with water the whole time.
Another way is to empty the condensed milk into a dish. Cover it and bake in a water bath for about 1-2 hours until it turns golden brown.
Use dulce de leche as a spread on toast or cookies. It’s also great in coffee or on ice cream. You can add it to cakes, pies, and other desserts for extra flavor.
Key lime pie is a classic dessert that uses sweetened condensed milk as a key ingredient. To make it, you’ll need graham cracker crust, egg yolks, lime juice, and zest.
Start by baking the crust for about 10 minutes at 350°F. While it cools, mix the egg yolks with condensed milk until fluffy. Add lime juice and zest, then pour into the crust.
Bake the pie for 15-17 minutes until the center is set but still wiggly. Let it cool completely before serving. The result is a tangy, creamy pie with a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Caramel fudge is a sweet treat you can make with condensed milk. You’ll need butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup or golden syrup along with the condensed milk.
Mix these ingredients in a saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This usually takes 3-5 minutes.
Pour the fudge into a lined 8×8 inch pan. Let it cool and set before cutting into squares. The result is a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth candy with rich caramel flavor.
This recipe is quick and easy, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or making homemade gifts.
Brigadeiros are a beloved Brazilian chocolate treat you can easily make at home. These fudgy balls use condensed milk as a key ingredient.
To make brigadeiros, combine condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter in a pot. Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly.
Once thickened, spread it on a plate to cool. Roll the chilled mixture into small balls. Coat them in chocolate sprinkles for the classic look.
Brigadeiros are perfect for parties or as a sweet snack. You can get creative with toppings like coconut or nuts. They’re a delicious way to use condensed milk in your baking.
Bananarama Pudding is a creamy dessert that combines ripe bananas with sweet condensed milk. You’ll need instant vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and sweetened condensed milk as the base.
Mix these ingredients until smooth, then let it thicken for a few minutes. Add vanilla extract for extra flavor. Layer the pudding with sliced bananas and vanilla wafers in a dish.
For a fluffy topping, whip some heavy cream and spread it on top. Chill the pudding in the fridge before serving. This dessert is perfect for summer gatherings or as a comforting treat any time of year.
Mango pudding is a sweet treat that uses condensed milk for extra richness. You’ll need ripe mangoes, gelatin, condensed milk, and cream to make this dessert.
Start by blending fresh mango chunks until smooth. Mix gelatin with water and let it bloom. Heat cream and sugar in a pot until the sugar dissolves.
Add the bloomed gelatin to the warm cream mixture. Stir until it melts completely. Combine this with the mango puree and condensed milk.
Pour the mixture into molds or cups. Refrigerate for a few hours until set. The result is a silky, tropical pudding with intense mango flavor.
Coconut macaroons are a sweet treat you can easily make with condensed milk. These chewy cookies have a crisp exterior and soft interior.
To make them, mix shredded coconut with sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. Some recipes also include a small amount of flour for structure.
Form the mixture into small mounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until the edges turn golden brown.
Let the macaroons cool completely before serving. For extra flair, dip the bottoms in melted chocolate or drizzle chocolate over the tops.
Cheesecake bars are a delightful treat that combines a graham cracker crust with a creamy cheesecake filling. You can easily make them using sweetened condensed milk.
Start by mixing graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and pressing the mixture into a baking pan. For the filling, beat cream cheese until smooth, then add sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
Pour the filling over the crust and bake until set. Some recipes offer a no-bake version where you chill the bars instead. For added flavor, try mixing in fruit puree or topping with fresh berries before serving.
Pumpkin pie made with condensed milk is a classic dessert perfect for fall gatherings. To make it, you’ll need pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Mix these ingredients until smooth, then pour into a pre-baked pie crust. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F and continue baking for about 40 minutes.
The condensed milk gives the pie a rich, creamy texture and balances the pumpkin’s earthy flavor. You’ll know it’s done when the center is slightly jiggly but set. Let it cool before serving for the best flavor and texture.
You can make delicious caramel sauce using sweetened condensed milk. Pour a can of sweetened condensed milk into a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves.
Add butter and vanilla extract, then beat until the butter melts. Slowly stir in some milk until fully mixed. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and turns golden brown.
For a hands-off method, place an unopened can of sweetened condensed milk in a pot of water. Boil it for about an hour. The longer it cooks, the thicker and richer it becomes.
Rice pudding with condensed milk is a comforting dessert you can easily make at home. To start, combine rice, water, milk, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then simmer for about 15 minutes.
Next, add sweetened condensed milk, raisins if desired, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir well and continue cooking uncovered for another 10 minutes, stirring often.
The pudding is ready when the rice is soft and the mixture is thick and creamy. You can serve it warm or chilled, depending on your preference. This simple recipe transforms basic ingredients into a delicious treat.
Frozen cheesecake is a creamy, no-bake dessert perfect for hot summer days. You can make it easily using condensed milk and cream cheese.
Start by mixing crushed graham crackers with melted butter for the crust. Press this mixture into a springform pan.
Beat cream cheese until smooth, then slowly mix in condensed milk. Add a splash of lemon juice for tang.
Pour the filling over the crust and freeze for several hours until firm. The condensed milk helps create a silky texture without using heavy cream.
Before serving, let the cheesecake thaw slightly. Top with fresh fruit or sauce if desired. This cool treat will satisfy your sweet tooth on warm days.
You can make delicious Snickers bars at home with a few simple ingredients. Start by melting chocolate chips and peanut butter for the bottom layer. Spread this mixture in a lined baking dish.
Next, create a nougat layer using butter, sugar, and evaporated milk. Add peanut butter to the warm mixture and pour it over the chocolate base.
For the caramel layer, melt caramel candies with a bit of cream. Spread this over the nougat and top with chopped peanuts.
Finally, cover everything with another layer of melted chocolate and peanut butter. Chill the bars in the freezer until set, then cut into squares.
Egg tarts are a delicious dessert you can make with condensed milk. These sweet treats have a flaky pastry shell filled with a creamy egg custard.
To make egg tarts, you’ll need condensed milk, eggs, and pastry shells. Mix the condensed milk with eggs and vanilla. Pour this mixture into pre-baked tart shells.
Bake the tarts at 300°F for about 5 minutes. Then lower the temperature to 350°F and bake for another 5-8 minutes. The centers should be firm when done.
You can test if they’re ready by inserting a toothpick in the middle. If it comes out clean, your egg tarts are perfect.
Mix these ingredients until smooth, then pour into a prepared graham cracker crust. For best results, chill the pie for at least 3 hours before serving.
Some recipes call for a quick bake to set the filling. If you choose this method, bake for about 20 minutes until just set.
The tangy lemon flavor pairs well with a dollop of whipped cream on top. This easy pie is sure to become a family favorite.
Coconut pinwheels are a tasty treat that combine the sweetness of condensed milk with the tropical flavor of coconut. These cookies feature a swirled pattern that looks impressive but is easy to make.
To create coconut pinwheels, you’ll mix condensed milk with shredded coconut and vanilla. Then spread this mixture over a layer of chocolate cookie dough. Roll it up into a log and slice it into rounds before baking.
The result is a crisp cookie with a soft, chewy center. The condensed milk helps bind the coconut filling and adds extra sweetness. These cookies are perfect for coconut lovers and make a great addition to any dessert tray.
Brazilian Pudding, also known as Pudim de Leite Condensado, is a creamy dessert made with condensed milk. You’ll love its smooth texture and caramel flavor.
To make it, you start by creating a caramel sauce. Heat sugar in a pan until it turns golden brown. Pour this into your baking dish.
Next, blend condensed milk, regular milk, and eggs. Pour this mixture over the caramel in your dish. Bake it in a water bath for about an hour.
Once cooled, flip the pudding onto a plate. The caramel will flow down the sides, creating a beautiful presentation. Serve chilled for a refreshing treat.
Alfajores are delightful sandwich cookies filled with dulce de leche. These sweet treats originate from South America and are popular in many countries.
To make alfajores, you’ll need butter, sugar, egg yolks, and flour for the cookies. Mix these ingredients and chill the dough before baking.
Roll out the dough and cut into circles. Bake until lightly golden, then cool completely. Spread dulce de leche between two cookies and dust with powdered sugar.
You can customize your alfajores by adding coconut to the edges or using different fillings like jam or chocolate ganache. These cookies are perfect for special occasions or as a sweet snack with coffee.
Condensed milk makes a delicious filling for macarons. To create a caramel macaron filling, mix condensed milk with butter and sugar in a saucepan. Heat the mixture while stirring often.
Let it come to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat. Keep stirring as it simmers and thickens. After about 10 minutes, it will turn a medium caramel color.
Remove from heat and add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Let the filling cool before piping it onto your macarons.
You can also use condensed milk in other macaron fillings. Try mixing it with cream cheese, cocoa powder, or fruit purees for tasty variations.
The Versatility of Condensed Milk
Condensed milk adds sweetness and richness to many dishes. It’s a key ingredient in desserts and drinks, but can also be used in savory recipes.
Why Use Condensed Milk in Recipes
Condensed milk gives foods a smooth, creamy texture. It’s thicker than regular milk, so it helps create firm desserts like fudge and ice cream.
You can use it to make quick, no-bake treats. Just mix it with other ingredients for easy pies, cookies, and candies.
It’s great for adding sweetness to drinks too. Try it in iced coffee, smoothies, or Thai iced tea for extra flavor.
Condensed milk lasts a long time in the can. This makes it handy to keep in your pantry for last-minute recipes.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Information
Condensed milk is high in calories and sugar. A tablespoon has about 65 calories and 11 grams of sugar.
It’s not the best choice if you’re watching your sugar intake. But you can find low-fat and sugar-free versions in some stores.
Condensed milk gives you calcium and vitamin D. These help keep your bones strong.
It also has some protein, about 2 grams per tablespoon. This can help you feel full.
If you’re lactose intolerant, be careful with condensed milk. It’s made from cow’s milk and contains lactose.
Tips for Cooking with Condensed Milk
Condensed milk can make your desserts extra creamy and sweet. Here are some tips to help you use it well in your cooking.
Selecting the Best Condensed Milk
Pick brands with a good reputation for quality. Check the label to make sure it’s sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk. Look for a thick, creamy texture and a light tan color.
Avoid cans with dents or bulges. These could mean the milk has gone bad. If possible, taste a small amount before using it in your recipe.
Some recipes work better with full-fat condensed milk. Low-fat versions might change the texture of your dish.
Storage and Shelf Life
Keep unopened cans in a cool, dry place. They can last up to 18 months past the date on the can.
Once opened, put the milk in an airtight container in the fridge. Use it within 2 weeks.
You can freeze condensed milk for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before using.
If the milk turns dark or smells odd, throw it out. It’s not safe to use.
To measure easily, warm the can in hot water for a few minutes. This makes the milk less sticky.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
