7 Mouthwatering Condensed Milk Recipes You Must Try

Condensed milk, a sweet and creamy delight, is not just a pantry staple but a secret weapon for crafting a myriad of indulgent recipes. From simple desserts to complex baked goods, condensed milk adds a rich texture and depth of flavor that's hard to replicate with other ingredients. Today, we're exploring 7 mouthwatering condensed milk recipes that will transform your ordinary desserts into something extraordinary.

1. Homemade Ice Cream with a Twist

Creating ice cream at home is an easy and fun activity, but adding condensed milk takes it to a new level:

• Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream, 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and any mix-ins like chocolate chips, fruit, or nuts.
• Instructions:
  1. Whip the cream until soft peaks form.
  2. In another bowl, mix condensed milk with vanilla extract. Then, gently fold this into the whipped cream until combined.
  3. Add your mix-ins, pour into a loaf pan, and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.

🍦 Note: For a denser texture, incorporate a bit of softened cream cheese into the mix for an even creamier ice cream.

2. Magic Cookie Bars

These no-bake wonders are layered delights that require minimal effort but yield maximum taste:

• Ingredients: 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup melted butter, 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, 1 cup each of semi-sweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and shredded coconut, 1 cup chopped nuts.
• Steps:
  1. Combine graham cracker crumbs and butter, press into a lined 9x13 inch baking pan.
  2. Pour condensed milk evenly over the crust.
  3. Layer chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut, and nuts on top.
  4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool before cutting.

3. Dulce de Leche Flan

Flan, with its silky custard and caramelized sugar, becomes even more luxurious with condensed milk:

• Ingredients for Flan: 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, 1 can evaporated milk, 4 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
• Caramel Sauce: 1 cup sugar, ⅓ cup water.
• Preparation:
  1. Make caramel by cooking sugar and water until amber, pour into mold, and swirl to cover bottom.
  2. Blend milk, eggs, and vanilla. Pour over caramel and bake in a water bath at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour or until set.

4. Tres Leches Cake

The iconic Mexican dessert, Tres Leches, gets its moist texture from condensed milk:

• Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, 5 eggs (separated), 1 cup sugar, 1/3 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, Tres Leches Mixture: 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk, 1 cup heavy cream.
• Instructions:
  1. Whisk flour and baking powder, set aside. Beat egg whites until stiff, add sugar gradually, then egg yolks, milk, and vanilla.
  2. Fold in flour mixture, pour into a greased pan, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until golden.
  3. After cooling, poke holes and soak with Tres Leches Mixture. Top with whipped cream before serving.

5. Key Lime Pie

This iconic Florida dessert showcases how condensed milk can create a perfect, velvety filling:

• Ingredients: 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup butter, 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, 3 egg yolks, ½ cup key lime juice, zest of 1 lime, whipped cream for topping.
• Making the Pie:
  1. Mix crumbs and melted butter for the crust, press into a pie dish.
  2. Whisk condensed milk, egg yolks, juice, and zest; pour into the crust.
  3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, let it cool, then refrigerate.

6. Brazilian Brigadeiros

These little chocolate truffles are incredibly popular in Brazil and for good reason:

• Ingredients: 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 3 tablespoons cocoa powder, chocolate sprinkles for coating.
• Cooking:
  1. Combine condensed milk, butter, and cocoa in a pan, cook on medium heat, stirring constantly until thick.
  2. Let it cool slightly, shape into balls, roll in sprinkles, and refrigerate.

7. Condensed Milk Cookies

Discover the joy of baking cookies that require only three ingredients:

• Ingredients: 2 cups self-rising flour, 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened).
• Baking:
  1. Mix all ingredients until dough forms.
  2. Roll into balls, flatten slightly on a baking sheet, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.

These 7 condensed milk recipes have taken us on a sweet journey around the globe, showcasing how versatile and integral this ingredient can be in both traditional and inventive desserts. From the classic comfort of homemade ice cream to the exotic brigadeiros, condensed milk adds that special touch that elevates each dish. Whether you're an avid baker or a cooking novice, these recipes offer a delightful exploration of flavors, textures, and creativity, ensuring you'll return to your kitchen to try them again and again. The richness, the creaminess, and the sweetness of condensed milk truly make it a must-have in your culinary adventures.

Can I make homemade condensed milk?

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Yes, you can! Combine 2 cups of milk (whole or evaporated) with ²⁄₃ cup of sugar in a saucepan. Heat over low-medium heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking, until reduced by half to create a thick, syrupy consistency. Be patient, as this can take about an hour.

What makes condensed milk a good baking ingredient?

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Condensed milk has several advantages in baking. It adds sweetness and a creamy texture without the need for additional liquids. Its high sugar content helps in preserving baked goods, and it contributes to a moist texture, perfect for desserts like fudge and pies.

Can you substitute condensed milk with another ingredient?

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If you’re in a pinch and out of condensed milk, you can use coconut cream with added sugar to replicate its texture and sweetness, or a mix of evaporated milk and sugar reduced to the right consistency. However, the flavor profile and the consistency might differ slightly.