5 Delectable Desserts with Sweetened Condensed Milk

There's something truly delightful about the richness and versatility of sweetened condensed milk, making it a pantry staple for those with a sweet tooth. Beyond the usual role in cakes and puddings, this thick, creamy delight can turn simple desserts into something extraordinary. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just craving something sweet, sweetened condensed milk can be your ticket to some irresistible treats. Let's dive into five delectable desserts that utilize this magic ingredient to their fullest potential.

Brazilian Brigadeiros

Brazilian Brigadeiros, also known as “the Brazilian truffle,” are bite-sized confections that can make anyone fall in love with Latin American cuisine at first bite. Here’s how to whip up these sweet treats:

• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)
• Sprinkles or cocoa powder for rolling

Combine condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir consistently until the mixture thickens and begins to pull away from the pan’s sides, about 10-15 minutes. Let it cool slightly, then form into small balls, coat with sprinkles or cocoa powder, and let them set.

✨ Note: The texture can be adjusted by cooking time - longer for a firmer consistency, shorter for a softer, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Tres Leches Cake

Tres Leches Cake, or “Three Milks Cake,” is a sponge cake soaked in a mixture of three kinds of milk, with sweetened condensed milk playing a starring role. Here’s how you can recreate this luscious dessert:

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 ¹⁄₂ teaspoons of baking powder
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon of salt
• 5 eggs, separated
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• ¹⁄₃ cup of whole milk
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can of evaporated milk
• ¹⁄₄ cup of heavy cream

Make a light and fluffy cake by beating egg whites to stiff peaks, then fold in the yolk mixture. Bake the cake, and once cool, poke holes all over with a fork. Mix the three milks and pour over the cake, allowing it to absorb the milks overnight. Serve chilled with a dollop of whipped cream.

Key Lime Pie

The tangy-sweet combination of key limes and sweetened condensed milk in a Key Lime Pie creates a Florida classic dessert:

• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups of graham cracker crumbs
• ¹⁄₃ cup of granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cans of sweetened condensed milk
• ²⁄₃ cup of key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
• 4 egg yolks
• Whipped cream for topping

Press the graham cracker mixture into a pie plate to form the crust. Blend the condensed milk with lime juice and egg yolks, pour into the crust, and bake until just set. Chill thoroughly before serving with a topping of whipped cream.

Magic Cookie Bars

Magic Cookie Bars, or Seven Layer Bars, are the epitome of no-bake ease with layers of flavor:

• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups of graham cracker crumbs
• ¹⁄₂ cup of unsalted butter, melted
• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup of butterscotch chips
• 1 cup of sweetened flaked coconut
• 1 cup of chopped nuts (optional)

Start with a base layer of graham cracker crumbs mixed with butter in a baking dish. Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining ingredients in layers on top, and bake until golden and bubbly. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

Thai Iced Tea

While not a traditional dessert, Thai Iced Tea is a refreshing beverage that often includes sweetened condensed milk, providing a sweet complement to other desserts:

• 4 cups of water
• ¹⁄₂ cup of Thai tea mix
• ¹⁄₄ cup of sweetened condensed milk
• Ice

Brew the tea mix with boiling water, strain after steeping for about 5 minutes, and let it cool. Pour over ice, add the sweetened condensed milk, and stir until well combined.

As we've explored, sweetened condensed milk isn't just a backup ingredient for when you're out of sugar; it's the heart of some of the most indulgent desserts around the globe. Its ability to transform ordinary recipes into something truly delightful lies in its rich, creamy texture and caramelized flavor when cooked. Whether it's the sticky goodness of brigadeiros, the milk-soaked wonder of tres leches cake, the zesty delight of key lime pie, the no-bake convenience of magic cookie bars, or the cooling refreshment of Thai iced tea, this ingredient truly elevates the dessert game. With these recipes, you're not just cooking; you're creating moments of pure joy, bite by bite, sip by sip.

Can I use homemade sweetened condensed milk?

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Yes, you can make a homemade version by reducing whole milk with sugar, but for the best results and consistency, it’s recommended to use canned sweetened condensed milk.

Is there a non-dairy alternative to sweetened condensed milk?

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Yes, alternatives include soy or almond milk condensed milk, which can be found in some grocery stores or made at home with plant-based milk and sugar.

How can I thicken the dessert if I find it too runny?

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To thicken sweets made with sweetened condensed milk, you can either cook the mixture longer until it thickens or add a bit of cornstarch or gelatin.