Condensed milk is truly a versatile ingredient that can transform both sweet and savory dishes. Thanks to its thick, rich consistency and concentrated sweetness, it becomes a go-to option for a wide range of recipes. Whether you’re baking, preparing beverages, or even adding depth to savory meals, condensed milk is a pantry staple that can easily elevate your cooking.
In this article, we’ll explore the world of condensed milk recipes and show you how this simple ingredient can create everything from decadent desserts to creamy sauces. So, let’s dive into some delicious condensed milk recipes that are perfect for any occasion!
What Is Condensed Milk?
Before diving into the recipes, it’s important to understand exactly what condensed milk is. Simply put, condensed milk is cow’s milk from which water has been removed, and sugar is added, giving it a sweet flavor and syrupy texture. It’s worth noting that this product is not the same as evaporated milk, which lacks sugar, though both are concentrated forms of milk. In many recipes, condensed milk is often used for its sweetness, texture, and ability to add moisture.
Moreover, its versatility has made it popular in various cuisines around the world, particularly in dessert-making. For instance, you’ll find it in traditional American treats, Latin American desserts, Asian beverages, and even some savory dishes. Now, let’s explore how condensed milk can be used creatively in your kitchen.
Sweet Recipes with Condensed Milk
1. Classic Fudge
One of the easiest and most indulgent desserts you can make with condensed milk is fudge. Thanks to its creamy, rich texture, condensed milk is perfect for creating melt-in-your-mouth fudge that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup butter
Instructions:
- First, in a medium saucepan, combine the condensed milk, chocolate chips, and butter. Stir over low heat until everything is melted and smooth.
- Next, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Then, pour the mixture into a greased 8×8-inch pan and let it cool at room temperature.
- Once cooled, refrigerate the mixture for 2-3 hours before cutting it into squares.
Variations: You can add chopped nuts, marshmallows, or swirl in peanut butter for different flavors. For an adult twist, consider adding a splash of bourbon or Irish cream to the fudge.
2. Tres Leches Cake
A famous Latin American dessert, Tres Leches Cake is a sponge cake soaked in three types of milk: condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk. As a result, this cake is light, airy, and incredibly moist, making it a perfect dessert for special occasions.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup sugar
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup whole milk
- Whipped cream, for topping
Instructions:
- First, preheat the oven to 350°F and grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Next, in a bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks and sugar until light and fluffy. Then, stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
- Gently, fold in the flour mixture.
- In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, and then fold them into the batter.
- Now, pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 30 minutes.
- Once the cake has cooled, poke holes in the top with a fork and pour the mixture of evaporated milk, condensed milk, and whole milk over the cake.
- Finally, let it soak for a few hours, then top with whipped cream.
Tip: Let the cake sit overnight for even more flavor!
Variation: To give your Tres Leches Cake a tropical twist, add coconut milk as one of the three milk ingredients and top the cake with toasted coconut flakes. This adds a delicious layer of flavor and texture.
3. Condensed Milk Ice Cream
Who would have thought you could make rich, creamy ice cream without an ice cream maker? Surprisingly, condensed milk allows you to create no-churn ice cream with just a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- First, in a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- In a separate bowl, mix the condensed milk and vanilla extract.
- Next, gently fold the whipped cream into the condensed milk mixture until fully combined.
- Then, pour the mixture into a loaf pan or freezer-safe container.
- Finally, freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight before serving.
Variations: Add chocolate chips, fruit, or caramel swirls for extra flavor. For a unique twist, consider adding matcha powder or instant coffee for a more complex flavor profile.
4. Banoffee Pie
This British favorite combines bananas, caramel, and whipped cream in a graham cracker crust to create a truly indulgent dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (for making caramel)
- 3-4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 ½ cups whipped cream
- Grated chocolate (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- First, mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, then press the mixture into a pie dish to form the crust.
- Next, refrigerate for 1 hour to allow it to set.
- Meanwhile, to make the caramel, boil the unopened can of condensed milk in a large pot of water for 2-3 hours.
- Be sure the can remains completely submerged in water at all times.
- Once cooled, open the can and spread the caramel evenly over the pie crust.
- Then, layer the sliced bananas on top of the caramel and finish by topping with whipped cream.
- For an extra touch, garnish with grated chocolate, if desired.
Tip: For a quicker version, use store-bought dulce de leche instead of making your own caramel. For an extra indulgent version, drizzle melted chocolate over the bananas before adding the whipped cream.
5. Key Lime Pie
Key Lime Pie is a classic American dessert that pairs the tartness of lime with the sweetness of condensed milk, all in a graham cracker crust.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup key lime juice
- 4 large egg yolks
- Whipped cream, for topping
Instructions:
- First, preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Next, mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, then press the mixture into a pie dish to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes.
- In the meantime, in a bowl, whisk together the condensed milk, key lime juice, and egg yolks until smooth.
- Once the crust is ready, pour the mixture into the crust and bake for 15 minutes, or until set.
- After baking, let the pie cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Finally, top with whipped cream before serving.
Tip: Garnish with lime zest for an extra pop of color and flavor. For an interesting twist, you can also add crushed pistachios on top for a delightful crunchy contrast.
6. Creamy Corn Soup
Condensed milk effortlessly adds a touch of sweetness and creaminess to this comforting corn soup, enhancing both its flavor and texture.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- First, in a large pot, melt the butter and sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
- Next, add the corn and broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- After that, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- Once smooth, stir in the condensed milk and season with salt and pepper.
- Finally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tip: For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream at the end. Variation: For a spicier version, stir in diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
7. Condensed Milk Chicken Curry
For a unique twist on a traditional chicken curry, use condensed milk to add creaminess and balance the spices.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
- First, in a large skillet, heat the oil and sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
- Next, add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
- Then, stir in the curry powder, turmeric, and cumin, and cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
- After that, add the chicken broth and condensed milk, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through.
- Finally, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Variation: For added flavor, you can stir in chopped tomatoes or spinach. If you want to make it spicier, simply add a chopped chili pepper or more curry powder.
Pair your dessert with a savory treat like this Crab Brulee Recipe, which balances richness and flavor beautifully.
8. Vietnamese Iced Coffee
Vietnamese iced coffee, or cà phê sữa đá, is a popular beverage that combines strong coffee with sweetened condensed milk for a rich, creamy drink.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons ground dark roast coffee
- ½ cup boiling water
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- First, brew the coffee using a traditional Vietnamese drip filter or your preferred method.
- Next, in a glass, stir the sweetened condensed milk into the brewed coffee until well combined.
- Finally, add ice cubes and serve immediately.
Tip: Adjust the amount of condensed milk to your desired sweetness. For a cold brew variation, make cold brew coffee and stir in condensed milk for a refreshing iced drink.
9. Brazilian Brigadeiros
Brigadeiros are a popular Brazilian sweet treat made with just a few ingredients, primarily condensed milk. These bite-sized chocolate balls are perfect for parties or even as an afternoon snack. Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also fun to eat!
Ingredients:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Chocolate sprinkles, for rolling
Instructions:
- First, in a medium saucepan, combine the condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter over medium heat.
- Stir constantly for about 10-15 minutes, until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Next, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Once it’s cool enough to handle, grease your hands with a little butter, scoop out small portions of the mixture, and roll them into balls.
- Then, roll each ball in chocolate sprinkles to coat.
- Finally, place the brigadeiros in mini cupcake liners and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Tip: Try different coatings like coconut flakes, crushed nuts, or rainbow sprinkles for a fun variation.
10. Thai Mango Sticky Rice
In Thai cuisine, condensed milk is frequently used in desserts to enhance both sweetness and creaminess. One of the most beloved examples is Mango Sticky Rice, a traditional Thai dessert that combines sticky rice with sweet mango and a condensed milk drizzle.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup glutinous rice (sticky rice)
- 1 ½ cups coconut milk
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions:
- First, rinse the sticky rice under cold water, then soak it for at least 2 hours (or overnight).
- Next, drain the rice and steam it for 20-30 minutes, until fully cooked.
- In the meantime, in a small saucepan, heat the coconut milk and sweetened condensed milk together, stirring until smooth.
- Once the rice is cooked, pour half of the coconut-condensed milk mixture over the steamed rice, stirring gently to combine. Let the rice absorb the liquid for 10-15 minutes.
- To serve, plate the sticky rice with sliced mangoes on the side and drizzle the remaining coconut-condensed milk sauce over the top.
- Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired.
Tip: For the best flavor, be sure to serve the dish warm or at room temperature.
11. Condensed Milk Brownies
For those who truly enjoy fudgy, gooey brownies, condensed milk can easily take them to the next level. With its richness, these condensed milk brownies are chocolatey and perfectly chewy, making them an irresistible treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- First, preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Next, in a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and butter together, stirring until smooth.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, and condensed milk.
- Gradually, add the melted chocolate mixture to the egg mixture, stirring to combine.
- Then, sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, mixing until the batter is smooth.
- Now, pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the brownies are set in the center.
- Finally, let the brownies cool before cutting them into squares.
Tip: For an added indulgence, swirl peanut butter or caramel into the brownie batter before baking.
If you’re looking for a lighter dish to complement your dessert, try these Delicious and Healthy Cottage Cheese Wraps for a balanced meal.
More Tips for Using Condensed Milk
1. Making Caramel
One of the best condensed milk recipes is turning it into caramel or dulce de leche. To achieve this, simply simmer an unopened can of sweetened condensed milk in a pot of water for 2-3 hours. As a result, you’ll have a rich, caramelized sauce that can be used in pies, drizzled over ice cream, or even enjoyed as a dip for fruits.
2. Add to Beverages
Condensed milk can also be a delightful addition to hot drinks like hot chocolate, chai lattes, or even Thai iced tea. In fact, its sweetness and creamy texture provide a perfect balance in drinks that are typically spiced or bold in flavor.
More Tips for Using Condensed Milk
In addition to the recipes already mentioned, condensed milk is a versatile ingredient that can enhance many dishes. To help spark your creativity, here are a few extra tips on how to use condensed milk effectively in your kitchen:
For a bold and flavorful dipping sauce, consider making this Cowboy Butter Recipe to accompany your meals.
1. Making Sweetened Beverages
Condensed milk is truly the perfect sweetener for both hot and cold beverages. For example, you can try adding it to chai lattes, milkshakes, or smoothies for a rich, creamy texture and added sweetness. In addition, it works wonders in homemade caramel lattes or even golden milk, a turmeric-infused beverage.
To make a simple condensed milk smoothie, simply blend your favorite fruit (like bananas or strawberries) with a couple of tablespoons of condensed milk, ice, and milk. As a result, you’ll get a creamy, flavorful smoothie that has just the right amount of sweetness.
2. Use Condensed Milk in Sauces and Dressings
While condensed milk is often associated with desserts, it can also be used to make rich, creamy sauces and dressings. For instance, in Russian cuisine, condensed milk is sometimes used in salad dressings to balance out tangy flavors, adding sweetness and a smooth texture. Combine it with sour cream, vinegar, and herbs for a quick and easy salad dressing.
You can also use condensed milk in pasta sauces for a slightly sweet, creamy sauce. Add a tablespoon or two of condensed milk to your Alfredo or carbonara sauce for a unique twist that balances out the savory ingredients.
3. Condensed Milk in Baking
Condensed milk can serve as a sugar substitute in many baked goods, adding both sweetness and moisture. When making cakes, cookies, or muffins, you can replace part of the sugar with condensed milk for a softer texture and richer flavor. This works particularly well in banana bread or carrot cake.
4. Condensed Milk as a Frosting Base
For a quick and easy solution, simply mix condensed milk with butter and powdered sugar to create a smooth, sweet frosting. This simple mixture can be used on cupcakes, cakes, and brownies. For added flavor, you can also include a splash of vanilla extract or a dash of cinnamon. Additionally, this frosting is ideal for Tres Leches Cakes or cupcakes, as it perfectly complements rich, moist cakes.
Condensed Milk in Global Cuisines
Condensed milk isn’t just popular in Western desserts; it’s also widely used in global cuisines to enhance both sweet and savory dishes. For example, in Southeast Asia, it’s often drizzled over toast for a quick snack. Known as “Kaya Toast” in Singapore and Malaysia, this sweet treat combines condensed milk with a coconut jam spread. Similarly, in India, it’s a key ingredient in kulfi, a frozen dairy dessert flavored with cardamom, pistachios, or rose water.
Meanwhile, in Latin America, Dulce de Leche is a beloved treat made by simmering condensed milk until it caramelizes into a thick, creamy sauce. It’s commonly used in cakes, cookies, and as a topping for pancakes or ice cream.
Conclusion
Whether you’re making desserts like fudge, cakes, and pies or incorporating condensed milk into savory dishes like soups and curries, this versatile ingredient can truly take your recipes to the next level. With its sweet, creamy texture and ability to balance spices, condensed milk is an essential pantry staple that adds depth and richness to a wide variety of dishes.
So, why not try out these condensed milk recipes and discover just how easy it is to create indulgent treats and flavorful meals? Whether you’re experimenting with global dishes or giving your favorite desserts a creative twist, condensed milk is a must-have ingredient for any adventurous cook!