What is condensed milk?
Condensed milk is cattle milk that has had some of the water content removed through the process of evaporation. This milk is then sweetened with sugar and labeled sweetened condensed milk. The product itself has a thick and sticky consistency and is a white, milky color.
What does condensed milk taste like?
Condensed milk is very sweet, creamy, and milky in taste.
What are some ways to use condensed milk?
Condensed milk is a popular condiment in Asia and Latin America and is often used in the place of sugar or syrups. In Vietnam and Thailand, sweetened condensed milk is added to tea and coffee in place of sugar and milk for a creamy, sweet flavor. Latin Americans use sweetened condensed milk to make arroz con leche, or rice pudding, and flan. In baking recipes like cheesecake, cookies, brownies, and cakes, you can use it to add sweetness and moistness.
Where do you buy condensed milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is canned and can be found at most grocery stores. Find it in the baking aisle next to the powdered and evaporated milk.
How do you store condensed milk?
Store unopened cans of condensed milk in a pantry or cupboard. Store any leftover condensed milk in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Fun Fact
Created in the 1850s, sweetened condensed milk was invented by Gail Borden as a way to further preserve evaporated milk.
Did you know?
You can make dulce de leche, a Latin American confection, at home using a can of sweetened condensed milk. Make it by boiling whole cans (with the labels removed) in a stockpot full of water for 2-3 hours. The milk will thicken further and turn into an amber-brown color with a more caramelized flavor.
Our Recipes Using Condensed Milk
Cheesecake Video Recipe Lesson
Chef Sydney uses sweetened condensed milk in this easy blender cheesecake to add sweetness and additional creaminess to the dessert.
Other Recipes Using Condensed Milk
Iced Thai Tea
This refreshing and flavorful drink is popular at Asian tea houses and restaurants. To make it, start by boiling water in a saucepan. Add in black tea, star anise, cardamom, vanilla bean almond extract, and steep for 5 minutes. Strain the tea using a colander into a glass with ice. Top the teas with some sweetened condensed milk and stir to enjoy!
Easy Homemade Flan
This classic Latin custard is a jiggly, dense, and delicious dessert. Start by making the caramel sauce topping by heating sugar, water, and salt in a saucepan until it is caramelized and turns brown. Make the custard by combining eggs, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla paste. In a glass baking dish, pour the caramel first, and swirl the dish to coat the bottom, followed by the custard. Bake it in the oven and then allow it to cool before serving.
