The Game Changing Sweetened Condensed Milk Is Not From a Can (2024)

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Make sweetened condensed milk with ingredients that are probably already in your kitchen.

By

Lany Phlong

The Game Changing Sweetened Condensed Milk Is Not From a Can (1)

Lany Phlong

Lany Phlong is passionate about food and excited to share her vast experience as a chef, traveler, entrepreneur, and contributor to Simply Recipes.

Learn about Simply Recipes'Editorial Process

Updated April 21, 2024

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21 Easy Condensed Milk Recipes That You've Got to TryFEATURED IN:

I have used condensed milk all my life. There was always a can of condensed milk in the cupboard when I was growing up. I have fond memories of my dad making us thick slices of warm baguettes with creamy condensed milk drizzled on top. While we ate, my dad would make himself chicory coffee with a big dollop of condensed milk. As an adult and a mom, I am now the parent who puts condensed milk in her mug of coffee.

Whenever I travel to Southeast Asia, the first thing I do is visit a cafe to get a strong iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk. According to my parents, condensed milk was popular when they were growing up in Cambodia, primarily because of the lack of available refrigeration for fresh milk and also the fact that most cows were used for manual labor, not milk. Interestingly, across Asia, condensed milk diluted with water was fed to babies and used as creamer in coffee.

What Is Condensed Milk?

Condensed milk is milk that has been condensed by means of heat. As the milk cooks, the majority of the water evaporates, and the texture of the milk becomes gooey. And it becomes sweeter; another very important ingredient in condensed milk is sugar. (If there was no sugar added it would be evaporated milk.) Sugar is added not only for sweetness; it prolongs shelf life. Typical microorganisms are not able to grow and multiply due to the high content of sugar in condensed milk, allowing it to last longer.

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History of Condensed Milk

In the 1850s, there was little available refrigeration for dairy products. An inventor named Gail Borden boarded a ship that carried farm animals on a journey from Europe to the US. The ship was carrying livestock to provide food for passengers and the crew. During that trip, the cows became sick and died. Children on the ship drank milk from the sick cows and they became very ill. Through this experience, Borden became passionate about finding a way to preserve milk for safe consumption.

Inspired by the Shaker community, Borden tried to use a vacuum evaporator, a device that reduces the interior pressure of the evaporation chamber below atmospheric pressure. In doing so it eliminates the requirement of heat in the condensation process. Unfortunately, his first two attempts using this technology failed. Then, Borden found a successful technique and in 1858 opened the New York Condensed Milk Company that manufactured and marketed the iconic Eagle Brand that established the industry.

Homemade Is Better

Homemade condensed milk is not only cheaper, but it tastes more delicious, as making it requires less heat and sugar, allowing the flavor of the milk to come through. Also, canned condensed milk can contain preservatives or additives, while homemade condensed milk only takes two ingredients to make. Finally, you can personalize your homemade condensed milk by adding different spices and extracts such as cinnamon, vanilla, chocolate, or nutmeg.

How To Store Homemade Condensed Milk

Before storing condensed milk, cool it completely, and transfer it to an airtight container, such as a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Label and date; it will last for 1 month in the refrigerator.

The condensed milk will become thicker as it cools. To make it pourable, you can microwave the condensed milk in 10-second intervals until it has reached the desired consistency when you want to use it again.

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Use Your Condensed Milk in These Recipes

Once you make your condensed milk here are examples of exciting recipes you can use it in:

  • Horchata
  • Tres Leches Cake
  • Cassava Cake
  • 7-Layer Magic Bars
  • Key Lime Pie

Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk

Prep Time5 mins

Cook Time40 mins

Total Time45 mins

Servings8 (2 tablespoon) servings

Yield1 cup

If you want to make more than 1 cup of condensed milk, I highly suggest you use two medium saucepans instead of one large pot, because it takes less time to condense. During my recipe testing, I found that it took 40 minutes to condense 4 cups in two medium saucepans, rather than 3 hours in one large pot. Even though you will have to wash an extra pot, it will save you a lot more time cooking.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole milk

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup sugar, depending on your preference (the full amount makes it quite sweet)

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

  1. Begin cooking the ingredients:

    Combine the milk, sugar, and salt in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan. Turn the heat to medium high. Whisk the milk until the sugar is dissolved. Allow the milk to come to a very gentle simmer.

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  2. Lower the heat and simmer:

    Once the sugar is dissolved, lower the heat to maintain a simmer. Do not whisk again (more whisking will create crystals on the sides of the pan). Do not allow the milk to go beyond simmering. If you see the milk foaming up, lower the heat immediately to prevent burning and spilling.

    Simmer the milk uncovered, stirring occasionally to scrape the bottom of the pan, until the volume is reduced by half. This may take 30 to 45 minutes.

    Tip

    If you’re not sure if the milk is reduced by half, pour it into a measuring cup to check.

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  3. Check the color and consistency:

    When the body of the condensed milk is similar to maple syrup and deepens in color somewhat, the condensed milk is ready. Stir in the vanilla. Remove from heat. If there are solids or foam in the condensed milk, pour it through a wire strainer. Allow to cool.

    Tip

    Initially, your condensed milk may seem thin. It will become thicker as it cools.

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  4. Store:

    Place cooled condensed milk in a container with a tight-fitting lid and label with the date it was made. It will last for 1 month in the refrigerator.

    Tip

    To make the chilled condensed milk pourable, microwave it in 10-second intervals until it has reached the desired consistency.

    Did you love the recipe? Leave us stars below!

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)
111Calories
2g Fat
22g Carbs
2g Protein

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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount per serving
Calories111
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 2g3%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Cholesterol 6mg2%
Sodium 93mg4%
Total Carbohydrate 22g8%
Dietary Fiber 0g0%
Total Sugars 22g
Protein 2g
Vitamin C 0mg0%
Calcium 69mg5%
Iron 0mg0%
Potassium 82mg2%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

The Game Changing Sweetened Condensed Milk Is Not From a Can (2024)

FAQs

The Game Changing Sweetened Condensed Milk Is Not From a Can? ›

The Game Changing Sweetened Condensed Milk Is Not From a Can

Can you swap sweetened condensed milk for evaporated milk? ›

Substitutions. While we don't recommend substituting condensed milk for evaporated milk or vice versa, you can make your own condensed milk when you're in a pinch. Simply heat together 1½ cups of sugar and one can of evaporated milk until the sugar has fully dissolved.

Can you drink sweetened condensed milk out of the can? ›

Can I drink sweetened condensed milk? It is a ready-to-use product so it may be consumed without any other preparation. You can add it to everyday items like in your coffee, on toast with cinnamon, on fruit or yogurt, and in any way you see fit.

Why not heat condensed milk in can? ›

Sure enough, Carnation condensed milk comes with a warning: "Do not boil unopened can as bursting may occur." According to Serious Eats, when the boiling water evaporates, leaving the metal exposed, the can may warp, split, or yes, explode.

What is the difference between canned milk and sweetened condensed milk? ›

Evaporated milk is milk that has been heated so that about 60% of the water evaporates. It is then canned and can be used as you would half-and-half, since it is extra creamy! Condensed milk is made in a similar way, but sugar is added to it so that about 45% of its content is sugar.

Is there a substitute for sweetened condensed milk? ›

If dairy isn't an issue, heavy cream can substitute for condensed milk. But if you're avoiding dairy, the only thing that can sometimes substitute for condensed milk “as is” is full-fat coconut milk. However, full-fat coconut milk may not have the condensed milk consistency you're going for.

Can I use condensed milk instead of evaporated milk in fudge? ›

Don't Substitute One for the Other

Thus, using condensed milk in a recipe that requires evaporated milk will yield an overly sweet dish.

Does sweetened condensed milk really turn into caramel? ›

Most of the time, people cook caramel by heating up regular or brown sugar until it turns into a smooth and creamy substance. However, you can also make caramel out of sweetened condensed milk, creating the same great sauce with a unique, extra-sweet kick.

What is the problem with condensed milk? ›

Condensed milk also includes lactose, which might be harmful to people who are lactose intolerant. There could be gas, cramps, and stomach discomfort. Because condensed milk is more concentrated than the same volume of regular milk, it contains more lactose.

Why do people boil condensed milk? ›

Boil canned condensed milk, they said. It's an easy way to make dulce de leche, they said. All well and good until the can explodes, shooting hot, sticky, burnt milk all over your kitchen.

Are there two types of condensed milk? ›

Types of milk: Sweetened condensed milk is sometimes called condensed milk. They are the same thing and they only come in one variety. Evaporated milk is used as a shelf-stable milk substitute, and can be found as non-fat, low-fat, or whole.

Does condensed milk go bad? ›

Condensed milk doesn't go bad for a long time – at least a year past its best-by or expiration date when it's sealed. Once opened, it'll last up to a couple of weeks in the fridge.

Which is healthier condensed milk or evaporated milk? ›

In summary, evaporated milk is unsweetened and has a similar nutritional value to regular milk, while sweetened condensed milk is very sweet and has a higher calorie count due to the added sugar.

Why can t sweetened condensed milk cannot be used interchangeably with evaporated milk in recipes? ›

It's thicker and sweeter than evaporated milk, which means the two cannot be used interchangeably. It's typically used to make rich desserts, such as magic cookie bars, tres leches cakes or an easy caramel sauce. Just two tablespoons of condensed milk contain 18 grams of added sugar.

What can a cup of evaporated milk be substituted with? ›

With its very similar consistency, 1 cup of heavy cream can replace 1 cup of evaporated milk in sweet and savory dishes. While the flavor will be blander than evaporated milk's unique caramelized tones, the texture will be noticeably richer.

How much evaporated milk equals 1 cup of milk? ›

For the same consistency as drinking milk, mix ½ cup Evaporated Milk and ½ cup water to make 1 cup of regular drinking milk. How can I use Evaporated Milk for extra richness and creaminess in my recipes?

What can I do with a can of condensed milk? ›

Milk It: What to Do With the Rest of a Can of Sweetened Condensed Milk
  1. Upgrade Iced Coffee or Tea. Swapping out skim for sweetened condensed is a decadence we can get down with. ...
  2. Justify Making Another Baked Good. ...
  3. Turn Sweet Into Savory. ...
  4. Add to Ice Cream. ...
  5. Make Dulce de Leche. ...
  6. Pour it on Literally Anything.
May 20, 2015

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