Condensed milk is a versatile and beloved ingredient in many desserts worldwide. Known for its rich, creamy texture and sweet flavor, it can transform ordinary recipes into delectable treats. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned baker, condensed milk can be your secret weapon in creating a wide array of sweets. In this article, we will explore various sweets you can make with condensed milk, from classic favorites to innovative creations.
The Magic of Condensed Milk in Desserts
Condensed milk, made by removing most of the water from cow’s milk and adding sugar, results in a thick, sweet, and shelf-stable product. Its consistency and flavor make it a perfect base for many desserts. Here are some popular categories of sweets that highlight the versatility of condensed milk:
- Classic Desserts
- International Treats
- Modern Innovations
- Quick and Easy Sweets
Classic Desserts
1. Fudge
Fudge is one of the most popular sweets made with condensed milk. The creamy texture and rich flavor of fudge make it a favorite among many.
Chocolate Fudge Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, combine condensed milk and chocolate chips over medium heat. Stir continuously until the chocolate chips melt.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm. Cut into squares and enjoy.
2. Tres Leches Cake
Tres leches cake, a popular Latin American dessert, is a sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. The condensed milk adds a rich sweetness that makes this cake irresistible.
Tres Leches Cake Recipe:
Ingredients:
Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Milk Mixture:
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat egg yolks with 3/4 cup of sugar until pale yellow. Stir in milk and vanilla.
- Add the flour mixture to the egg yolk mixture and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Fold egg whites into the batter gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream.
- Poke holes all over the cake and slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spread over the cake and serve.
International Treats
3. Dulce de Leche
Dulce de leche, a caramel-like sauce popular in Latin America, is made by slowly heating sweetened condensed milk until it thickens and turns golden brown. It can be used as a filling, a topping, or enjoyed by the spoonful.
Dulce de Leche Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a shallow baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
- Place the dish in a larger baking pan and fill the larger pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the smaller dish.
- Bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, checking and adding water as needed, until the milk is thick and caramel-colored.
- Remove from the oven and whisk until smooth. Allow to cool before using.
4. Brigadeiros
Brigadeiros are Brazilian chocolate truffles made with condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter, and chocolate sprinkles.
Brigadeiros Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp butter
- Chocolate sprinkles
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, combine condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter over medium heat.
- Cook, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Grease your hands with butter and roll the mixture into small balls.
- Roll each ball in chocolate sprinkles to coat.
- Place the brigadeiros in paper cups and refrigerate until firm.
Modern Innovations
SEE ALSO: What Dessert Can I Make with Pancake Mix?
5. No-Bake Cheesecake
Condensed milk is a key ingredient in no-bake cheesecakes, providing a smooth and creamy texture without the need for baking.
No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add condensed milk, beating constantly until smooth.
- Stir in lemon juice and vanilla extract.
- Pour the mixture over the crust and smooth the top.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Serve with your favorite fruit topping.
6. Key Lime Pie
Key lime pie is a tangy and sweet dessert that uses condensed milk to achieve its creamy consistency.
Key Lime Pie Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 6 tbsp butter, melted
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
- Bake for 10 minutes and let cool.
- In a large bowl, beat egg yolks until thick and pale.
- Add condensed milk and key lime juice, and mix until well combined.
- Pour the filling into the crust and bake for 15 minutes.
- Let the pie cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Quick and Easy Sweets
7. Magic Bars
Magic bars, also known as seven-layer bars, are a simple and delicious treat made by layering ingredients over a graham cracker crust and baking until golden and bubbly.
Magic Bars Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped nuts
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Pour condensed milk evenly over the crust.
- Layer chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut, and nuts over the condensed milk.
- Press down firmly with a fork.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
8. Caramel Flan
Caramel flan, or crème caramel, is a smooth and creamy custard dessert with a layer of caramel sauce.
Caramel Flan Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 5 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a small saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat until it turns golden brown. Pour the caramel into a 9-inch round baking dish, tilting to coat the bottom evenly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the mixture over the caramel in the baking dish.
- Place the baking dish in a larger pan filled with hot water halfway up the sides of the dish.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the flan is set.
- Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- To serve, run a knife around the edges of the flan and invert onto a serving plate.
Conclusion
Condensed milk is a magical ingredient that can elevate a variety of desserts, from traditional favorites to contemporary innovations. Its rich, creamy texture and sweet flavor make it a versatile and indispensable component in the kitchen. Whether you’re making fudge, tres leches cake, brigadeiros, no-bake cheesecake, key lime pie, magic bars, or caramel flan, condensed milk will help you create delightful sweets that are sure to impress. So next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, reach for a can of condensed milk and let your culinary creativity shine.
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