Five Reasons Why We Love Condensed Milk So Much (2024)

At face value, sweetened condensed milk is a pantry staple, a no-frills can with old-fashioned labeling and no marketing gimmicks. It's understated, but sweetened condensed milk doesn't need anything more because what's inside is so perfect: a dreamy combination of creamy and sweet that we just love to cook with in our test kitchen. A key ingredient in classic baked goods, this sweetened syrup lends chewy texture and toasty caramelized notes to our favorite new and old sweet recipes and is the key to our easiest homemade cheesecakes and ice creams. And when we have an open can, a drizzle in our coffee upgrades our morning ritual to an extra special treat. If you're curious to know more about why we love this underrated pantry ingredient, read on.

Five Reasons Why We Love Condensed Milk So Much (1)

It Makes Dulce de Leche

Need we say more? Condensed milk is the one ingredient you need for dulce de leche. Heat and time transform a can into Latin America's favorite thick and rich caramel sauce, dulce de leche. You don't even need to open the can! Just follow our DIY Dulce de Leche, then enjoy this versatile, spreadable caramel anyway you'd like—schmear it onto toast, spoon it over ice cream, swirl it into brownies or cheesecakes, sandwich some between cookies, or dip apple slices into it. You can't go wrong.

It Stars in the Most Irresistible Baked Goods

Underrated but definitely not underused, sweetened condensed milk is as much of a backbone in classic baking as sugar is. The thick syrup contributes both the sweetness of sugar and the benefits of milk without adding too much liquid since condensing milk removes moisture and concentrates the natural sugars. These sugars then take on toasty notes as they warm up and bake in the dessert. Try it in recipes like our Sweetened Condensed Milk Pound Cake, Everything Bars, Key Lime Pie, and Creamy Lemon Bars. To be a dessert star, it doesn't always need to be baked; condensed milk thickens and sweetens the milk sauce which is poured over a white cake in the classic Mexican dessert, Tres Leches.

It Can Be Used to Make an Easy Cheesecake

A classic cheesecake takes time and technique—sometimes we just don't want to go through the whole process. When that's the case, we evoke the flavors without the effort by making a No-Bake Cheesecake. The secret to a great no-bake cheesecake is lightening up cream cheese with sweetened condensed milk then spooning it into a crust and letting it set up in the fridge rather than oven. The result is a light and fluffy cheesecake that holds up when it is sliced. Keep it classic or try a flavor such as this No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake.

It Creates Ice Cream Without Churning

Ice cream is is one of the greatest summer treats, and it's a whole lot easier to make at home when you use a no-churn recipe. This easy alternative utilizes the power of sweetened condensed milk and whipped cream to create a light and fluffy texture that freezes well and scoops even better, no ice cream maker required. For starters try our No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream or No-Churn Mint Chip.

It Makes for the Creamiest Beverages

Worthy enough of opening up a fresh can, but also a great use for anything left after a baking project, just a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk transforms coffee, tea, and non-caffeinated beverages into rich, creamy, and irresistible treats. The concentrated creaminess stirs nicely into both hot and cold beverages, try it in iced coffee, iced tea, and horchata.

Five Reasons Why We Love Condensed Milk So Much (2024)

FAQs

Five Reasons Why We Love Condensed Milk So Much? ›

Condensed milk is considered the most useful sweetness, because it contains a lot of calcium and other useful minerals and vitamins, but unlike other sweet foods (cakes, marmalade, sweets and other confectionery), it does not contain yeast and food additives.

Why is condensed milk so good? ›

Condensed milk is considered the most useful sweetness, because it contains a lot of calcium and other useful minerals and vitamins, but unlike other sweet foods (cakes, marmalade, sweets and other confectionery), it does not contain yeast and food additives.

What are the benefits of condensed milk? ›

Benefits of Condensed Milk for Health

Condensed milk is a good source of these nutrients in addition to calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin A, riboflavin, phosphorus, and protein. These nutrients are necessary for healthy teeth and bones, a robust immune system, and a cardiovascular system.

What is the reason for condensed milk? ›

It provides a concentrated creaminess and sweet, milky flavor to whatever you put it in, without all the excess moisture that you get from regular old milk. That makes it perfect for creamy things that you want to set to a near-solid, like key lime pie, fudge, frozen margarita pie, or caramel.

What is condensed milk What is an advantage that made it popular? ›

Though it's a milk product, sweetened condensed milk looks and tastes different than regular milk. It's sweeter, darker in color and has a thicker, creamier texture. Sweetened condensed milk also has a long shelf life, making it a popular ingredient in dishes around the world.

Why was condensed milk important? ›

At the time, refrigeration was nearly nonexistent. An alternative to fresh milk was needed—especially for parents looking for safe ways to feed their infants. In fact, the invention of canned milk led to a significant drop in infant mortality in the United States.

How much condensed milk a day? ›

Just two tablespoons of condensed milk contain 18 grams of added sugar. The American Heart Association recommends adult women get no more than 25 grams and men no more than 36 grams of added sugar per day. Use condensed milk sparingly.

Is condensed milk healthy for children? ›

Evaporated milk has added sugar and carbohydrates which are very high, making sweetened condensed milk not healthy for nutritional intake for babies and children, Ali explained.

What is a good substitute for 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.

Why is condensed milk so expensive? ›

Additionally, the increased demand for the product has driven up its price, as manufacturers are unable to keep up with the demand. This has led to a rise in the cost of the product, which has further limited its availability.

What is the message of condensed milk? ›

The extravagant item is a symbol of the material things they have lost, and the slow grind toward death they are on. The theme of the story is survival, especially emotional survival, as the prisoners try to find anything that keeps their spirit from dying along with their overworked and underfed bodies.

Is it OK to drink condensed milk? ›

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 is condensed milk so yummy? ›

The heating process gives condensed milk a caramel-like flavor, making it a wonderful ingredient to add to desserts and baked goods. Once the heating process is complete, what remains is a thick, smooth milk product that has a long shelf life if remained unopened – which won't be the case, trust us.

Why use condensed milk instead of milk? ›

The thick syrup contributes both the sweetness of sugar and the benefits of milk without adding too much liquid since condensing milk removes moisture and concentrates the natural sugars. These sugars then take on toasty notes as they warm up and bake in the dessert.

Is condensed milk healthier than sugar? ›

Condensed milk is a dairy product, so it is a concentrated source of protein and calcium, which are necessary to build strong bones. It does provide some B vitamins and potassium also. So condensed milk should be the preferred choice over plain sugar.

How unhealthy is condensed milk? ›

Condensed milk might not be the ideal option if we're trying to lose weight because it's high in calories and includes added sugar. A better option if we want to cut calories is evaporated milk. Condensed milk also includes lactose, which might be harmful to people who are lactose intolerant.

Can I eat condensed milk by itself? ›

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.

What is a healthier version of condensed milk? ›

Cream of coconut is a great substitute for sweetened condensed milk, giving a hint of tropical flavor. It's dairy-free and can be substituted cup for cup. The thick consistency of cream of coconut closely resembles sweetened condensed milk, allowing for similar richness in many recipes.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rubie Ullrich

Last Updated:

Views: 6263

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (52 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rubie Ullrich

Birthday: 1998-02-02

Address: 743 Stoltenberg Center, Genovevaville, NJ 59925-3119

Phone: +2202978377583

Job: Administration Engineer

Hobby: Surfing, Sailing, Listening to music, Web surfing, Kitesurfing, Geocaching, Backpacking

Introduction: My name is Rubie Ullrich, I am a enthusiastic, perfect, tender, vivacious, talented, famous, delightful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.