How to Make Condensed Milk: A Complete Guide with Recipes, History, and Tips

Introduction

Condensed milk is a thick, creamy, sweet milk-like substance that’s commonly used in desserts, coffee, tea, and other recipes. It’s made by removing most of the water content from regular milk and adding sugar, resulting in a rich, caramel-like flavor and consistency.

In this article, we’ll show you how to make condensed milk at home, step-by-step, with all the necessary ingredients and equipment. We’ll also provide easy recipes using condensed milk, vegan substitutes, creative ways to use leftover condensed milk, a brief history, and DIY gift ideas. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this guide has you covered.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Homemade Condensed Milk

The process of making condensed milk is not complicated, but it requires some patience and attention to detail. Here are the steps:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of whole milk
• 1 1/2 cups of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Equipment:

• Large saucepan
• Stirring spoon
• Thermometer
• Canning jars or other heat-proof containers for storage

Cooking Process:

1. Pour the milk and sugar into the saucepan and mix them together.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally.
3. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly.
4. Once the mixture boils, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 hours until the volume reduces by almost half, stirring occasionally.
5. Check the temperature of the mixture with a thermometer. The ideal temperature is between 220°F and 230°F.
6. Once the mixture reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
7. Let the mixture cool down for a few minutes before transferring it to heat-proof containers like canning jars. Store in the fridge for up to two weeks.

5 Easy Recipes Using Condensed Milk

Now that you know how to make condensed milk, let’s explore some delicious recipes using it as a key ingredient:

Fudge

Fudge is a classic dessert that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of condensed milk
• 3 cups of semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Cooking process:

1. Melt the chocolate chips and butter in a saucepan over low heat.
2. Add the condensed milk, salt, and vanilla extract and stir until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture into a greased 8-inch square pan and let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
4. Once the fudge is firm, cut it into small squares and serve.

Ice Cream

Condensed milk is a great base for homemade ice cream without requiring an ice cream maker.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of heavy cream
• 1 can of condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract

Cooking process:

1. Whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the condensed milk and vanilla extract.
3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the condensed milk mixture until well combined.
4. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 5 hours.
5. Serve and enjoy your homemade ice cream!

Key Lime Pie

This classic dessert combines the tangy flavor of lime with the sweetness of condensed milk and a graham cracker crust.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of condensed milk
• 3 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup of key lime juice
• 1 pre-made graham cracker crust

Cooking process:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk the condensed milk, egg yolks, and lime juice until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture into the graham cracker crust and bake for 15-20 minutes.
4. Let the pie cool before serving. You can also top it with whipped cream or meringue.

Tres Leches Cake

This traditional Latin American dessert is a sponge cake soaked in three types of milk, including condensed milk.

Ingredients:

• 1 box of yellow cake mix
• 1 can of evaporated milk
• 1 can of condensed milk
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Cooking process:

1. Bake the yellow cake mix according to the instructions on the box.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, condensed milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until well blended.
3. Pierce the cake all over with a fork, then pour the mixture over it, making sure it soaks in thoroughly.
4. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, or overnight, before serving.

Rice Pudding

This creamy and comforting dessert is a perfect way to use up leftover rice.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of uncooked rice
• 3 cups of water
• 1 can of condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon

Cooking process:

1. Cook the rice in water until it’s fully cooked.
2. Add the condensed milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon to the rice and stir well.
3. Cook the mixture over low heat for 15-20 minutes until thick and creamy.
4. Serve warm or cold with additional cinnamon or fruit toppings.

How to Make Vegan Condensed Milk

If you’re lactose intolerant or follow a vegan diet, you can still enjoy the delicious taste and texture of condensed milk by using alternative ingredients. Here’s how:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, coconut, etc.)
• 1 1/2 cups of sugar or sweetener of your choice (maple syrup, agave nectar, etc.)
• 1 tablespoon of vegan butter or coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or other flavorings

Equipment:

• Large saucepan
• Stirring spoon
• Thermometer
• Canning jars or other heat-proof containers for storage

Cooking process:

1. Pour the plant-based milk and sweetener into the saucepan and mix them together.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sweetener dissolves, stirring occasionally.
3. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly.
4. Once the mixture boils, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 hours until the volume reduces by almost half, stirring occasionally.
5. Check the temperature of the mixture with a thermometer. The ideal temperature is between 220°F and 230°F.
6. Once the mixture reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat and stir in the vegan butter or coconut oil and vanilla extract.
7. Let the mixture cool down for a few minutes before transferring it to heat-proof containers like canning jars. Store in the fridge for up to two weeks.

7 Creative Ways to Use Leftover Condensed Milk

If you have leftover condensed milk, don’t let it go to waste! Here are some ideas for repurposing it:

Coffee or Tea

Use condensed milk as a sweetener and creamer for your coffee or tea. It adds a rich, decadent flavor that pairs well with a variety of hot beverages.

Smoothies

Add condensed milk to your favorite smoothie recipes to make them creamier and sweeter. It’s especially delicious with tropical fruits like mango, banana, and pineapple.

Caramel Sauce

Boil condensed milk with sugar and butter to make a smooth and silky caramel sauce. Use it for drizzling over ice cream, cake, or sweet bread.

Hot Chocolate

Make your hot chocolate extra indulgent by adding a spoonful of condensed milk to the mix. It’s like a hug in a mug!

Baked Goods

Use condensed milk as a key ingredient in desserts like brownies, cookies, and cakes. It adds richness and moisture to the texture, making them even more irresistible.

DIY Flavored Creamer

Mix condensed milk with different flavors like cinnamon, vanilla, or peppermint extracts to make your own flavored creamer for morning coffee.

Milk Bath Soak

Add a few spoonfuls of condensed milk to your next bath for a luxurious and nourishing soak for your skin. It’s a natural moisturizer and exfoliant.

A History of Condensed Milk

Condensed milk has a long and fascinating history dating back to the early 1800s. It was invented by a Frenchman named Nicolas Appert, who developed a method of preserving food by heating and sealing it in airtight containers. He won a cash prize from the French government for his invention, which was later adapted for commercial production by the American Gail Borden in the 1850s.

Condensed milk quickly became popular as a shelf-stable and convenient alternative to fresh milk. It was used extensively in military rations and by households without easy access to refrigeration. It was also a key ingredient in many dessert recipes, such as pumpkin pie and custard.

Today, condensed milk is still widely used in desserts and recipes around the world. It’s also available in low-fat and sugar-free versions for those with dietary restrictions.

DIY Gifts Using Condensed Milk

If you’re looking for creative and affordable gifts to give to friends and family, consider making something using condensed milk.