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Explore a variety of quick and delicious recipes using sweetened condensed milk. Learn how to make desserts like caramel sauce, creamy puddings, fudgy brownies, and classic pies with this versatile ingredient. Perfect for home cooks and dessert lovers!

How to Make Delicious Desserts with Sweetened Condensed Milk

Sweetened condensed milk is a versatile ingredient that can create a wide range of delicious desserts, from no-bake pies and creamy frostings to rich fudge and homemade caramel. It adds a unique sweetness and creaminess to recipes, making it a favorite pantry staple for both simple and advanced desserts.

  • Total Time: Fudge: 2 hours 15 minutes. No-bake pies: 4 hours 15 minutes. Caramel: 3 hours 35 minutes (for pressure cooker method).
  • Yield: Fudge: Approximately 16 pieces. No-bake pie: 8 servings. Caramel: 1 cup of dulce de leche.

Ingredients

Sweetened condensed milk can be combined with a variety of ingredients to make desserts. Here’s a breakdown of common ingredients used in the recipes mentioned:

  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Butter
  • Chocolate chips (semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate)
  • Marshmallows (miniature or regular)
  • Cream cheese
  • Whipped cream
  • Graham crackers (for pie crust)
  • Lemon juice
  • Vanilla extract
  • Fresh fruit (for fruit purees or toppings)
  • Pecans, almonds, or other nuts (for fudge or candy)
  • Heavy cream (for frosting or caramel)
  • Cocoa powder (unsweetened)
  • Egg whites (for meringue or fluffier textures)

Instructions

  • Smooth Fillings and Frostings (Russian Buttercream):

    • Beat butter for 8 minutes until fluffy.
    • Gradually add room-temperature sweetened condensed milk.
    • Use for frosting cakes or cupcakes.
  • Perfect Fudge:

    • Melt chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk and a pinch of salt in a saucepan.
    • Line the pan with wax paper for easy removal.
    • Chill the mixture for 2 hours, then cut into squares.
  • No-Bake Cream Cheese Pie:

    • Soften cream cheese and beat until smooth.
    • Add sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and lemon juice.
    • Pour into a prepared pie crust and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
  • Caramel from Sweetened Condensed Milk (Dulce de Leche):

    • Pressure cooker: Cook for 35 minutes under pressure for smooth, thick caramel.
    • Slow cooker: Simmer for 8 hours for a thicker result.
    • Stovetop: Simmer an unopened can for 3 hours, ensuring it’s fully submerged in water.
    • Oven: Bake in a covered dish at 425°F for 1-1.5 hours.

Notes

  • Storage:
    • No-bake pies last up to a week in the fridge, or up to 3 months in the freezer.
    • Fudge stays fresh at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
    • Caramel (Dulce de Leche) lasts up to 1 month in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.
  • Flavor Variations:
    • Try adding flavored extracts (like orange or almond) to frosting or fudge.
    • Blend fresh fruit for pies or add nuts for texture in fudge.
  • Temperature Tips:
    • Always store sweetened condensed milk at room temperature unless otherwise specified.
    • When working with chilled condensed milk, let it warm up slightly for easier incorporation.
  • Advanced Tips:
    • Double your fudge recipe and use a larger pan (9×13 inch) for optimal thickness.
    • Use dulce de leche instead of regular condensed milk in macarons for an improved texture.
  • Author: Eva Chef
  • Prep Time: For basic fudge or pies: 10-15 minutes. For caramel: 3 hours (traditional stovetop method).
  • Cook Time: Fudge: 2 hours for chilling. No-bake pies: 4 hours to chill. Caramel: 35 minutes in a pressure cooker; 8 hours in a slow cooker.
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-bake Stovetop Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian