Recipes With Condensed Milk

Having a can or two of condensed milk in the pantry means you are always a good recipe away from a great dessert. This collection of recipes with sweetened condensed milk all contain some of that rich sweet goodness that makes for an extra special treat. No matter the occasion, there is sure to be an option you will love.

Collage of images depicting frosting, fudge, cookies and cheesecake all made with sweetened condensed milk as an ingredient.

Adding sweetened condensed milk to recipes practically guarantees they will creamy and delicious. It is the luscious base for easy desserts such as two ingredient fudge, cheesecake, no churns ice cream and more.

What is sweetened condensed milk?

If you aren’t quite sure what sweetened condensed milk is, it is basically what it sounds like. It is whole milk that has been cooked down over low heat with sugar and a bit of vanilla extract until the water content is reduced.

The resulting concoction is thick and syrupy. It is really rich, sweet, and perfect for using in recipes or stirring into your cup of coffee.

Pouring condensed milk into mixing bowl containing peanut butter and cream cheese mixture.

You can try my homemade sweetened condensed milk recipe if that is of interest to you. It takes some time and patience, but is actually quite easy to do.

If you have some milk you won’t be able to use before it expires, making your own is a great way to use some up. Just cook it down with sugar, and optionally add a nub of butter and you will be in business.

However, purchasing a few cans from the grocery store to have on hand makes preparing these recipes extra easy. It is affordable, has a long shelf life, and as far as we are concerned it is a must have pantry staple.

So pick up a few cans and scroll through these recipes. They are some of our all time favorite desserts and they all contain some of this sweet sticky liquid gold.

Pouring can of sweetened condensed milk into a mixing bowl with fluffy cream cheese and mixer beaters.

Everything from easy dessert recipes to fancy special occasion treats are covered, there are even a couple of side dishes for good measure. The hardest part will be deciding which of these delicious recipes to make first.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can be made from condensed milk?

Countless things, really! Condensed milk is an important part of no churn ice cream, makes great fudge, and wonderful key lime pies and pumpkin pies too.

It is also great in rice pudding, macaroons, cheesecake and frosting. Vintage cookbooks even have recipes for turning a can into a mayonnaise substitute and it makes a great coleslaw dressing as well.

It is actually a very versatile ingredient.

Pouring sweetened condensed milk over bowl of peanut butter chips, chocolate chips, and melted butter.

Can I freeze condensed milk?

Yes! If you choose a recipe that only uses part of a can of condensed milk, you can put the rest in a small airtight container and freeze it for up to 3 months. The sugar content will keep it from freezing solid, but it will remain good. Just defrost it and give it a good stir before using.

How long does condensed milk last in the fridge?

You can store what is left of a can of sweetened condensed milk in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks.

What can I do with leftover condensed milk?

Drizzle some into your coffee or tea instead of using creamer. It adds a rich sweetness with no effort.

Pour it over fresh fruit for a touch of decadence.

Add a tablespoon or two to marinades in place of sugar for an interesting twist. Or use it to batter coconut shrimp.

You could also stir sweetened condensed milk into salad dressings to add body and sweetness. It is excellent in creamy poppy seed dressing or try making a fruity vinaigrette, like raspberry, creamy.