What to do with a partial can of sweetened condensed milk

Favorite Ingredient Enjoyed by Dessert Lovers the World Over

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If you have ever made a key lime pie, the chances are that you might have a little sweetened condensed milk left in the can. Besides grabbing a spoon and tickling your sweet tooth, there are a few ways you can use the leftovers in that can.

Uses for Condensed Milk Leftovers

Condensed milk is popularly used all over the world. It is commonly found in pies and baked goods, like a flan or tres leches cake from Spanish-speaking countries. Condensed milk is also used in beverages in East Asia, and as a sweet snack in Slavic cultures.

Sweet Treats

A very common use for sweetened condensed milk is making a caramel, technically dulce de leche, as it is called in Spanish-speaking countries. You can pour the remnants of a can of condensed milk into a saucepan and simply heat it on the stove to brown it and thicken it, which gives it more of a caramel color and flavor. 

During the communist era in Poland, kajmak, a boiled can of condensed milk, was used as a cake icing or put between dry wafers. It was also used in Russia in almost the same way. Similarly, you can follow these examples and use boiled condensed milk to dress cakes or spread on wafers.

Beverages

As is the custom in Asia, you can feel comfortable substituting condensed milk for sugar and cream. In Malaysia, tea that is mixed with condensed milk is very common. It is called teh tarik.

Breakfast

For breakfast, you can forgo jelly or jam and instead spread some condensed milk on your toast or bagel in the morning. In England following World War II, with a shortage of sugar, condensed milk was a popular topping that used to take the place of jams.

What Exactly Is Condensed Milk?

Condensed milk is made from cow's milk, from which water has been removed. It is most often sold canned in the form of sweetened condensed milk with sugar added. The two terms "condensed milk" and "sweetened condensed milk" are often used synonymously today.  

Sweetened condensed milk is a very thick, sweet product. When canned, it can last for years without refrigeration if not opened.

Make Your Own Condensed Milk

Condensed milk can be made from evaporated milk by mixing one measure of evaporated milk with one and a quarter measures of sugar in a saucepan, then heating and stirring the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved, then cooling. You can also make condensed milk by simmering regular whole milk and sugar until it is reduced by 60 percent.

The Condensed Milk Business

Condensed milk has been on the market since 1856. Gail Borden invented the process to make condensed milk after he returned to the United States from a trip to London. On that trip, he had seen babies dying aboard ship because they did not have a source of pure, fresh milk. For three years, he worked on the process, inspired by Shakers in New York who used vacuum preservation methods to preserve fruit. He developed a similar process for evaporating the water from milk and then added sugar as a preservative. He also found a way to seal it into small cans.

Borden developed the largest and most advanced milk factory of his day. More than 200 dairy farmers supplied 20,000 gallons of milk daily to the factory as demand increased driven by the American Civil War. Calorie and nutrient-dense, a can of condensed milk were included in a Union soldier's war rations.

Borden's company was the New York Condensed Milk Company, later called the Borden Company. Today, it's known as the Eagle Brand, which is still the most popular brand of condensed milk in the United States.

These dessert recipes using condensed milk are quick and easy to make.

This pantry staple adds delicious rich flavor and creamy texture to pies, brownies, fudge, ice cream, and more. It is so versatile you will want to pick up an extra can during your next shopping trip.

If you are wondering what desserts to make with sweetened condensed milk the list below will give you some delicious ideas.

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• How Long Does Condensed Milk Last After Opening?
• Can I Freeze Condensed Milk?
• What if You Don’t Have Sweetened Condensed Milk?
• What is Sweetened Condensed Milk?
• What is the Difference Between Sweetened Condensed Milk and Evaporated Milk?
• Easy Dessert Recipes with Sweetened Condensed Milk

How Long Does Condensed Milk Last After Opening?

If you have a partial can of sweetened condensed milk left over it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 days.

Can I Freeze Condensed Milk?

Yes. Sweetened condensed milk can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Because of its high sugar content, condensed milk will not freeze completely solid.

Thaw the condensed milk in the fridge overnight. If it separates after thawing, whisk or give it a vigorous shake in a tightly sealed container until it has a smooth consistency again.

What if You Don’t Have Sweetened Condensed Milk?

You can make your own at home with just sugar and milk. Follow this recipe for sweetened condensed milk from Bigger Bolder Baking.

Sweetened condensed milk is milk that has been heated to remove the water from the milk. Sweetener is also added to the milk. This thickens the milk to the consistency of glue and extends its shelf life.

What is the Difference Between Sweetened Condensed Milk and Evaporated Milk?

The biggest difference between sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk is the sugar content. Sweetened condensed milk has been sweetened evaporated milk has not been sweetened.

Condensed milk also has a low water content which helps to thicken these dessert recipes.

Because of this, they do not make good substitutes for each other.

Easy Dessert Recipes with Sweetened Condensed Milk

Sweetened Condensed Milk Brownies - Raspberries and Kohlrabi

My secret for ultra-rich and fudgy brownies is sweetened condensed milk. They are moist and super chocolatey making them the perfect dessert for a special occasion.

Condensed Milk Chocolate Chip Cookies

These condensed milk chocolate chip cookies are eggless and filled with puddles of melty gooey chocolate.

Condensed Milk Bread Pudding

Sweet and creamy Condensed Milk Bread Pudding is incredibly easy to make. Customize the bread pudding by adding your favorite mix-ins.

5-Ingredient Condensed Milk Thumbprint Cookies - Yay! For Food

These easy cookies combine the crumbly texture of shortbread cookies with the sweetness of jam.

Easy Whiskey Fudge - Raspberries and Kohlrabi

Condensed milk fudge is super easy to make. Sweet, smooth, and creamy rich chocolate fudge gets a boozy kick from spicy whiskey in this homemade whiskey fudge recipe.

Condensed Milk Pound Cake - Spicy Southern Kitchen

This pound cake is sweetened with sweetened condensed milk and topped with fresh berries and whipped cream making it a perfect summer dessert.

Simple Slow Cooker Caramel Dip - Saving Talents

This delicious crockpot slow cooker caramel dip with only four ingredients is a perfect addition to your Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas parties! Using a slow cooker is a great way to make your own caramel sauce.

Strawberry Poke Cake - Salty Side Dish

Strawberry cake is poked and filled with delicious sweetened condensed milk creating a creamy sweet cake. Topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream this cake is perfect for summer strawberry season.

Pistachio Cardamon Ice Cream - Aubrey's Kitchen

This homemade ice cream is super easy, no-churn kulfi, and full of pistachio and cardamom flavor! No ice cream maker is needed! No churn!

Pumpkin Pie Made with Sweetened Condensed Milk - Cooking with Carlee

This recipe uses sweetened condensed milk to make a sweet, smooth, and creamy pumpkin pie.

Cranberry Gingerbread Stovetop Rice Pudding - Food Meanderings

Make this festive and easy, gluten-free Cranberry Gingerbread Stovetop Rice Pudding in under 15 minutes, with condensed milk, cranberries, leftover cooked rice, and no egg!

Sweetened Condensed Milk Cheesecake - Cottage Hill Cottage

This no-bake cheesecake is an easy one-bowl recipe made with just five ingredients. It is creamy and sweet with just a bit of tang.

Bundt Jelly Cake - Sweet and Savory Meals

Serve this beautiful Jelly cake at your next summer BBQ. This dessert is easy to make and all you need are a couple of boxes of Jello, sweetened condensed milk, and gelatin.

Three Ingredient Chocolate Mousse - Bit & Bauble

This simple three-ingredient chocolate mousse is quick and easy to make in just 10 minutes.

Pastel de Tres Leches - Cooked by Julie

This light and fluffy tres leches cake recipe uses four types of milk and is topped off with whipped cream. Adding milk to this cake creates a deliciously moist cake.

Millionaire Pie - Spend With Pennies

Millionaire pie is a rich creamy no-bake pie that is loaded with pecans, coconut, pineapple, and cherries.

Sweet Potato Pie - State of Dinner

This classic southern pie is so easy to make, taking just 5 minutes to whip together! It is creamy and delicious!

Nutella Popsicles - Divas Can Cook

Quick and easy Nutella popsicles are better than any store-bought fudgesicle.

Old Fashioned Easy Peanut Butter Fudge - Sweet Precision

This old-fashioned peanut butter fudge recipe is truly decadent. This is the best recipe if you're short on time in the kitchen and still want a delicious dessert with a rich and creamy peanut butter flavor.

Chocolate Rum Balls - The Kitchen Magpie

Rum balls are fudgy delights filled with a delicious rum flavor.

Mint Chocolate Chip Fudge Recipe - Ann's Entitled Life

The simple homemade fudge recipe for chocolate mint fudge is easy to follow and requires little effort on the part of the chef! It simply tastes delicious and might remind you of Andes mints or mint chocolate chip ice cream.

Fruit Salad with Condensed Milk - Shweta in the Kitchen

This fruit salad is sweet, rich, and creamy the perfect dessert for a party.

Peanut Butter Fudge Cookies - Soulfully Made

Peanut Butter Fudge Cookies - all the chewiness of fudge wrapped up in the crunchiness of a delicious cookie, rolled in Christmas sugar, and baked to perfection!

Condensed Milk Buttercream (Russian Buttercream) - Cupcake Project

Russian buttercream is made with just two simple ingredients butter and condensed milk.

Coconut Macaroons with Sweetened Condensed Milk - Home Cooked Harvest

These 3-Ingredient Coconut Macaroons are made with sweetened flakey coconut, creamy condensed milk, and a drizzle of melted chocolate. Coconut macaroons with condensed milk are some of the easiest cookies in existence which make them perfect for the busy holidays.

Condensed Milk Baked Caramel Pudding - Island Smile

This custard pudding is made with sweetened condensed milk and is coated with caramel and sugary syrup.

Homemade Peppermint Patties - Worn Slap Out

Who knew homemade peppermint patties were this easy? These babies are soft and minty in the middle and covered in a crispy chocolate coating to make the most perfect holiday treat or gift.

Creamy Lemon Pie - Sally's Baking Recipes

Made just like a key lime pie but with lemons instead. This simple pie goes from the mixing bowl to the oven in just 20 minutes.

Toffee Pecan Bars - The Sporked Spoon

Learn how to make Toffee Pecan Bars with this classic midwestern recipe.

No-Bake Frozen Margarita Pie - Five Heart Home

This no-bake frozen margarita pie is made with tequila and triple sec. It also has a salty pretzel crust.

Oreo Balls without Cream Cheese - Everyday Family Cooking

Love Oreo balls and sweetened condensed milk?! Try this fabulous recipe with just 4 ingredients!

Flan - Sense and Edibility

Flan is a straightforward, easy-to-make, sweet egg custard topped with a caramel sauce of two simple ingredients made right inside the pan.

Monster Condensed Milk Brownies - Bites with Bri

These Monster Condensed Milk Brownies start with a fudgy dark chocolate brownie and are finished with a buttery M&M and peanut butter chip oatmeal topping. Must I say more? The topping is much easier to make than traditional cookie dough so you can have these ready in no time. 

Easy Toffee Candy - Valerie's Kitchen

Easy Toffee Candy is impossible to resist and is guaranteed to be one of your most requested holiday treats. Just six ingredients and no candy thermometers are required!

Lemon Curd Ice Cream - Kelly Neil

Calling all lemon lovers! Lemon curd ice cream, with rich, smooth, no-churn vanilla ice cream, and ribbons of sunshiny lemon curd, is a creamy dreamy treat!

The Best Key Lime Pie Recipe - Everyday Delicious

This key lime pie is so refreshing and has the perfect balance of tart and sweet. Supported by a graham cracker crust and topped with a dollop of whipped cream – it’s really all you need on a hot summer day.

Strawberry Ice Cream Bar Recipe - Home Grown Happiness

Delicious strawberry-swirled vanilla ice cream encased in a strawberry white chocolate magic shell.

Strawberry Milkshake Pie - The Six Figure Dish

This no-bake Strawberry milkshake pie is packed with fresh strawberries. It's the perfect dessert for special occasions.

Eggless Chocolate Cake - Spice Up the Cury

The best eggless chocolate cake recipe with condensed milk! It’s a soft, moist, velvety cake brimming with chocolate and finished with shiny, rich chocolate ganache. A cake without eggs that fit for any celebration and is sure to impress!

Hedgehog Slice - It's Not Complicated Recipes

This Hedgehog Slice is the ideal no-bake chocolate dessert. It is quick to make and easily adapted to be gluten-free. Crushed biscuits, coconut, and chocolate combine for one of the most simple yet delicious sweet treats!

Rum Balls - Marcellina in Cucina

This Rum Balls recipe is a great no-bake treat that is quick to make and perfect for a crowd. Perfect for holiday gift-giving and an easy year-round treat!!

Twix Cookies - Dinner at the Zoo

These Twix cookies are rounds of shortbread topped with caramel and milk chocolate.

Blueberry Lemon Pie - Whisking Wolf

Dessert doesn’t get any better than this Blueberry Lemon Pie recipe. Swirled with scratch-made blueberry sauce, this bright and creamy lemon pie sits atop a buttery shortbread crust. Citrusy and sweet, this pie is a summertime classic.

Hello Dollies Bars - Fantabulosity

Hello Dollies Bars, or sometimes called “magic bars” or “7 layer bars“, this easy recipe is made using butterscotch chips, graham cracker crumbs, sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, almonds, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and coconut flakes!

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