Dairy | N/ A

Condensed Milk

Bos taurus Allergens: Milk
condensed milk

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family N/A (Animal product)
  • Primary Cuisine Global (Latin American, Southeast Asian, American)
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Cow's milk

The Forktionary Angle

"The sweet, creamy secret to many classic desserts and beverages."

Definition

Cow's milk from which water has been removed and sugar added, resulting in a thick, sweet, syrupy liquid used in desserts.

Sensory Profile

TasteVery Sweet, Creamy, Caramelized
TextureThick, Viscous, Syrupy, Smooth
AromaDairy, Sweet, Caramel, Toffee
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Opened Storage

5-7 days refrigerated

Sugar Content

~55% by weight

Water Reduction

Reduced by ~60% from fresh milk

Nutrition Facts

Per 2 tbsp (30ml)
Calories321 kcal
Total Fat8.7 g
Saturated Fat5.4 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol34 mg
Protein8 g
Total Carbohydrate55 g
Dietary Fiber0 g
Total Sugars55 g
Calcium280 mg
Iron0.2 mg
Potassium380 mg

Chef’s Secret

To make dulce de leche, simmer an unopened can of sweetened condensed milk in boiling water for 2-3 hours. Allow to cool completely before opening.

Substitutions

Best Match

Evaporated Milk + Sugar

1 cup evaporated milk + 1 cup sugar, simmered

Closest homemade substitute for texture and sweetness; requires cooking to thicken.

Coconut Milk (full-fat) + Sugar

1 can coconut milk + 1/2 cup sugar, simmered

Excellent vegan/dairy-free alternative, but introduces coconut flavor; suitable for many desserts.

Heavy Cream + Sugar

1 cup heavy cream + 1/2 cup sugar, simmered

Can create a similar rich, thick syrup, but will have a richer dairy flavor and higher fat content.

White Chocolate (melted)

Varies

For sweetness and thickness in some no-bake recipes, but provides distinct white chocolate flavor and may seize.

Buying Guide

Check for 'sweetened condensed milk' as unsweetened condensed milk is evaporated milk.

Flavor Pairings

Coffee lime coconut chocolate caramel fruit toast.

Recipes Using Condensed Milk

Dietary Time To Make Low In Something Side Dishes

Pink Stuff Cherry Pie Filling Pineapple Dessert

This incredibly easy holiday dessert (or is it a side dish? The debate is ongoing!) is a family favorite that's guaranteed to disappear fast. Bursting with the sweet taste of cherries and pineapple, this Pink Stuff miracle is ready in minutes and requires minimal effort. Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or a simple weeknight treat!

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Time To Make Vegetables Main Ingredient Time To Make

The Bomb Pumpkin Soup

Experience pure autumn bliss with this incredible harvest pumpkin soup, hailed as the best ever! This recipe, originally featured in *belle* magazine, delivers an unbelievably creamy and flavorful soup that's guaranteed to impress. Warm spices and perfectly roasted pumpkin create a symphony of taste sensations. Get ready for a taste of 'amazing'!

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High In Something High Calcium Preparation Coconut

2 Ingredient Toasted Coconut Macaroon Cookie Creations

Indulge in these unbelievably easy and delicious 2-ingredient toasted coconut macaroons! The pure, toasted coconut flavor shines through in every bite. This simple recipe is perfect for a quick treat, but be warned – you'll want to double (or triple!) the batch! These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are a must-try for coconut lovers.

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Time To Make Easy Desserts Preparation

30 Minute Lemon Meringue Pie

Whip up this dreamy 30-Minute Lemon Meringue Pie! This quick and easy recipe delivers the classic tangy lemon filling and fluffy meringue topping you crave, all without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for weeknight desserts or impressive gatherings.

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Oven Comfort Food Occasion Coconut

5 Cup Slice

Indulge in this irresistible 5 Cup Slice, a beloved recipe from Rebecca Mason's June 2003 'Taste' magazine feature. This easy-to-make dessert boasts a heavenly combination of chocolate, coconut, nuts, and creamy condensed milk, baked to golden perfection. A perfect treat for any occasion!

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Time To Make Course Equipment Desserts

5 Star Bars

Relive your childhood with these incredible 5-Star Bars! Inspired by a beloved childhood candy, this recipe delivers rich, decadent chocolate squares that taste exactly like the real thing. Easy to make and perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!), these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready for a nostalgic treat that will transport you back to simpler times!

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Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less Desserts Cheesecake

Almond Cheesecake

This incredibly easy and quick Almond Cheesecake recipe is a family favorite! Inspired by a brilliant home cook (my daughter-in-law!), this recipe boasts a rich almond flavor and comes together in a flash. Perfect for weeknight desserts or impressive gatherings, this creamy cheesecake will quickly become your go-to recipe. Get ready to impress with minimal effort!

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Oven Equipment Desserts Romantic

Amaretto Almond Cheesecake 1999

Indulge in this easy-to-make Amaretto Almond Cheesecake, a delightful dessert from 1999! This creamy, dreamy cheesecake boasts a buttery almond crust and a rich, amaretto-infused filling, topped with crunchy toasted almonds. Perfect for special occasions or a weeknight treat!

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Time To Make Candy Low Sodium Fruit

Ambrosia

This classic Ambrosia Salad recipe is a refreshing and vibrant mix of sweet fruits, creamy coconut, and crunchy nuts. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or a light summer dessert! Get ready for a taste of paradise.

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Time To Make 60 Minutes Or Less American Time To Make

Amish Crazy Quilt Pie

A taste of Amish country! This Crazy Quilt Pie recipe, inspired by a beloved Amish restaurant, is bursting with flavor and unique texture. Get ready to wow your family and friends with this unforgettable dessert. We obtained this treasured recipe after begging for it – and now it's yours to enjoy!

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Presentation Time To Make Cakes American

Anna's Tres Leches Cake

Indulge in this incredibly moist and rich Tres Leches Cake, a family favorite! Originally adapted from a VeryBestBaking.com recipe, this cake is incredibly easy to make and delivers unbelievably delicious results. Perfect for any occasion, its creamy texture and subtle sweetness will leave everyone wanting more. Serve chilled for a refreshing treat or at room temperature for a decadent dessert.

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Time To Make Pies Main Ingredient Holiday Event

Apple Cranberry Streusel Custard Pie

This Apple Cranberry Streusel Custard Pie is a decadent explosion of fall flavors! Imagine a flaky pie crust cradling a creamy, spiced custard brimming with sweet apples and tart cranberries. Topped with a buttery, crunchy streusel topping, this pie is perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a show-stopping dessert. This recipe uses seasonal apples for a truly autumnal treat.

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Sweet Lime Occasion North American

Aussie Key Lime Pie

A sensational twist on the classic American Key Lime Pie! This recipe combines the creamy tang of key limes with a fluffy Australian meringue topping for a delightful dessert. Adapted from a Delia Smith recipe, this pie boasts a luxuriously smooth texture thanks to a gentle baking process. Perfect for dinner parties, picnics, or any occasion, it can even be made ahead and frozen! Skip the meringue for a quicker version, but trust us – it's worth the extra effort. Prepare to impress with this stunning and surprisingly easy-to-make pie!

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Summer Salads Low Protein Fruit

Banana Split Dessert Or Salad

Satisfy your sweet tooth in just 5 minutes with this ridiculously easy Banana Split Dessert! Perfect for potlucks, unexpected guests, or a quick treat when hunger strikes. Creamy, dreamy, and bursting with banana flavor, this no-bake recipe is a crowd-pleaser.

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Number Of Servings Brazilian Preparation 30 Minutes Or Less

Beijinho De Coco Brazilian Coconut Balls

Indulge in the delightful taste of Beijinho De Coco, a beloved Brazilian coconut candy! These melt-in-your-mouth balls are a delightful twist on the classic brigadeiro, swapping rich chocolate for the sweet embrace of coconut. A staple at Brazilian children's birthday parties, these irresistible treats are incredibly easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Get ready to experience a taste of Brazil with every bite!

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Time To Make Fruit Tropical Fruit Dietary

Best Banana Pudding

This incredibly easy and luscious banana pudding recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a sweet treat any day of the week. Your family and friends will be begging for more of this creamy, dreamy dessert, featuring layers of vanilla pudding, Nilla Wafers, and perfectly ripe bananas. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Healthy Number Of Servings Time To Make Pies

Best Ever Pumpkin Pie

Indulge in the ultimate Thanksgiving tradition with our Best Ever Southern Pumpkin Pie recipe! This creamy, spiced pumpkin pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfected for Southern living and always a highlight of Thanksgiving dinner. Get ready to experience the rich, comforting flavors of fall with every delicious bite!

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Preparation Occasion Course Cakes

Better Than Almost Anything Cake

This decadent chocolate cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Inspired by a Betty Crocker recipe, this upgraded version takes a classic 9x13 inch chocolate cake and elevates it with a luscious milk soak, rich fudge topping, creamy whipped topping, and a crunchy Oreo cookie crust. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion where you want to impress.

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