25 Condensed Milk Recipes You Need to Try

Condensed milk is one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen. From sweet desserts to creamy drinks and even savory dishes, condensed milk adds richness, sweetness, and texture to a variety of recipes. It’s a pantry staple that can elevate your baking, cooking, and even beverages.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into 25 delicious condensed milk recipes that are easy to make, yet sure to impress. Whether you’re baking a cake, whipping up a quick snack, or creating a homemade gift, these recipes will inspire you to make the most of condensed milk. ther’s 25 condensed milk recipes:

What Is Condensed Milk?

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s understand what condensed milk is. Condensed milk is cow’s milk that has been cooked down to remove about 60% of its water content, leaving a thick, syrupy consistency. Most condensed milk is sweetened with added sugar, which is why it’s often referred to as sweetened condensed milk. It’s widely used in desserts and baked goods because it adds both sweetness and creaminess.

How Does Condensed Milk Differ from Evaporated Milk?

• Condensed Milk: Sweet, thick, and often used in desserts.
• Evaporated Milk: Unsweetened, thinner, and commonly used in both sweet and savory dishes.

Now that we understand what condensed milk is, let’s explore the best condensed milk recipes that will make this ingredient the star of your kitchen.

1. Classic Fudge with Condensed Milk

A timeless treat, classic fudge made with condensed milk is rich, creamy, and delicious. This easy recipe requires just a few ingredients and minimal effort, making it perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, heat the condensed milk and chocolate chips over low heat, stirring constantly.
2. Once the chocolate melts, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and salt.
3. Pour the mixture into a lined baking dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
4. Slice and enjoy!

Pro Tip: Add chopped nuts or marshmallows for a fun variation.

2. Dulce de Leche

Dulce de leche, a rich, caramel-like sauce, is made simply by heating a can of sweetened condensed milk. It’s perfect as a topping for cakes, cookies, pancakes, or ice cream.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk

Instructions:

1. Remove the label from the can of condensed milk.
2. Place the unopened can in a large pot of water, making sure it’s fully submerged.
3. Simmer for 2-3 hours, adding water as needed to keep the can submerged.
4. Let the can cool before opening, and you’ll have a delicious, spreadable caramel.

Pro Tip: Dulce de leche can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.

For a step-by-step guide, visit Dulce de Leche Recipe from The Kitchn.

3. Tres Leches Cake

The ultimate Latin American dessert, tres leches cake is soaked in three types of milk: condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream. It’s light, moist, and absolutely decadent.

Ingredients:

• 1 sponge cake (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can of evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Whipped cream, for topping

Instructions:

1. Poke holes all over the sponge cake using a fork or skewer.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream.
3. Pour the milk mixture over the cake, letting it soak into the sponge.
4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the cake to absorb the milk.
5. Top with whipped cream and serve chilled.

Pro Tip: Sprinkle cinnamon or cocoa powder on top for extra flavor.

4. Condensed Milk Ice Cream (No-Churn)

No ice cream machine? No problem! This no-churn condensed milk ice cream requires only two ingredients and produces a rich, creamy result.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups heavy cream

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
2. Gently fold in the condensed milk, mixing until fully combined.
3. Pour the mixture into a loaf pan and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Pro Tip: Add mix-ins like crushed cookies or chocolate chips before freezing for added texture.

For more no-churn ice cream ideas, visit Bigger Bolder Baking.

5. Vietnamese Iced Coffee

Vietnamese iced coffee (Cà phê sữa đá) is a sweet and strong coffee drink made with brewed coffee and sweetened condensed milk. It’s refreshing, delicious, and perfect for a hot day.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup strong brewed coffee (hot or cold)
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Brew a strong cup of coffee.
2. In a glass, add the condensed milk, then pour in the hot coffee.
3. Stir until the milk dissolves, then add ice cubes.

Pro Tip: For a richer drink, use cold brew coffee instead of hot coffee.

6. Magic Cookie Bars (Seven-Layer Bars)

Magic cookie bars, also known as seven-layer bars, are a beloved dessert that combines layers of graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and sweetened condensed milk.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, then press into a greased baking dish.
3. Layer the chocolate chips, coconut, and nuts on top.
4. Drizzle the condensed milk evenly over the top.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

7. Condensed Milk Pancakes

Add a touch of sweetness to your morning with condensed milk pancakes. These fluffy pancakes are perfect for breakfast or brunch and are a treat the whole family will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, whisk the egg, milk, and condensed milk.
3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and stir until just mixed.
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook pancakes until bubbles form on the surface. Flip and cook until golden.

For more breakfast ideas, visit our pancake recipe collection.

8. Condensed Milk Bread

This condensed milk bread is soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for sandwiches or as a snack. It’s easy to make, and the addition of condensed milk gives the bread a tender crumb.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 1/2 tsp yeast

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour, sugar, salt, and condensed milk to the yeast mixture.
3. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth, then cover and let rise for 1 hour.
4. Shape the dough into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan.
5. Let rise for another 30 minutes, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.

9. Condensed Milk Rice Pudding

Rich and creamy, this condensed milk rice pudding is a comforting dessert that’s easy to make. The condensed milk adds sweetness and a velvety texture.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup uncooked rice
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon, for topping

Instructions:

1. Cook the rice in milk over medium heat until the rice is tender.
2. Stir in the condensed milk and vanilla, and cook until thickened.
3. Serve warm, sprinkled with cinnamon.

10. Brazilian Brigadeiros

Brigadeiros are bite-sized Brazilian chocolate truffles made with condensed milk. They’re rich, fudgy, and rolled in chocolate sprinkles for a delightful treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp butter
• Chocolate sprinkles, for rolling

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, mix condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
3. Let cool, then roll into small balls and coat in sprinkles.

11. Condensed Milk Flan

This classic flan recipe uses condensed milk to create a rich, creamy custard with a sweet caramel sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can of evaporated milk
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar (for caramel)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Heat sugar in a saucepan until it melts and turns golden brown, then pour into a baking dish to create a caramel layer.
3. In a blender, combine condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla.
4. Pour the mixture over the caramel and bake in a water bath for 50-60 minutes.
5. Chill for at least 4 hours before serving.

12. Key Lime Pie

Key lime pie is a tangy, sweet dessert made with condensed milk, key lime juice, and a graham cracker crust. The creamy filling is the perfect complement to the tart lime flavor.

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together condensed milk, lime juice, and egg yolks.
3. Pour the mixture into the graham cracker crust and bake for 15 minutes.
4. Let cool, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

Pro Tip: Top with whipped cream before serving.

13. Condensed Milk Caramel Popcorn

Take your popcorn to the next level with this sweet and sticky condensed milk caramel popcorn. It’s perfect for movie nights or as a homemade gift.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup popcorn kernels (popped)
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup brown sugar

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat.
2. Stir in the condensed milk and cook for 5 minutes until thickened.
3. Pour the caramel over the popcorn and toss to coat.
4. Spread the popcorn on a baking sheet and bake at 250°F (120°C) for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through.

14. Russian Tea Cakes

Russian tea cakes are delicate, buttery cookies rolled in powdered sugar. Condensed milk adds a sweet, tender crumb to these melt-in-your-mouth treats.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream together the butter, condensed milk, and vanilla.
3. Stir in the flour until a dough forms.
4. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar while still warm.

15. Condensed Milk Fruit Dip

This easy, creamy condensed milk fruit dip pairs perfectly with fresh fruit. It’s a great addition to any party platter.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, beat together the condensed milk, cream cheese, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Serve with fresh fruit, such as strawberries, apples, or grapes.

16. Condensed Milk Frosting

This condensed milk frosting is smooth, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet. It’s perfect for cakes, cupcakes, or cookies.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3-4 cups powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Beat the butter until creamy.
2. Add the condensed milk and vanilla, and mix until combined.
3. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until the desired consistency is reached.

17. Condensed Milk Brownies

For ultra-rich, fudgy brownies, condensed milk is the secret ingredient. These condensed milk brownies are dense, chocolatey, and decadent.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup butter, melted
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup cocoa powder
• 4 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together the butter, sugar, and cocoa powder.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla, and mix well.
4. Stir in the condensed milk and flour until combined.
5. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes.

18. Condensed Milk Lemon Bars

These condensed milk lemon bars are tart, sweet, and have a creamy filling that contrasts perfectly with the buttery crust.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, butter, and powdered sugar to form a crust.
3. Press the crust into a baking dish and bake for 15 minutes.
4. In another bowl, mix the condensed milk, lemon juice, and zest.
5. Pour the filling over the crust and bake for another 20 minutes.

19. Condensed Milk Cheesecake

This easy condensed milk cheesecake is creamy and indulgent, with a hint of sweetness from the condensed milk. No need for a water bath—just mix and bake!

Ingredients:

• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 graham cracker crust

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Beat the cream cheese until smooth.
3. Add the condensed milk, eggs, and vanilla, and mix until well combined.
4. Pour the mixture into the graham cracker crust and bake for 25-30 minutes.
5. Let cool, then chill in the refrigerator before serving.

20. Condensed Milk Hot Chocolate

Warm up with a rich and creamy condensed milk hot chocolate. The condensed milk adds sweetness and a smooth texture that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the cocoa powder and condensed milk until fully combined.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and serve hot.

Pro Tip: Top with whipped cream or marshmallows for an extra treat.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Cooking with Condensed Milk

Condensed milk is more than just a sweetener—it’s a versatile ingredient that can transform your cooking and baking. From creamy desserts to indulgent drinks and beyond, these 25 condensed milk recipes will inspire you to experiment in the kitchen and elevate your favorite dishes.

Whether you’re whipping up a batch of fudge, making a decadent tres leches cake, or trying a new twist on pancakes, you’ll find that condensed milk can be a game-changer.