Sweetened-condensed milk is the perfect addition to all kinds of treats and recipes, from pies to fudge to tres leches cake. But in Vietnamese coffee culture, it has a much more important purpose – it's mixed into strong coffee to make delicious, traditional Vietnamese brew.
We created our sweetened-condensed milk Creamers as a way to make this traditional drink even more convenient. But there are dozens more ways to use our all-natural coffee creamer. Here are some of our favorite ways to make sweetened-condensed milk the most versatile treat in your pantry!
What is Sweetened Condensed Milk?
Sweetened-condensed milk is a thick, creamy, and sweet milk that typically comes in a can. (Our Creamers are single-serve packets!) Milk is condensed by removing most of the water content through a heating process. This process also kills any bacteria in milk, which, along with the addition of sugar, helps make the milk shelf-stable for years.
The result is a delicious, shelf-stable creamer with just milk and sugar – no preservatives, no oils, and no artificial flavors. It also happens to taste absolutely delicious in coffee, desserts, or drizzled on your favorite treats. And makes it a great creamer for on-the-go, camping, traveling, or just busy days.
Ways to Use Sweetened Condensed Milk
Because it doesn't need to be refrigerated and comes in convenient single-serving packets, our all natural Creamers are insanely versatile. Here are a few of our favorite tips and ways to use your Classic or Mocha Creamer.
- Make a latte or iced coffee: This one might be obvious, but sweetened condensed milk is the perfect way to make a deliciously sweet and creamy latte or iced coffee.
- Spread it on a pastry, toast, or a croissant (especially our Mocha Creamer!)
- Drizzle on oatmeal
- Add to smoothie or Acai bowls
- Jazz up your pancakes, waffles, or french toast
- Dip or top fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, kiwis, melon, or blueberries
- Top shaved ice for a sweet and refreshing twist on a traditional treat
- Make one-ingredient caramel by heating it on a stovetop or using this oven method
- Blend with avocado, milk, and ice – sounds odd, but it's a delicious Vietnamese treat that's way tastier than a green juice
- Top stone fruits: Drizzle a bit of sweetened condensed milk on peaches or plums and bake on low heat until they begin to caramelize
- Gift it: Put several pouches of our Creamers in a festive tin for a coffee-loving bestie
- Stash it: Toss one of our Creamer packets in your desk drawer or bag so you can jazz up a basic cup of coffee at the office or even out and about at restaurants, coffee shops, or at school.
- Pack it: Whether you love a delicious camp coffee by the fire, need to jazz up an in-flight brew, or need to upgrade your hotel coffee, toss a couple Creamers in your carry-on.
- Keep it on hand for guests: Even if you don't use creamer yourself, sometimes you have guests who prefer it. You can keep a box of Copper Cow Creamers on hand without worrying about spoilage.
FAQs
Ways to Use Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Make a latte or iced coffee: This one might be obvious, but sweetened condensed milk is the perfect way to make a deliciously sweet and creamy latte or iced coffee.
- Spread it on a pastry, toast, or a croissant (especially our Mocha Creamer!)
- Drizzle on oatmeal.
Most recipes for homemade coffee creamers use sweetened condensed milk as a base. It's easy to understand why; the sugar used to sweeten it also acts as a preservative to extend its expiration date. Most coffee drinkers also find condensed milk more satisfying, both because of its creaminess and because of its taste.
How long does sweetened condensed milk last in the fridge? ›
How do I store unused sweetened condensed milk? We recommend you store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
What is the primary use for sweetened condensed milk? ›
In the US and UK, it's a vital ingredient in key lime pie and often used in fudge. All over Southeast Asia, sweetened condensed milk is added to coffee — both hot and cold — to add flavor. You can make ice cream, cakes or even add it to certain sweet-savory stews and soups to make them more creamy.
How do you use a lot of sweetened condensed milk? ›
What are some uses for leftover sweetened condensed milk?
- Make your own caramel sauce. ...
- Use it as a dessert topping. ...
- Make key lime pie. ...
- Craft a heavenly co*cktail. ...
- Replace your favorite candy bar. ...
- Use it as a coffee creamer. ...
- Drizzle it on fruit. ...
- Stir it into brownie batter.
Can I use condensed milk instead of sugar in coffee? Yes, not only does it add sweetness to the coffee it also lightens it up a bit so you don't have to use milk. You can add whatever milk you like if you want it lighter but you don't have to.
Can I freeze sweetened condensed milk? ›
Condensed milk can be frozen although it will not freeze solid due to its high sugar content. This means it does not need to be thawed after usage although the texture does thicken and becomes more viscous after freezing. Frozen condensed milk should be used within three to six months for better results.
How to tell if condensed milk has gone bad? ›
If the smell is off, that's yet another sign the can has spoiled. Also, short of tasting it, you can stir the contents to make sure the milk is still smooth. If it's lumpy, it's time to toss. One last tip: Remember that evaporated milk and condensed milk are not the same.
Is sweetened condensed milk good for you? ›
Benefits of Condensed Milk for Health
The benefits of regular milk are boosted in condensed milk since it contains more sugar. Condensed milk is a good source of these nutrients in addition to calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin A, riboflavin, phosphorus, and protein.
Can you whip sweetened condensed milk? ›
The trick to turning sweetened condensed canned milk into whipped cream is chilling the equipment that's used to beat the milk into cream. While whipping the milk, sit the bowl in an ice water bath to keep it cold. It doesn't hurt to turn on the air conditioning or whip the cream in front ...
Condensed milk can be found in kitchens around the world, from the United States to Europe to Latin America to Asia. Sweetened condensed milk is commonly used in baked goods and desserts — like pie, pudding, ice cream — and as a sweetener in coffee and tea.
Can you drink condensed milk straight from the can? ›
So, now we know that evaporated milk is safe to drink from its container, but just because you can consume it this way doesn't necessarily mean you'll want to. Since evaporated milk is thick and creamy, the consistency will be completely different than a regular carton that you're used to.
Can you whip condensed milk? ›
Yes, condensed milk can be whipped to create a creamy, fluffy texture similar to whipped cream. This makes it a great alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or looking for a dairy-free option.
