Sweetened condensed milk is a pantry staple, beloved for its versatility and ability to transform simple ingredients into decadent desserts. Its creamy texture and rich sweetness make it a star ingredient in countless recipes, from classic fudge to no-churn ice cream. This blog post celebrates the magic of 3 ingredient desserts with sweetened condensed milk, offering quick, easy, and delicious treats perfect for any occasion. These recipes prove that you don’t need a lot of fuss to create impressive desserts. Get ready to indulge!
Why Sweetened Condensed Milk?
3 Ingredient Desserts with Sweetened condensed milk’s unique properties make it a game-changer in the kitchen. Its creamy texture adds richness, its concentrated sweetness eliminates the need for excessive sugar, and its binding ability helps hold ingredients together. This simple can of magic simplifies recipes, enhances flavors, and elevates everyday desserts to something special. It’s also incredibly affordable and readily available in most grocery stores, making it a budget-friendly baking essential. What’s not to love?
Top 10 Easy 3 Ingredient Desserts with Sweetened Condensed Milk
No Churn Ice Cream, A Frozen Delight
Sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract. This creamy, homemade ice cream requires no ice cream maker! Simply whip the cream, fold in the condensed milk and vanilla, and freeze. It’s a perfect summer treat or a quick dessert any time of year. You’ll be surprised by how easy it is to make!
Magic Cookie Bars, A Gooey Dream
Graham crackers, chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk. These layered bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust topped with chocolate chips and a generous drizzle of sweetened condensed milk. Baking transforms them into a gooey, caramelized treat that is simply irresistible. They are perfect for potlucks and parties!
Coconut Macaroons, Chewy and Tropical
Shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract. These chewy, gluten-free macaroons have a crispy exterior and a soft, coconutty interior. They’re easy to make and require just three simple ingredients. Enjoy a taste of the tropics with every bite!
Fudge, Rich and Decadent
Sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, vanilla extract. This rich, melt-in-your-mouth fudge comes together in minutes. Simply melt the chocolate with the condensed milk and vanilla, then chill until firm. It’s a classic treat that never disappoints!
Tres Leches Cake, Milky and Moist
Sponge cake, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, heavy cream (optional, makes it 4 ingredients but worth mentioning).
This moist, milky cake is soaked in three types of milk (traditionally evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream), resulting in a decadent and flavorful dessert. It’s a classic Latin American treat.
Peanut Butter Fudge, Nutty and Creamy
Sweetened condensed milk, peanut butter, chocolate chips. This creamy, nutty fudge combines the best of both worlds. The peanut butter adds a delicious salty-sweet contrast to the rich chocolate and condensed milk. Perfect for gifting or indulging yourself!
Lemon Fudge, Tangy and Refreshing
Sweetened condensed milk, white chocolate, lemon zest. This tangy, refreshing fudge offers a bright citrus twist on traditional fudge. The lemon zest adds a burst of flavor that complements the sweetness of the white chocolate and condensed milk. It’s a perfect summer dessert.
Condensed Milk Pound Cake, Simple and Sweet
Sweetened condensed milk, eggs, self-rising flour. This moist, slightly sweet pound cake has a tight crumb and a delicate flavor. It’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. A true comfort food classic!
Strawberry Mousse, Light and Fruity
Sweetened condensed milk, fresh strawberries, whipped cream. This light, fruity mousse is a delightful summer dessert. The sweetness of the condensed milk pairs perfectly with the fresh strawberries and airy whipped cream. A refreshing treat for any occasion!
Chocolate Truffles, Decadent Bites
Sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, chocolate chips. These decadent, bite-sized truffles are perfect for any occasion. The combination of cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and condensed milk creates a rich, intense chocolate flavor. A true chocolate lover’s dream!
Tips for Success, Making the Most of Your Condensed Milk
For the best results, use full-fat sweetened condensed milk to achieve a rich and creamy texture. If you love experimenting, try adding flavors like nuts, dried fruits, spices, or extracts to enhance your desserts. Proper storage in airtight containers keeps your treats fresh and delicious for longer. Whether you’re making quick sweets or traditional favorites like Mysore Pak Recipe, a little creativity can turn simple ingredients into irresistible delights
3 Ingredient Dessert With Sweetened Condensed Milk
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl For combining ingredients smoothly.
- 1 Whisk / Spoon Helps in mixing condensed milk with other ingredients.
- 1 Measuring Cups & Spoons Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
- 1 Baking Tray / Pan Needed for baking cookies, fudge, or bars.
- 1 Parchment Paper Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- 1 Oven / Stovetop / Freezer Depending on the recipe (baked, stovetop, or frozen).
- 1 Spatula Helps in spreading and smoothing mixtures.
- 1 Knife For cutting fudge, bars, or slicing ingredients.
- 1 Cooling rack Allows baked desserts to cool evenly.
Ingredients
- 1 Can (14 oz) Sweetened Condensed Milk Base ingredient for sweetness and creaminess.
- 2 Cups Chocolate Chips / Coconut Flakes / Flour Choose based on the dessert (fudge, macaroons, cookies, etc.).
- 1 Teaspoon to 1 Cup Butter / Vanilla Extract / Peanut Butter Adds flavor and texture, varies by recipe.
Instructions
- Measure all ingredients accurately.
- Preheat the oven if needed (typically 325°F – 350°F for baked desserts).
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- Mix the IngredientsIn a mixing bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk with the other two ingredients.
- Stir with a whisk or spatula until fully combined and smooth.
- Prepare the DessertFor Cookies: Scoop dough onto a baking tray and flatten slightly.
- For Fudge: Pour the mixture into a lined pan and smooth the top.
- For Macaroons: Shape small mounds onto a baking sheet.
- Cooking ProcessBaked Desserts: Bake for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- No-Bake Desserts: Refrigerate or freeze for 2 hours until set.
- Cooling & ServingLet the dessert cool before cutting or serving.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
FAQs
What do you do with sweetened condensed milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is incredibly versatile. You can use it to make a wide variety of desserts, including fudge, no-churn ice cream, cookies, cakes, pies, and candies. Its creamy texture and intense sweetness make it a perfect addition to many recipes. It can also be used as a topping for ice cream or fresh fruit.
What can you do with an open can of sweetened condensed milk?
Store any leftover sweetened condensed milk in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will typically last for a week or two. You can use it in coffee, tea, or as a topping for pancakes or waffles. It can also be used in other recipes or enjoyed straight from the spoon (in moderation!).
Is condensed milk very high in sugar?
Yes, sweetened condensed milk is high in sugar. It is made by removing most of the water from cow’s milk and adding sugar. Therefore, it’s important to consume it in moderation.
What happens if I whip condensed milk?
Whipping sweetened condensed milk will not create whipped cream. Due to its high sugar content, it won’t hold air like regular cream. However, you can whip it briefly to make it slightly fluffier for certain recipes.
Can I freeze condensed milk?
Freezing sweetened condensed milk is not recommended. It can change the texture and consistency, making it grainy or separated when thawed.
What happens when you put condensed milk in boiling water?
Boiling unopened cans of sweetened condensed milk for a few hours creates a thick, caramelized dulce de leche. However, it’s crucial to ensure the cans are completely submerged in water throughout the process to prevent explosions.
What are the disadvantages of condensed milk?
The main disadvantage of sweetened condensed milk is its high sugar content, which makes it unsuitable for people with certain dietary restrictions. Its richness can also be overwhelming if used in excessive amounts. Additionally, it’s not a direct substitute for regular milk in most recipes due to its sweetness and thickness.
Conclusion
3 ingredient desserts with sweetened condensed milk offer a world of possibilities for quick, easy, and delicious treats. From frozen delights to rich fudges and chewy cookies, there’s something for everyone. We encourage you to try these recipes and share your creations. Explore more dessert ideas on our blog and discover the endless possibilities of baking with sweetened condensed milk!
