10+ Condensed Milk Recipes You’ll Love for Easy and Delicious Treats

Condensed milk is this creamy, sweet ingredient that turns recipes richer and more flavorful. It’s a favorite in desserts and even some savory dishes because it brings smooth texture and natural sweetness—no need for extra sugar.

You can use condensed milk in so many different ways to whip up easy, delicious treats with barely any fuss. Want to bake, cook, or just throw together a no-bake dessert? Condensed milk makes everything taste a little more special.

1) Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk

Making sweetened condensed milk at home is surprisingly easy and lets you control how sweet it gets. Just heat whole milk and sugar together in a saucepan.

Stir often so the sugar dissolves. Keep it at a low boil so it thickens as the water cooks off.

It usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes to reach that classic condensed texture. Once it’s thick, let it cool.

You can use your homemade condensed milk in desserts, coffee, or anything that calls for the canned stuff. The taste is fresh, and you can tweak the sweetness to your liking.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions:

1. Combine milk, sugar, and salt in a saucepan.
2. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
3. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat.
4. Simmer 30-40 minutes, stirring often, until thickened.
5. Remove from heat and let cool before using.

(For more details, visit this homemade sweetened condensed milk recipe.)

2) Condensed Milk Cookies

Condensed milk cookies are about as easy as it gets, and they taste fantastic. The sweetened condensed milk keeps them soft and chewy.

You don’t need a long list of ingredients. Add a splash of vanilla or some chocolate chips if you want to mix things up.

They bake fast and are perfect for sharing. Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll have no trouble making a batch.

Ingredients

• ½ cup salted butter, soft but not melted
• 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cream the butter and powdered sugar together.

3. Add condensed milk and vanilla, stirring until smooth.

4. Drop spoonfuls of dough on a baking sheet.

5. Bake 10-12 minutes, just until the edges are golden.

6. Let them cool before digging in.

3) Coconut Macaroons with Condensed Milk

Coconut macaroons are a breeze to make, especially with condensed milk. It binds the coconut flakes and gives them a creamy chewiness.

Usually, you’ll mix shredded coconut, condensed milk, and sometimes whipped egg whites to lighten things up. A bit of vanilla or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top never hurts.

Bake them for about 15 to 20 minutes at 325°F (163°C). Keep an eye on them so they stay golden, not burnt.

Ingredients

• 14 ounces sweetened coconut flakes
• 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
• 2 egg whites (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).

2. Mix coconut flakes and condensed milk in a bowl.

3. If you’re using egg whites, whip them until stiff and gently fold them in.

4. Add vanilla if you like.

5. Drop spoonfuls onto a lined baking sheet.

6. Bake for 15–20 minutes, just until the edges are golden.

7. Let them cool before eating.

4) Vietnamese Iced Coffee

Vietnamese iced coffee is simple, sweet, and packs a punch. You brew dark roasted coffee slowly over sweetened condensed milk.

The condensed milk brings a rich, creamy taste. Brew about two tablespoons of coarse ground coffee with hot water (just off boiling, around 200°F/93°C).

Pour the coffee over two tablespoons of condensed milk in a glass. Stir it up, then add ice.

Perfect for hot days when you want a cool, caffeinated treat. You only need a couple ingredients and a few minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons coarse ground coffee
• 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
• 6-8 ounces hot water (around 200°F / 93°C)
• Ice cubes

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water and let it cool slightly to about 200°F (93°C).

2. Brew coffee using a drip or Vietnamese coffee filter.

3. Add condensed milk to a glass.

4. Pour the coffee over the milk.

5. Stir well.

6. Add ice cubes and enjoy.

5) Tres Leches Cake

Tres Leches Cake is super soft and soaked in a “three milks” mixture—sweetened condensed, evaporated, and whole milk. The combo makes the cake extra rich and creamy.

After baking, slowly pour the milk blend over the cake. This gives it that juicy, signature texture.

Top it with whipped cream or cream cheese frosting if you’re feeling fancy. It’s light but still totally satisfies a sweet tooth.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 5 large eggs, separated
• ⅓ cup whole milk
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup whole milk (additional)
• 2 cups whipped cream (for topping)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.

3. Whisk flour and baking powder in a bowl.

4. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy, then add egg yolks one at a time.

5. Mix in flour and ⅓ cup milk, alternating.

6. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, then fold them in gently.

7. Pour the batter into the pan and bake 30-35 minutes. Let it cool.

8. Mix evaporated milk, condensed milk, and ½ cup whole milk.

9. Prick the cake with a fork and pour the milk mixture over it slowly.

10. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

11. Spread whipped cream on top before serving.

6) Pumpkin Pie with Condensed Milk

Sweetened condensed milk makes pumpkin pie smooth and creamy. It adds all the sweetness and richness, so you don’t need extra sugar.

Mix pumpkin puree, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt with the condensed milk. Pour it into your crust.

Bake at a high temp first to set the edges, then lower the heat so the filling cooks gently. This helps avoid cracks.

The result? Silky texture and warm spice. It’s a classic, but honestly, using condensed milk just makes it easier.

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 unbaked pie crust

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Whisk pumpkin puree, condensed milk, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a big bowl.

3. Pour into the pie crust.

4. Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C).

5. Lower oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake 40-50 minutes, until set.

6. Let it cool before slicing.

7) Key Lime Pie

Key lime pie is that perfect blend of tart and creamy. Sweetened condensed milk makes the filling smooth and rich—no extra sugar needed.

The graham cracker crust gives a nice crunch and stands up to the tangy lime. Mix egg yolks, key lime juice, and condensed milk for the filling.

Bake just until set, then chill. It’s quick, simple, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ⅓ cup melted butter
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 4 large egg yolks
• ½ cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Mix graham crumbs and melted butter; press into a 9-inch pie pan.

3. Whisk egg yolks and condensed milk until smooth.

4. Stir in key lime juice.

5. Pour filling into the crust.

6. Bake 15 minutes, just until set but still a little jiggly.

7. Cool, then chill for at least 3 hours before serving.

8) Condensed Milk Ice Cream

You can make creamy ice cream with condensed milk—no eggs or cooking required. Just mix condensed milk, heavy cream, and vanilla.

Whip the cream until stiff, then fold in the condensed milk and vanilla. Pour it into a container and freeze.

After a few hours, you’ll have soft, rich ice cream. Throw in chocolate chips or swirl in fruit if you want. No ice cream maker needed.

Ingredients

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

2. Fold in condensed milk and vanilla gently.

3. Pour into a container and cover.

4. Freeze at least 6 hours, until firm.

5. Scoop and enjoy.

For more ideas, see this sweetened condensed milk ice cream recipe.

9) Caramel Sauce from Condensed Milk

You can whip up caramel sauce with just sweetened condensed milk. It’s surprisingly simple, though you’ll need a little patience.

One classic way? Cook the unopened can in a pot of water for 2-3 hours. The milk transforms into a thick, dreamy caramel—dulce de leche, if you want to get fancy.

Just be sure the can stays covered with water. That’s non-negotiable for safety.

Some folks bake the condensed milk in a dish at 425°F (220°C) for about 1.5 to 2 hours. The oven method gives you a creamy caramel, too.

Or, if you’re the set-it-and-forget-it type, try a slow cooker for around 8 hours. It comes out incredibly smooth.

This caramel sauce is lovely over ice cream, fruit, or tucked into desserts.

Ingredients

• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel the label off the can.
2. Place the unopened can in a pot and cover it fully with water.
3. Simmer gently on low for 2-3 hours, adding more water if needed.
4. Let the can cool all the way before you open it.
5. Stir the caramel and use however you like.

10) Peppermint Patties Candies

Peppermint patties are one of those homemade candies that feel way fancier than they are. The centers are soft and minty, wrapped in a snappy chocolate shell.

Start by mixing sweetened condensed milk with a splash of peppermint and vanilla extracts. Gradually add powdered sugar until you get a dough you can shape.

Chill the mixture, then cut it into little rounds. Dip each piece in melted chocolate, and let them set.

You get to tweak the peppermint flavor and sweetness exactly how you like. Honestly, homemade always tastes fresher.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 ¼ teaspoons peppermint extract
• ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 3 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Cooking Instructions

1. Grab a bowl and mix sweetened condensed milk with peppermint and vanilla extracts.

2. Slowly add powdered sugar, stirring until you get a dough.

3. Pop the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes.

4. Roll out the chilled dough. Cut it into small shapes—whatever looks fun.

5. Melt some chocolate chips. You can use a double boiler, but honestly, the microwave works too.

6. Dip each patty in the melted chocolate. Set them on wax paper.

7. Wait for the chocolate to harden before you dig in.