3 Great Desserts with Sweetened Condensed Milk

Sweetened condensed milk is exactly what it sounds like. It is simply milk, with all water removed and sugar added in place of the water. It is very sweet, and a little goes a long way. Many of you may use sweetened condensed milk in coffee, smoothies or in pies. A lot of recipes for sweet treats call for the use of sweetened condensed milk. Sweetened condensed milk, not to be confused with evaporated milk, will add a thick creamy texture and rich flavor to all of your desserts. Here are 3 great desserts to try that are all made with sweetened condensed milk:

Dreamy Chocolate Fudge

This creamy chocolate fudge is foolproof. It is quick, simple and most importantly, delicious. You can try different variations, like dark chocolate, peanut butter, and mint extract or mix and match your favorite flavors to make your own fudge creation. This dreamy fudge recipe makes plenty, and you can always make an extra batch or two to give as gifts to family and friends. They will enjoy this sweet, homemade gift and you can even attach the recipe, so they can try making it.

Ingredients

• 1 can sweetened, condensed milk (14 ounces)
• 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Directions

1. In a heavy saucepan, over low heat, melt chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk.
2. Once melted and blended together, remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. If using nuts add them now and mix well.
3. Line an 8 or 9-inch square pan with wax paper. If you are making a double batch use a 13×9 inch pan.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Make sure you spread it evenly to ensure uniform pieces of fudge.
5. Chill in the fridge for 2 hours or until firm. You can speed up the process by placing the fudge in the freezer instead; just keep an eye on it.
6. Lift the fudge out of pan by the edges of the wax paper. Place onto a cutting board and peel off the wax paper. Cut your fudge into small squares. Store in an airtight container.

Simple Peach Sorbet

This simple peach Sorbet is a summertime favorite. However, it can be enjoyed all year if you use frozen or canned peaches. It is a perfect snack or dessert and is definitely healthier than a bowl of ice cream.

Ingredients

• 6 large, ripe peaches
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk

Directions

1. Peel and slice your peaches. Place them in a Ziploc bag and put them in the freezer.
2. Freeze for 30 minutes or until firm.
3. Pour your sweetened condensed milk into the blender. Add your frozen peaches and blend until creamy. You can do this in small batches for a more consistent texture.
4. Eat your peach Sorbet immediately for a soft-serve taste or freeze your Sorbet and enjoy it later on, when you are craving a sweet treat. You can freeze this Sorbet for up to three days in a loaf pan or freezer-safe container. Cover with saran wrap or a lid to prevent freezer burn and keep it tasting fresh.

Explosion Pie

This three-ingredient pie is rich, creamy and ridiculously delicious. Everyone will love this pie and will be amazed when you tell them the filling is made of only one ingredient  – sweetened condensed milk that has been boiled long enough to become caramel.

Ingredients

• 1 graham cracker pie crust
• 2 cans sweetened condensed milk
• 1 small tub whipped cream (8 ounces)

Directions

1. Peel the label off both cans of sweetened condensed milk. Place the cans in a large pot and fill with water. Make sure the water covers the cans completely.
2. Place your pot on the stove and bring to a boil. Allow your cans to cook for 3 hours, adding water as needed to keep the cans covered.
3. Once your cans have cooked for 3 hours carefully remove them with tongs. Sit them in an empty sink to cool.
4. When your cans are cool to the touch, you can open them. Do not do this until they are completely cooled. This recipe is called explosion pie; think about it.
5. Spoon the contents of both cans into your pie crust. You may have some left over. Set it aside for later.
6. Top with whipped cream and cover. Chill for at least 2 hours or until firm and set. It’s a good idea to make this pie a day in advance so that it can fully set.
7. You can use the leftover sweetened condensed milk to use as a caramel sauce on apples, bananas, and other fruits. You could even skip the pie altogether and just make this delicious caramel sauce for your other desserts.