Condensed milk is the unsung hero of the dessert world. That creamy, sticky, luscious, sugary delight transforms desserts into soul-soothing works of art. If you’ve got a can of this magic ingredient lying around in your kitchen, then prepare to embark on a sweet, indulgent journey to make some delicious desserts with condensed milk.
1. Brazilian Brigadeiros – Chocolate Heaven in a Bite
Not satisfied with just Chocolate Mousse and want more of that rich, chocolatey goodness? These gooey chocolate balls are the perfect option.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (395 gm) sweetened condensed milk
- 15 gm Cadbury cocoa powder
- 14 gm butter
- Pinch of salt
- Chocolate sprinkles, for rolling
Procedure:
- In a saucepan, pour the condensed milk, Cadbury cocoa powder, butter, and salt. Stir the ingredients over medium heat. Slow cooking brings the consistency of the dessert, that is required to shape them into small balls.
- Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and starts pulling away from the sides of the pan, about 10-12 minutes. It should be thick enough to form into a shape.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool. You can transfer it to a buttered plate to speed up the cooling process.
- Once cooled, butter your hands and roll small spoonfuls into balls. The mixture will be sticky, so make sure your hands are well-lubricated.
- Roll the brigadeiros in chocolate sprinkles and place them on a serving tray.
2. Vietnamese Iced Coffee Popsicles – Caffeinated Coolness
Coffee and condensed milk are a match made in dessert heaven. This recipe turns the famous Vietnamese iced coffee into something you can lick off a stick. You can also experiment this recipe with Oreo Shake.
Ingredients:
- 250 ml strong brewed coffee (preferably dark roast)
- 200 ml sweetened condensed milk
- 50 ml whole milk (optional, if you want a creamier texture)
- Ice pop molds and sticks
Procedure:
- Brew your coffee strong enough to keep you awake for the next 48 hours. Seriously, you want it to stand up to the sweetness of the condensed milk.
- Stir the brewed coffee with the condensed milk and optional whole milk until everything is well combined.
- Pour the mixture into ice pop molds, pop in the sticks, and freeze for at least six hours or until solid. If you’re anything like me, the waiting part will be pure torture.
- Once frozen, remove from molds, take a bite, and thank the coffee gods. It's like your morning cup of coffee got a summer makeover!
3. Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars – Layers of Love
These bars have a dulce de leche topping that’ll make you weak in the knees. These desserts melt in your mouth and are as easy to prepare as the Mysore Pak Recipe.
Ingredients for Crust:
- 200 gm digestive biscuits (or graham crackers), crushed into crumbs
- 100 gm butter, melted
Ingredients for Filling:
- 300 gm cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (395 gm) sweetened condensed milk
- 100 ml heavy cream
- 3 large eggs
- 5 ml vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Ingredients for Topping:
- 200 gm dulce de leche (you can buy it or make it by cooking condensed milk in a water bath for hours)
Procedure:
- Preheat your oven to 160°C. Line a 20 x 20 cm (8 x 8 inch) baking pan with parchment paper. You will not want these bars sticking to the pan.
- Combine the crushed biscuits with melted butter, then press the mixture into the bottom of the pan to form your crust. Pop it into the oven for 10 minutes to set.
- While the crust is baking, beat the cream cheese until it’s silky smooth. Then, slowly mix in the condensed milk, heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Keep beating until everything is well combined. Your cheesecake needs to be smooth, and easy to gulp down in every bite.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust, then bake at 160°C for 35-40 minutes until the filling is just set. The center should still jiggle slightly.
- Let the cheesecake cool completely. Once cooled, spread a thick, luscious layer of dulce de leche on top. This has to be the best of desserts with condensed milk.
- Refrigerate the bars for at least two hours before cutting. Slice, serve, and accept the adoration of anyone lucky enough to eat one.
Condensed milk has the magical ability to transform simple ingredients into decadent, mouth-watering desserts. Whether you're looking for bite-sized treats like brigadeiros, refreshing popsicles, or indulgent cheesecake bars, these condensed milk desserts will satisfy your every craving.