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
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.
What else can you use creamer for? ›
5 Unique Uses for Coffee Creamer
- Use in Place of Heavy Cream in Soups. ...
- Sub for Water or Milk in Baked Goods. ...
- Make a Two Ingredient Fruit Sorbet. ...
- Shake Up Creamy co*cktails. ...
- Whisk Together a Sugar-Free Icing.
A can of sweetened condensed milk is a wonderful thing to have. Use it to create perfect pies and puddings, deliciously moist cakes, and irresistible cookies and candies. No matter what kind of decadent dessert you're in the mood for, we've got you covered with this collection of recipes using sweetened condensed milk.
Can sweetened condensed milk be frozen for later use? ›
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 unhealthy is a can of condensed milk? ›
Condensed milk might not be the ideal option if we're trying to lose weight because it's high in calories and includes added sugar. A better option if we want to cut calories is evaporated milk. Condensed milk also includes lactose, which might be harmful to people who are lactose intolerant.
What is the healthiest thing to use as creamer? ›
In reality, it's healthiest to lighten your coffee with low- or reduced-fat milk or unsweetened plant-based milk made with no or few additives. These options avoid or limit unwanted substances, like additives, added sugar and saturated fat.
What to do when you have no coffee creamer? ›
Coffee Creamer Alternatives for Every Customer
- Cashew Milk. This coffee creamer alternative, cashew milk, has a similar viscosity to cow's milk. ...
- Hemp Milk. ...
- Macadamia Milk. ...
- Oat Milk. ...
- Pistachio Milk. ...
- Coconut Cream. ...
- Flavored Butter. ...
- Irish Cream Liqueur.
To make whipped cream from liquid coffee creamer, first chill the creamer and a mixing bowl in the refrigerator. Once cold, pour the creamer into the chilled bowl. Use an electric mixer on high speed to whip the creamer until it reaches stiff peaks.
Why is condensed milk not advisable? ›
Because condensed milk is more concentrated than the same volume of regular milk, it contains more lactose. Sweetened condensed milk includes a lot of calories, but it also has a lot of saturated fat, which is dangerous for people with diabetes and heart issues.
Can you drink straight sweetened condensed milk? ›
Can I drink sweetened condensed milk? It is a ready-to-use product so it may be consumed without any other preparation. You can add it to everyday items like in your coffee, on toast with cinnamon, on fruit or yogurt, and in any way you see fit.
store your sweetened condensed milk in the fridge for anywhere from four to seven days. personally for us. we've stored sweetened condensed milk in the fridge for up to a few weeks. but that's not a professional recommendation.
How long can 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 happens if you whip sweetened condensed milk? ›
Can condensed milk be whipped like cream? 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.
What happens if you use expired sweetened condensed milk? ›
Condensed milk is good for a year past its expiration or best-by date, so as long as there isn't any damage to the can and no signs of spoilage, it's likely fine! (Condensed milk keeps much longer than evaporated milk due to the added sugar content.)
What does condensed milk do in baking? ›
Underrated but definitely not underused, sweetened condensed milk is as much of a backbone in classic baking as sugar is. The thick syrup contributes both the sweetness of sugar and the benefits of milk without adding too much liquid since condensing milk removes moisture and concentrates the natural sugars.
