Simply put, condensed milk is cow's milk that's had much of its water content boiled out, reducing it down to about half its original volume. The result is a creamy, dense, flavorful milk concentrate. If sugar is added during this process, you get sweetened condensed milk - the beloved ingredient found on pantry shelves around the world.

Condensed milk first appeared back in the 1850s, thanks to innovations in food preservation. Gail Borden, an American inventor, developed and patented a method of condensing milk by heating it gently to remove its moisture and adding sugar as a preservative. His invention was revolutionary - it allowed milk to be safely transported and stored without refrigeration. It became incredibly popular during the American Civil War, quickly becoming an essential staple for soldiers because of its long shelf life.

Many people confuse condensed milk with evaporated milk but they are two distinctly different products.
The main differences are:

• Sweetness: Sweetened condensed milk contains added sugar, making it rich, sweet, and thick. Evaporated milk has no added sugars and retains a neutral flavor.
• Texture and Consistency: Condensed milk is thick, syrupy, and creamy, while evaporated milk is thinner, pouring readily, and subtly creamy.
• Use in Cooking: Sweetened condensed milk is primarily found in desserts, bakery products, and sweet beverages like Vietnamese coffee and tea. Evaporated milk can be used more similarly to fresh milk in cooking, like cream sauces or soups.

Condensed milk creation is relatively straightforward yet requires careful attention:

1. First, fresh cow's milk is pasteurized and heated.
2. It's heated further to simmer gently under vacuum conditions, causing the water to evaporate while preserving a rich, creamy milk base.
3. For sweetened condensed milk, sugar is added during cooking (usually around 40-45% sugar by weight), turning the milk into the classic syrupy, shelf-stable liquid that we all love.
4. The milk mix then goes through a homogenization process ensuring a consistent, smooth, and uniform texture throughout.

As a result, condensed milk has a significantly longer shelf life. According to the USDA guidelines, commercially produced canned sweetened condensed milk can last unopened for about one year in your pantry when stored properly at room temperature.

Due to added sugars and concentration, condensed milk is high in calories, fats, and protein. Although tasty, moderation is generally advisable.
Typical nutrition per two tablespoons serving (about 30g):

• Calories: ~130 kcal
• Total Fat: 3 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Sugars: 22 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Calcium: significant source at approximately 100mg per serving

Condensed milk also provides key nutrients such as calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and vitamin A. However, its high sugar content suggests using it moderately for balanced diets, especially for individuals monitoring sugar intake.

Sweetened condensed milk finds its homes in countless recipes worldwide. Let’s look at some of its most iconic culinary uses:

1. Vietnamese Coffee Vietnamese coffee ("Cà phê đá") is renowned for its unique preparation method, combining bold Robusta coffee brewed through a distinctive metal drip filter ("phin") and sweetened condensed milk. Condensed milk perfectly balances strong, bitter coffee notes, creating an intensely smooth and satisfying drink experience. (Curious about brewing authentic Vietnamese coffee? Check out our detailed guide on How to make Vietnamese coffee.)
2. Desserts and Baking Sweetened condensed milk originated and gained popularity primarily due to its versatility in baking. Its silky, sweet nature makes it ideal for pies, cheesecakes, cakes, candy, fudge, cookies, caramel-based desserts, and creamy fillings. One of the most popular desserts worldwide - Tres Leches cake - wouldn't exist without condensed milk.
3. Homemade Ice Cream Making ice cream at home? Condensed milk simplifies the process, reducing crystallization and improving creamy texture without a specialized churn. Simply whip some condensed milk with cream, freeze it, and you have an easy yet delicious homemade dessert.
4. Drinks and Cocktails Not limited to coffee, condensed milk enhances tea-based beverages like Thai iced tea, enhances smoothies, and adds a rich sweetness to various cocktails and holiday beverages such as eggnog or White Russians.

Yes, making condensed milk at home is entirely possible. It involves simmering fresh milk gently and gradually adding sugar while stirring continuously till it reduces and achieves desired thickness. Homemade condensed milk can remain refrigerated in an airtight container for several weeks.

Homemade recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups full-fat milk
• 1 cup white sugar

Instructions:

1. In a heavy-bottom pan, heat milk, and sugar on medium heat.
2. Stir continuously to dissolve sugar and prevent sticking or scorching.
3. Let the mixture simmer gently, occasionally stirring about 30-40 minutes, until volume is reduced by half and the liquid turns thick, creamy, and golden.
4. Cool, transfer it into sterilized jars, and refrigerate until use.

Pros:

• Long-lasting shelf life
• Convenient pantry staple
• Delicious taste, texture enhances desserts
• Crucial ingredient in traditional recipes globally

Cons:

• High sugar content
• High in calories and fat for those watching weight/diet
• Not suitable as a regular replacement for other dairy due to sweetness

Condensed milk, especially the sweetened variety, has become an indispensable ingredient worldwide because of its distinctive sweetness, versatility, and convenience. Ideal for both professional and home bakers, it transforms simple dishes into indulgent delights instantly. Whether enriching your homemade Vietnamese coffee, creating dreamy creams for pies or decadent fudges, condensed milk remains a vital ingredient every kitchen pantry should have ready at hand.

And if you haven't tried authentic Vietnamese coffee using condensed milk yet, perhaps now is the ideal moment to explore one of coffee’s richest and most rewarding culinary traditions.

Enjoy your sweet adventure!