We’ve talked about freezing evaporated milk previously but what about condensed milk? Can you freeze sweetened condensed milk?
Condensed milk, which is often used in desserts, has a long shelf life. This dairy product is made by removing the water content of the milk using a special vacuum process, giving the product a distinct goopy consistency. It is also extra sweet thanks to all that sugar.
Since condensed milk contains small amounts of water and plenty of sugar, it will keep so well in storage. In addition, the milk has been heat-processed to kill the harmful microbes that could otherwise cause the product to go bad quickly! But if you have a lot of condensed milk tins that are nearing their expiry date, you can always freeze the condensed milk.
How to Freeze Sweetened Condensed Milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is often sold in cans and the container is not ideal for freezing. You have to transfer the milk in a freezer-safe container first. We highly suggest dividing the condensed milk into manageable portions prior to freezing. This way, defrosting the frozen milk is less of a hassle.
You can use small resealable baggies or a couple of ice cube trays as a container for the condensed milk. Just open a can of sweetened condensed milk and pour the contents carefully into your desired container. Do not fill the container to the brim; leave about 2 inches of space to give the condensed milk enough room to expand as it freezes. If you’re using a resealable plastic bag, remove the excess air and then seal. Write the storage date then stick in the freezer.
If you’re using ice cube trays, place the filled trays in the freezer. Leave the condensed milk to freeze for two hours or more. Once the condensed milk is frozen solid, take the ice cube tray from the freezer. Gently transfer the condensed milk cubes in a resealable plastic bag. Squeeze out the excess air and then seal. Write the storage date then stick flat in the freezer.
7 Ways to Use Leftover Sweetened Condensed Milk
Hot Drinks
Give your favorite drinks, such as coffee and hot choco, a rich, sweet taste by adding a little condensed milk. You can also mix the leftover condensed milk to iced coffee and milk teas. If you froze leftover condensed milk in an ice cube tray, try adding one cube first. You don’t want the drink to become too sweet!
Baked Goods
You can use sweetened condensed milk as an ingredient in baked goods such as cornbread and pound cake. The sweetened condensed milk will impart a subtle sweetness to the baked goods.
Sweet French Toast
Brighten your mornings with a serving of yummy French toast! But rather than going for the traditional recipe, use your leftover condensed milk to whip up a custard-y, sweet French toast! This breakfast treat will go perfectly with your morning coffee.
Fresh Fruit Topping
Give sour fruits a creamy, sweet flavor with sweetened condensed milk. Just prep the fresh fruits as you normally would then drizzle a spoonful of sweetened condensed milk and you have a healthy dessert to share with the whole family. Sweetened condensed milk pairs perfectly with tart fruits like strawberries!
Pie Fillings
If you love custard pie fillings then you can make use of your leftover sweetened condensed milk to make a classic lemon pie, custard pie, or Bill Smith’s Atlantic Beach Pie! Just follow your favorite pie recipe as you normally would then add the sweetened condensed milk to the filling.
Sweet Milk Tea
Give your favorite hot tea a sweet, creamy flavor with a cube or two of frozen sweetened condensed milk! The cubed sweetened condensed milk will melt instantly, giving your hot tea a refreshing twist.
Homemade Ice Cream
If you scream for ice cream then you can make this classic dessert at home using leftover sweetened condensed milk. Just follow your favorite ice cream recipe (Nigella’s no churn ice cream recipe sounds dreamy) and add sweetened condensed milk to give the ice cream a thick, creamy texture and delightfully sweet flavor!
Shelf Life and Thawing Suggestions
Frozen sweetened condensed milk will keep for 3 to 6 months. Keep the temperature at a steady 0 degrees Fahrenheit to minimize flavor changes. If you can, consume your supply as soon as possible for optimal flavor.
If you’re using the sweetened condensed milk for hot drinks, there is no need to thaw it at all. Just drop a cube or two of sweetened condensed milk directly to the hot drink and the milk will melt on its own. If the sweetened condensed milk requires thawing, just transfer the container to the fridge. Leave the frozen sweetened condensed milk to thaw overnight. If the milk solids are separating from the liquids, give the thawed sweetened condensed milk a vigorous whisk until smooth.
Summary
Can you freeze sweetened condensed milk? Of course, you can! Condensed milk has a long shelf life as it is but it’s nice to know that you can freeze the product to extend its shelf life even more. Sweetened condensed milk has a lot of uses so make sure to keep a can or two in the pantry so you don’t run out.