Condensed milk is a sweet and high-calorie milk product made by removing most of the water from cow’s milk. It is widely used in various desserts and beverages, like coffee and tea, in parts of Asia and Europe. Popular examples include Vietnamese and Cambodian coffee and Malaysian and Singaporean teh tarik. I wondered why I was gaining so much weight when I first traveled to Vietnam, and I suppose the four condensed milk coffees per day were not helping!
To make condensed milk, evaporated milk can be mixed with sugar and heated until dissolved, or regular milk can be simmered with sugar until reduced by 60%. Or you can make your own dairy-free coconut condensed milk!
While the main ingredient is milk, it has very different properties than fresh milk and needs to be stored differently. Let’s look at how.
You can freeze condensed milk, but bear in mind that sweetened condensed milk will not freeze solid. This is due to its high sugar content. Also, never freeze tins of condensed milk as they may explode – the milk must be transferred to a suitable container first.
Can You Freeze Condensed Milk?
If you have any leftover condensed milk you haven’t used within a week or two, you can freeze it. After thawing, there may be some changes in consistency, but it is usually still usable.
When freezing leftover condensed milk, it is best to do so in an airtight container. This is because if left in the can, it may expand and burst. It doesn’t really solidify when frozen due to its sugar content, and it only slows it from spoiling. Instead, it becomes more viscous, but you can still pour it at a slower pace.
How To Store Condensed Milk?
Unopened condensed milk should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from any heat. By keeping it in a moisture-free area, you can prevent the can from rusting. Avoid exposing the can to sunlight or fluctuating temperatures, as this can affect its quality over time.
Once you open the can of condensed milk, it is recommended to transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate it. Sealing the can again properly is not possible. Although using an airtight container is preferable, plastic wrap and an elastic band over the top of the tin is alright for a few days. However, it can absorb odors from the refrigerator, potentially resulting in an unpleasant scent.
The same guidelines apply to homemade sweetened condensed milk and recipes that involve the use of condensed milk or caramel. After cooking, make sure to cool it down and store it in the refrigerator.
Evaporated Milk vs Condensed Milk EXPLAINED
FAQ
What happens if you freeze sweetened condensed milk?
How do you store leftover sweetened condensed milk?
How do you melt frozen condensed milk?
How long does sweetened condensed milk last in the fridge?
Can you freeze sweetened condensed milk?
Pour the leftover sweetened condensed milk into the container. Seal it tight, and add a label if you like. Transfer it into the freezer. That’s it. All it takes is those two steps that take two minutes tops. Since it doesn’t freeze solid, you don’t have to worry about many containers and measuring exact amounts. You use it as you go.
What is the shelf life of canned milk?
According to Brazilian legislation, pasteurized milk has a shelf life of 3 to 8 days under refrigeration, while UHT milk has a shelf life of 2 to 6 months.
What temperature does condensed milk freeze?
Since recipes vary, you won’t find a universal freezing point where condensed milk becomes solid. However, many recipes freeze completely at about 5 degrees Fahrenheit, or -15 degrees Celsius. This is colder than many people keep their freezers, which is why condensed milk stays a thick liquid instead of becoming a hard block.
How long does condensed milk last in the freezer?
This step helps ensure that the milk freezes evenly and maintains its desirable taste and texture when it’s time to thaw and use it. How long can condensed milk last in the freezer? Condensed milk can last in the freezer for approximately 3 to 6 months. Properly stored, frozen condensed milk can maintain its quality for this duration.