How to Make Condensed Milk from Evaporated Milk: A Step-by-Step Guide
Converting evaporated milk into condensed milk involves a simple process that can add a sweet and creamy element to your desserts and recipes. This article will guide you through the steps to transform plain evaporated milk into the luscious, sweetened condensed milk you know and love.
Ingredients and Equipment
1 cup of evaporated milk 1 cup of granulated sugar (Optional) 1/4 cup of butter for added creaminess (Optional) 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor A saucepan A heat-proof container for cooling the mixture An airtight container for storageStep-by-Step Instructions
1. Combine Ingredients
In a saucepan, mix the evaporated milk and sugar. If you are using butter, add it at this stage for added richness.
2. Heat Mixture
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture frequently to ensure the sugar completely dissolves. The mixture should not come to a boil.
3. Simmer
Once the sugar is completely dissolved, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking or burning.
4. Check Consistency
As the mixture simmers, it will thicken significantly. It should reach a syrupy consistency. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can continue to simmer for a few more minutes.
5. Add Vanilla (Optional)
If you are using vanilla extract, stir it in after removing the saucepan from the heat.
6. Cool and Store
Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools. Transfer the cooled mixture to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Why Use Evaporated Milk to Make Condensed Milk?
Unlike store-bought condensed milk, which involves heating milk to an 86% total solids content under vacuum to prevent caramelization, home-made condensed milk uses sugar to create the desired syrupy consistency. The key difference lies in the method: pressure and temperature control are essential for commercial production, whereas a simple sugar and heat process is sufficient for homemade applications.
Understanding the Differences Between Condensed Milk and Evaporated Milk
Sugar Content
Condensed milk is made by boiling down whole milk to 40-45% sugar, resulting in a thick, sweet, and gooey liquid. Evaporated milk, on the other hand, does not contain added sugar. This process of evaporating water under vacuum also reduces its water content to about 21-25%, giving it a thicker, creamier texture similar to heavy cream.
Usage
Condensed milk is extensively used in desserts like flan, custards, and chocolate recipes for its richness and sweetness. Evaporated milk is more commonly used to enrich recipes that call for milk, providing a creamy consistency without the need for additional ingredients.
Alternative Method
If you must convert evaporated milk to condensed milk, caramelizing sugar in a pan and adding evaporated milk to it can create a similar texture. However, for best results, it is highly recommended to purchase store-bought condensed milk, as it provides a more consistent and authentic flavor.
Conclusion: Making your own condensed milk from evaporated milk is a fulfilling and rewarding process. It allows you to control the sweetness and gives you the satisfaction of creating a high-quality, homemade ingredient. Happy cooking!