Sweetened Condensed Milk

Sweetened condensed milk contains a high quantity of added sugar, which makes it ideal for preparation of desserts, especially pies and cheesecake. After whole milk has been evaporated by 50 percent by weight, 15 percent sugar in the form of dextrose or corn syrup is added. Sweetened condensed milk is defined as containing at least 28 percent total milk solids and about 8 percent milk fat. The extra sugar and highly concentrated nature of the nutrients in sweetened condensed milk make it very high in calories (982 kcal/cup) and fat (27 grams/cup).

Unlike evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk does not have to be sterilized, because its 40 to 45 percent by weight sugar concentration prevents microbial spoilage. The sugar content, either added or in the form of lactose, also contributes to the Maillard reaction. During heating the sugar combines with the protein in the milk to give it a light-brown color. This attribute makes sweetened condensed milk ideal for creating caramel-flavored or colored desserts such as pumpkin pie.