can sweetened condensed milk

Sweetened condensed milk is a canned dairy product made by evaporating approximately 50% of the water content from milk and adding sugar, typically at a ratio of roughly one part sugar to three parts milk solids. The result is a thick, viscous, intensely sweet liquid with a pale tan or cream color. Unlike evaporated milk (which contains no added sugar), sweetened condensed milk serves both as a dairy component and a sweetening agent. The product underwent industrial development in the 19th century as a shelf-stable alternative to fresh milk, and the canning process allows for years of storage without refrigeration prior to opening.

Sweetened condensed milk is a versatile ingredient across global cuisines, particularly prevalent in Latin American, South Asian, and Southeast Asian baking and dessert preparation. It functions simultaneously as a liquid dairy ingredient and sweetener, reducing the need for additional sugar in recipes. Common applications include dulce de leche (by slow heating), custards, cream pies, flan, cheesecake fillings, Vietnamese coffee (cà phê đặc), Thai iced tea, confections, and cookie doughs. In savory contexts, it is occasionally used in curries and sauces in South and Southeast Asian cooking. The ingredient's thickness and sweetness make it ideal for no-bake desserts and as a topping or filling agent.