Can I Use Sweet Condensed Milk Instead of Regular Milk to Make Instant Banana Cream Pudding?

Yes, you can use sweetened condensed milk as a substitute for regular milk in making instant banana cream pudding. While this substitution will alter the texture and sweetness of the pudding, it can also bring a richer flavor and creamier texture to your dish. Let's explore how to make this delightful dessert using sweetened condensed milk.

The Benefits of Sweet Condensed Milk

Sweetened condensed milk is thicker and sweeter than regular milk, which makes it an excellent ingredient for a pudding that needs a rich and creamy texture. It contains a significant amount of sugar, which helps to balance the flavors and adds a natural sweetness to the pudding. The higher fat content in sweetened condensed milk also contributes to a richer taste and a smoother consistency.

Substitution Ratios

To use sweetened condensed milk in your banana cream pudding, you might need to dilute it with water to achieve the right texture. A common ratio is to mix one part sweetened condensed milk with one part water. This mixture can then be used as a substitute for the milk in the recipe. However, you may need to adjust the sweetness to avoid overpowering the other ingredients.

Reducing Sweetness

Since sweetened condensed milk is already very sweet, you should reduce or eliminate any additional sugar in your recipe. If your recipe calls for sugar, you can halve or even eliminate it, depending on how sweet the sweetened condensed milk is. This adjustment will help you balance the flavors without making the pudding too sweet.

Recipe for Banana Pudding with Sweet Condensed Milk

This no-cook banana pudding recipe is as easy as it is delicious. Follow the steps below to create a perfect dessert layered with vanilla wafers and banana slices.

Ingredients

1 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk 1 5-ounce package of instant vanilla pudding mix 2 cups of cold milk (or whole milk for a richer flavor) 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract 1 16-ounce package of vanilla wafers 3 bananas, sliced 1 12-ounce container of thawed whipped cream (or Cool Whip)

Instructions

Whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and the instant vanilla pudding mix with 2 cups of cold milk until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, crush half of the vanilla wafers into crumbs. Layer the pudding mixture, crushed wafers, banana slices, and whipped cream in a trifle dish or serving bowl. Start with the ingredients, repeating the layers until you have enough for your dish. Top with the remaining crushed wafers and whipped cream. Refrigerate the pudding for at least 2 hours before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the pudding to set.

Tips and Variations

If you prefer a richer flavor, use whole milk instead of low-fat or skim milk. Swap out the vanilla wafers for chocolate wafers or Nilla Wafers for a different taste experience. When using whipped cream, substitute it with Cool Whip or another store-bought whipped topping if you don't have fresh whipped cream. This pudding can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a great make-ahead dessert option.

Enjoy your delicious banana cream pudding made with the rich flavor of sweet condensed milk! This recipe is the perfect indulgence for a summer day or a comforting treat on a cold evening.