Are you ready for a flavor explosion that screams autumn? This Pumpkin Condensed Milk recipe is the perfect blend of creamy sweetness and warm pumpkin spice, making it an ideal treat for cozy evenings or a delightful addition to your holiday baking. Forget those store-bought pumpkin pies – this homemade recipe is surprisingly easy, incredibly delicious, and far healthier than many commercially available options. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet stunning dessert!
Ingredients:
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
- Whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized saucepan, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt until completely smooth. This step ensures a luscious texture free from lumps.
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Gentle Heating: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Stirring constantly is key to prevent sticking and burning. Heat the mixture gently, bringing it to a simmer.
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Simmering Perfection: Once the mixture simmers, reduce the heat to low and continue to stir gently for about 5-7 minutes. The goal is to slightly thicken the mixture and allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Don't rush this step; slow and steady wins the race!
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Optional: Add Cream: If you're looking for an extra decadent treat, stir in the heavy cream during the last minute of simmering. This adds richness and a velvety texture.
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Cooling Time: Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the pumpkin condensed milk to cool completely. This is crucial, as it allows the flavors to deepen and the mixture to thicken further. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the saucepan in an ice bath.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, serve the pumpkin condensed milk chilled. You can enjoy it straight from a bowl, use it as a topping for pancakes or waffles, or incorporate it into your favorite fall recipes (think pumpkin bread or cheesecake!). Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice for an extra touch of elegance.
Tips for Success:
- Quality Ingredients: Using good quality pumpkin puree and sweetened condensed milk makes a noticeable difference in the taste.
- Don't Overcook: Overcooking can lead to a grainy texture. Keep a close eye on the mixture and remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches the desired consistency.
- Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you prefer a stronger pumpkin spice flavor, add a little more cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg.
Variations:
- Spiced Rum: For an adult twist, add 1-2 tablespoons of spiced rum to the mixture while it simmers.
- Chocolate Swirl: Mix 1-2 tablespoons of melted dark chocolate into a portion of the cooled mixture for a decadent chocolate swirl effect.
- Maple Flavor: Enhance the flavor profile by adding a tablespoon of maple syrup.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate, without optional cream):
- Calories: Approximately 200
- Fat: Approximately 8g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 5g
- Sugar: Approximately 25g
- Protein: Approximately 2g
This Pumpkin Condensed Milk recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of fall. It's perfect for a simple dessert, a unique topping, or a key ingredient in your next baking project. So grab your ingredients and get cooking – a delightful autumn treat awaits!