Condensed Milk Caramel Recipe

Introduction

Condensed Milk Caramel, also known as dulce de leche, is a luscious, creamy treat made by gently cooking sweetened condensed milk until it transforms into a rich caramel. This simple method requires minimal ingredients and equipment, making it perfect for home cooks craving a homemade caramel delight.

Ingredients

• 1 can sweetened condensed milk (unopened)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Remove the label from your can of sweetened condensed milk.
2. Step 2: For Slow Cooker Method: Place the can in your slow cooker and pour in enough warm water to cover the can completely and come 2 inches above it. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
3. Step 3: After cooking, carefully remove the can with tongs and place it in a bowl of cold water for 10 minutes to cool.
4. Step 4: Open the can cautiously and enjoy your creamy caramel.
5. Step 5: For Instant Pot Method: Add 1 ½ cups of water to the Instant Pot and place the wire rack inside. Put the can on the rack, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 45 minutes.
6. Step 6: Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 15 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
7. Step 7: Remove the can with tongs and place it in cold water for 10 minutes before opening and enjoying.

Tips & Variations

• Make sure the can is always submerged under water during cooking to prevent it from overheating and potentially bursting.
• For a deeper caramel flavor, you can cook a little longer but keep an eye on the water level.
• If you prefer a thicker caramel, refrigerate after opening to let it set further.

Storage

Store leftover caramel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Reheat gently in a microwave or over a double boiler to return it to a pourable consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Is it safe to cook sweetened condensed milk in a can?

Yes, as long as the can remains completely submerged in water throughout cooking to prevent overheating and rupturing. Always use caution when handling hot cans.

Can I use evaporated milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?

Evaporated milk is not sweetened and will not produce the same caramel result. Sweetened condensed milk is essential for the right texture and flavor.

Condensed Milk Caramel Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 111 reviews

• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes (slow cooker) or 1 hour 5 minutes (Instant Pot, including pressure release and cooling)
• Yield: About 1 cup of caramel 1x

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Description

This recipe shows you how to transform sweetened condensed milk into rich, creamy caramel simply by cooking the unopened can in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. The slow cooking process caramelizes the sugars in the condensed milk, creating a luscious dulce de leche-style sauce perfect for desserts, toppings, or fillings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 1 can sweetened condensed milk (unopened)
• Warm water (enough to cover and come 2 inches above the can for slow cooker method)
• 1 ½ cups water (for Instant Pot method)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the can: Remove the label from your unopened can of sweetened condensed milk to prevent paper residue in the water and allow safe cooking.
2. Slow Cooker method: Place the can in the slow cooker and pour warm water to cover the can completely, making sure water level is about 2 inches above the can. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours to slowly caramelize the milk.
3. Cool down after slow cooking: Carefully remove the hot can using tongs, then submerge it in a bowl of cold water for 10 minutes to stop the cooking process and cool it safely.
4. Instant Pot method preparation: Pour 1 ½ cups of water into the Instant Pot and place the wire rack inside. Put the unlabeled can of condensed milk on the rack.
5. Pressure cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 45 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
6. Cool down after Instant Pot: Use tongs to remove the hot can and place it in a bowl of cold water for 10 minutes to cool safely.
7. Enjoy your caramel: Once cooled, open the can carefully and enjoy the smooth, creamy caramel for your favorite desserts or recipes.

Notes

• Always keep the can fully submerged during cooking to avoid risk of explosion from overheating.
• Never open the can while it’s hot to prevent burns.
• This caramel can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• If you prefer thicker caramel, you can cook for a longer time on low in the slow cooker or increase Instant Pot cooking by a few minutes.
• Use tongs to handle the hot can safely during cooling and removal.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (slow cooker) or 45 minutes (Instant Pot)
• Category: Dessert Sauce
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Condensed Milk Caramel, Dulce de Leche, Slow Cooker Caramel, Instant Pot Caramel, Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe