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Condensed Milk Caramel Recipe

★★★★★

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

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

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

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Find it online: https://isabellavance.com/condensed-milk-caramel-recipe/