If you’ve ever wished for a decadent, silky caramel sauce made effortlessly with just one main ingredient, then this Sweetened Condensed Milk Caramel (Slow Cooker) Recipe is your new best friend. It’s incredibly simple, yet the results are luscious and rich, perfect for drizzling on desserts, stirring into coffee, or even enjoying straight from the jar. Using your slow cooker means you can set it and forget it while it transforms sweetened condensed milk into the most velvety caramel you’ll ever taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Trust me, part of the charm here is how unfussy the ingredients are. Each element is essential to create that gorgeous caramel sweetness with perfect texture and color that you’ll love.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This is the star of the show, with its creamy sweetness turning magically caramelized in the slow cooker.
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Caramel (Slow Cooker) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cans
Start by removing the labels from the sweetened condensed milk cans—though leaving the labels on is fine if you prefer. Place the cans on their side directly into your slow cooker; this positioning promotes even heating and gradual caramelization.
Step 2: Add Hot Water
Fill the slow cooker with hot water until it covers the cans by about two inches. This water bath is what gently cooks the condensed milk, helping it develop that deep golden caramel color and rich flavor.
Step 3: Slow Cook for 8 Hours
Set your slow cooker to low and let the magic happen for eight hours. This long, slow cook breaks down the sugars and proteins in sweetened condensed milk, resulting in that perfect, silky caramel that’s both sweet and buttery.
Step 4: Cool Down Safely
After cooking, carefully remove the cans with hot pads or tongs. Do not open them immediately while hot, as the pressure inside can be dangerous. Instead, run the cans under cold water for about eight minutes until they’re safe to handle.
Step 5: Open and Enjoy
Once cooled, open up your cans to reveal the golden caramel inside. You can dip your spoon right in or transfer the caramel to airtight jars for easy storage in the fridge.
How to Serve Sweetened Condensed Milk Caramel (Slow Cooker) Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your caramel with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness or a few chopped toasted nuts like pecans or almonds for added crunch and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
This caramel pairs wonderfully with simple vanilla ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or even drizzled over fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears. It’s a versatile treat that adds a luxurious touch to any snack or dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Try swirling the caramel into brownies or cheesecake batter before baking, or use it as a decadent dip for sliced bananas and pretzels at your next gathering. You can even layer it in parfaits for a rich and sweet surprise in every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover caramel in airtight containers in the refrigerator where it’ll stay smooth and delicious for up to two weeks.
Freezing
If you want to store it longer, you can freeze the caramel in small portions using freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Warm the caramel gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave with brief bursts, stirring often until soft and pourable again. Avoid overheating to keep its creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use sweetened condensed milk from different brands?
Absolutely! Different brands might have slight variations in sweetness or thickness, but the slow cooker method will still transform any sweetened condensed milk into delicious caramel.
Is it safe to cook canned condensed milk in the slow cooker?
Yes, as long as you keep the cans fully submerged in water and follow the cooling instructions carefully, it’s completely safe. The water bath prevents the cans from overheating or exploding.
Can I speed up the cooking time?
Slow cooking for the full 8 hours at low heat is what creates that perfect texture and flavor, so rushing it may result in less smooth caramel. Patience really pays off here.
What should I do if the caramel is too thick?
If your caramel sets too hard once refrigerated, simply warm it gently to soften. You can stir in a small splash of cream or milk for a looser consistency as well.
Can I add flavors like vanilla or chocolate?
Definitely! Stir in a splash of vanilla extract or a spoonful of cocoa powder after cooking for a personalized twist to your Sweetened Condensed Milk Caramel (Slow Cooker) Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Sweetened Condensed Milk Caramel (Slow Cooker) Recipe is one of those effortless kitchen wins that tastes like you spent hours fussing over it. I can’t recommend enough giving it a try—it’s comforting, versatile, and downright addictive. Once you have a jar of this luscious caramel on hand, your desserts and snacks will thank you every time!
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Sweetened Condensed Milk Caramel (Slow Cooker) Recipe
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 3 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings (approximate 1 tablespoon per serving)
- Category: Dessert Sauce
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Sweetened Condensed Milk Caramel recipe transforms simple canned sweetened condensed milk into a rich, silky caramel using a gentle slow-cooking method. By cooking the milk slowly in a water bath inside the slow cooker, the milk caramelizes to a luscious dulce de leche without any stirring or complicated steps. Perfect as a topping, filling, or spread, this recipe yields a homemade caramel treat with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 (14 ounce) cans sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Prepare the cans: Remove the labels from the 14-ounce sweetened condensed milk cans. Place the cans on their sides inside the slow cooker.
- Add water: Carefully pour hot water into the slow cooker, covering the cans by about 2 inches. Make sure the cans remain submerged during cooking to ensure even caramelization.
- Set the slow cooker: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours to slowly caramelize the milk inside the cans.
- Cool the cans: After cooking, turn off the slow cooker. Using hot pads or tongs, carefully remove the cans without opening them yet. Run them under cold water for about 8 minutes until they are completely cool to prevent any risk of explosion upon opening.
- Open and enjoy: Once cooled, open the cans to reveal smooth, golden caramel. You can consume it immediately by scooping from the can or transfer it to airtight containers for refrigeration and later use.
Notes
- Do not open the cans while they are hot to avoid dangerous pressure release that can cause the cans to explode.
- Keep the cans fully submerged in water during the entire cooking process for even caramelization.
- Store leftover caramel in airtight jars or glass containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- This caramel can be used as a spread, dessert topping, or incorporated into recipes like cakes and cookies.
