Introduction
Sweetened condensed milk is a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into delicious caramel through various cooking methods. Whether you have a slow cooker, Instant Pot, stovetop, oven, or microwave, each method will yield a rich, creamy caramel perfect for drizzling over desserts or using in recipes.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: Varies by method
Total Time: 8 hours (slow cooker), 40 minutes (Instant Pot), 2-3 hours (stovetop), 60-90 minutes (oven), 10-15 minutes (microwave)
Yield: Approximately 1 can of caramel
Slow Cooker Method
1. Remove the label from the can of sweetened condensed milk.
2. Place the unopened can on its side in the slow cooker.
3. Fill the slow cooker with water until the can is fully submerged, ensuring there’s at least 1 inch of water above the can.
4. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 8 hours.
5. After cooking, carefully remove the can using tongs and let it cool completely before opening.
Instant Pot Method
1. Remove the label from the can of sweetened condensed milk.
2. Place a trivet in the Instant Pot and set the unopened can on top.
3. Fill the Instant Pot with water until the can is fully submerged, ensuring there’s at least 1 inch of water above the can.
4. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position.
5. Cook on high pressure for 40 minutes.
6. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally.
7. Carefully remove the can using tongs and let it cool completely before opening.
Stovetop Method
1. Remove the label from the can of sweetened condensed milk.
2. Place the unopened can in a large pot and cover it completely with water, ensuring there’s at least 1 inch of water above the can.
3. Bring the water to a gentle boil over medium heat.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2 to 3 hours, adding more water as needed to keep the can submerged.
5. After cooking, carefully remove the can using tongs and let it cool completely before opening.
Oven Method
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
2. Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a shallow baking dish.
3. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
4. Place the covered dish in a larger baking pan and fill the larger pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the smaller dish.
5. Bake for 60 to 90 minutes, checking occasionally and adding more water to the larger pan as needed.
6. Once the milk has reached a deep caramel color, remove it from the oven and let it cool before using.
Microwave Method
1. Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a large microwave-safe bowl.
2. Microwave on medium power (50%) for 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds.
3. Continue microwaving on medium-low power (30%) in 1-minute intervals, stirring every 30 seconds, until the milk reaches a caramel color and thickens to your desired consistency.
4. Let it cool before using.
Notes
– Ensure the can remains fully submerged in water during the cooking process to prevent it from bursting.
– Allow the can to cool completely before opening to avoid injury from hot caramel.
– The caramel can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Slow Cooker Method:
1. Remove the label from the can of sweetened condensed milk.
2. Place the unopened can on its side in the slow cooker.
3. Fill the slow cooker with water until the can is fully submerged, ensuring there’s at least 1 inch of water above the can.
4. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 8 hours.
5. After cooking, carefully remove the can using tongs and let it cool completely before opening.
Instant Pot Method:
1. Remove the label from the can of sweetened condensed milk.
2. Place a trivet in the Instant Pot and set the unopened can on top.
3. Fill the Instant Pot with water until the can is fully submerged, ensuring there’s at least 1 inch of water above the can.
4. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position.
5. Cook on high pressure for 40 minutes.
6. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally.
7. Carefully remove the can using tongs and let it cool completely before opening.
Stovetop Method:
1. Remove the label from the can of sweetened condensed milk.
2. Place the unopened can in a large pot and cover it completely with water, ensuring there’s at least 1 inch of water above the can.
3. Bring the water to a gentle boil over medium heat.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2 to 3 hours, adding more water as needed to keep the can submerged.
5. After cooking, carefully remove the can using tongs and let it cool completely before opening.
Oven Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
2. Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a shallow baking dish.
3. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
4. Place the covered dish in a larger baking pan and fill the larger pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the smaller dish.
5. Bake for 60 to 90 minutes, checking occasionally and adding more water to the larger pan as needed.
6. Once the milk has reached a deep caramel color, remove it from the oven and let it cool before using.
Microwave Method:
1. Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a large microwave-safe bowl.
2. Microwave on medium power (50%) for 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds.
3. Continue microwaving on medium-low power (30%) in 1-minute intervals, stirring every 30 seconds, until the milk reaches a caramel color and thickens to your desired consistency.
4. Let it cool before using.
Notes
Important Tips:
– Ensure the can remains fully submerged in water during the cooking process to prevent it from bursting.
– Allow the can to cool completely before opening to avoid injury from hot caramel.
– The caramel can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Cook techniques
Slow Cooker Method
Instant Pot Method
Stovetop Method
Oven Method
Microwave Method
FAQ
Can I use open cans of sweetened condensed milk in these methods?
How do I know when the caramel is ready?
What can I do if my can bursts during cooking?
Can I store the caramel after making it?
How long will the caramel last in the refrigerator?
Conclusion
Making caramel from sweetened condensed milk is a versatile and rewarding process that can be done using various methods including slow cooking, pressure cooking, stovetop, oven, or microwave. Each method yields a rich, creamy caramel that can elevate desserts or be enjoyed on its own. Remember to handle the can with care, allowing it to cool completely before opening.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Caramel Sauce for Ice Cream
Drizzle homemade caramel over your favorite vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat.
Caramel Cheesecake
Incorporate the caramel into a cheesecake recipe for a rich and creamy dessert that will impress.
Chocolate Caramel Brownies
Layer the caramel between chocolate brownie batter for a decadent dessert.
Caramel Banana Bread
Add swirls of caramel to banana bread batter before baking for a delightful twist.
Caramel Flan
Use the caramel as a base for a rich flan, enhancing the dessert’s flavor and presentation.
Caramel Coffee
Stir the caramel into your morning coffee for a sweet and comforting beverage.
Caramel Apple Dip
Serve the caramel alongside apple slices for a simple yet satisfying snack or dessert.
