If you’re a sweet tooth like me, there’s nothing quite like indulging in some homemade caramel. Whether you’re an experienced chef or a beginner in the kitchen, making caramel with condensed milk is an easy and mouthwatering delight. Let me take you through the steps, and trust me, you’ll end up with velvety smooth caramel that you can drizzle over desserts or enjoy on its own.
Let’s gather our ingredients: You’ll need a can of sweetened condensed milk, 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter (at room temperature), and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Now, let’s dive into the different methods of making caramel with condensed milk!
First up, the stove method:
- I gather my ingredients: a can of condensed milk, butter, and brown sugar.
- To prepare the caramel mixture, I melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 cup of brown sugar in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat until it becomes smooth and creamy.
- Once the butter and sugar are fully melted, I slowly add in the can of condensed milk while stirring gently and constantly. I want to make sure nothing burns or clumps together.
- Lowering the heat slightly, I let the mixture simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens to a gooey texture.
- After taking the caramel off the heat, I allow it to cool before serving or storing it in an airtight container for later use.
Now, let’s move on to the oven method:
- I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Then, I lightly grease an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, I mix together 2 tablespoons of butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and the can of condensed milk until they are well combined.
- I pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Placing the dish in the preheated oven, I let it bake for 25-30 minutes or until the caramel has thickened and developed a glossy, golden-brown top.
- Once out of the oven, I let the caramel cool before serving or storing it in an airtight container.
Now, let’s explore the microwave method:
- For this method, I gather my ingredients: condensed milk, butter, and brown sugar.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, I combine 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 cup of brown sugar. Then, I place the bowl in the microwave for 1 minute to melt the butter.
- Once the butter has melted, I stir in the can of condensed milk until everything is fully combined.
- The bowl goes back into the microwave, and I heat the mixture for 3-5 minutes, stirring every minute until it thickens to a gooey texture.
- After taking the caramel out of the microwave, I allow it to cool before serving or storing it in an airtight container.
Now, let’s try the pressure cooker method:
- I gather my ingredients: condensed milk, butter, and brown sugar.
- In the inner pot of my pressure cooker, I melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 cup of brown sugar until it becomes smooth and creamy.
- Once melted, I slowly pour in the can of condensed milk while stirring constantly.
- Then, I securely lock the lid on the pressure cooker, set the valve to sealing, and select the manual/pressure cook setting for 8 minutes at high pressure. After cooking, I let the steam naturally release for 10 minutes before opening the lid.
- After taking the caramel out of the pressure cooker, I allow it to cool before serving or storing it in an airtight container.
Lastly, let’s explore the slow cooker method:
- I gather my ingredients: condensed milk, butter, and brown sugar.
- In the inner pot of my slow cooker, I melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 cup of brown sugar until they are fully combined.
- Once melted, I slowly pour in the can of condensed milk while stirring constantly.
- I secure the lid on the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally until the caramel thickens to a gooey texture.
- After taking the caramel out of the slow cooker, I allow it to cool before serving or storing it in an airtight container.
Making caramel with condensed milk is a delightful and easy process that yields a classic treat. Whether you choose the stove, oven, microwave, pressure cooker, or slow cooker method, these simple steps will lead you to a delicious batch of homemade caramel.
Now, let’s answer a few common questions about homemade caramel with condensed milk:
- How long does homemade caramel last in the refrigerator? Homemade caramel made with condensed milk can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. Remember to seal the container tightly after each use. If you don’t plan on using it within this time frame, it’s best to freeze it instead.
- What are some tips for making the best caramel sauce recipe? Here are a few tips to keep in mind while making caramel sauce:
- Use fresh ingredients, like the freshest butter and brown sugar, for the best taste.
- Stir frequently to prevent burning or lumps.
- Avoid overcooking to prevent a bitter taste.
- Customize your caramel with additional flavors like salt, vanilla extract, or your favorite liquor.
With these tips, you’ll create an irresistible caramel sauce with condensed milk that will leave everyone wanting more.
Now, let’s talk about storing caramel sauce:
Refrigeration: Once you’ve achieved the perfect temperature for your caramel, pour it into an airtight container and seal it with a lid. You can use Weck Jars or any heatproof container. After refrigeration, the texture may change slightly, but you can easily reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave to enjoy its deliciousness all over again.
Freezing: If you want to enjoy caramel sauce all year round, pop it in the freezer! It will remain scrumptious for at least three months or even longer. Just keep in mind that reheating might result in a smoother liquid texture compared to its original state.
Now, let’s talk about what to serve with caramel made from condensed milk:
Caramel with condensed milk can elevate various dishes, such as:
- Caramel cupcakes
- Salted caramel ice cream
- Caramel apples
- Cheesecake bites with caramel sauce
- Caramel brownies You can even drizzle it over pancakes and waffles for a delightful breakfast treat.
To add some excitement to your caramel with condensed milk, try these variations:
- Add shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
- Sprinkle in crushed nuts for a nutty flavor.
- Combine different types of sugar, such as light brown and dark brown, for a depth of flavor.
In conclusion, making caramel with condensed milk is a delightful, easy-to-follow process that yields a treat everyone will love. Whether you use the stove, oven, microwave, pressure cooker, or slow cooker, these simple steps will lead you to a flavorful result. Feel free to customize your caramel, freeze it for later use, or serve it with various recipes.
Now go forth, enjoy the caramel-making adventure, and savor every delicious moment!