How to make caramel with condensed milk without boiling

One Ingredient Caramel is a simple and decadent treat you can make in minutes!

This is one of our favorite caramel sauces for topping desserts, dipping apples and eating with almost everything!

Once you give this easy recipe a try, you may never purchase store bought caramel again!

How to make caramel with condensed milk without boiling

© SpendWithPennies.com

Ok, ok I know… its not technically “CARAMEL”.. maybe more along the lines of a dulce de leche.. but it is dang delicious with that sweet caramely goodness!

In this recipe, sweetened condensed milk is cooked until it creates a deliciously rich caramel sauce! The best part is this recipe has ONE ingredient! Just one!  Easy huh?

I personally LOVE sweetened condensed milk in any dessert and this has to be one of my favorites!

How to make caramel with condensed milk without boiling

You’re going to simply pour condensed milk into a pie pan or casserole dish.  Cover it with foil and place it in a larger pan of water and bake.  SO easy!  I put my water level about 1/2″ to 3/4″ (depending on your pan) so just check the oven every now and then to make sure the water hasn’t evaporated.

One more thing, you may get a little crust on the top once your caramel bakes (which is delicious).  You can either just serve it as it, just eat the caramel underneath or blend it with an immersion blender.

In the image below my caramel has been blended with an immersion blender while warm.  Any little crusty bits on the top just melt right into the caramel.

How to make caramel with condensed milk without boiling

Please note that this recipe has been adapted from the original recipe which included cooking a can of unopened sweetened condensed milk fully submerged in a large pot (1″ above the can) and boiled for 3 hours.  There has been some question as to the safety of the original method (although, like many of you, I’ve been doing it for years and years).  I’ve decided to err on the side of caution and try another method.

I’m more than happy to report that not only was it easy, it was quicker than the original method and it tastes just as amazing.  You won’t be disappointed.

How to make caramel with condensed milk without boiling

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Sweetened Condensed Milk Caramel is one of our favorite caramel sauces for topping desserts, dipping apples and eating with almost everything!

Prep Time 1 minute

Cook Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 1 minute

  • 1 can of sweetened condensed milk (regular or low fat)
  • apples for dipping optional

  • Preheat oven to 425°F.

  • Pour one can of sweetened condensed milk into a casserole dish or pie plate. Cover with foil.

  • Place in a larger pan and fill to ¾" with water. (Fill water as needed while baking)

  • Bake 60-90 minutes or until condensed milk has reached a golden brown color.

  • Cool completely.

Note: If you caramel forms a thin crust on top, you can either just use the caramel underneath or blend using an immersion blender for a minute to mix it in.

Nutritional information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

4.87 from 84 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
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Calories: 158 | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 62mg | Potassium: 183mg | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 130IU | Vitamin C: 1.3mg | Calcium: 141mg | Iron: 0.1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.

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About the author

Holly is a wine and cheese lover, recipe creator, shopping enthusiast and self appointed foodie. Her greatest passion is creating in the kitchen and making deliciously comforting recipes for the everyday home cook!
See more posts by Holly

How to make caramel with condensed milk without boiling

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How do you make caramel with condensed milk on the stove?

Remove the label from a sweetened condensed milk can and place it in the center of a pan. Fill the pan with lukewarm water, then bring the water to a simmer. Let the can sit for 2 hours to make a light sauce or 3 hours to make a thick sauce, and be sure to check on the can every 30 minutes to prevent scorching.

Does microwaving condensed milk make caramel?

Homemade Caramel from Sweetened Condensed Milk in the microwave: Pour the milk into a large, microwaveable bowl and cover it with cling wrap leaving a small section uncovered. Microwave on medium power for 2 minutes in 30 second intervals, whisk and recover.

How do you caramelize a tin of condensed milk?

Directions.
Fill a large saucepan with water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Place can of condensed milk, unopened, in the boiling water..
Cover and let simmer for 3 hours, refilling water as needed and turning the can every half hour to prevent scorching. Carefully open can and serve..