Easy Homemade Caramel Sauce Using JUST 1 Ingredient
The easiest dessert recipe ever!
Did you know that you can make your own caramel dip or sauce using just one simple pantry item? This is a perfect treat to enjoy with apples and it’s super easy to make – all you need is a can of sweetened condensed milk!
Seriously! You can make caramel sauce from a can of sweetened condensed milk!
By double boiling sweetened condensed milk low and slow, you’ll end up with rich, caramel-like dulce de leche sauce that can be used however you like! We picked up a double boiling pan on Amazon to make the caramelization process even easier.
Hip recipe tips for making this caramel dip:
- While it’s a very simple recipe, you don’t want to risk the caramel burning so make sure you’re checking in on the double boiler and stirring periodically so it can evenly caramelize.
- Readers have told us that you can also make this recipe by boiling the condensed milk in its own can after removing the label. Please use caution if opting for this method, and be sure to grab a brand that does not use a pop-top lid. Boiling builds up pressure in the can, so you don’t want it to explode on ya!
One Ingredient Caramel Sauce/Dip
yield: 10 SERVINGS
prep time: 2 MINUTES
cook time: 1 HOUR 30 MINUTES
total time: 1 HOUR 32 MINUTES
Delicious and easy recipe to make caramel for a yummy snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Directions
1
Empty a 14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk into a double boiler. You can make your own double boiler by pouring milk into a Pyrex glass bowl placed over a saucepan of water.
2
Make sure the water level in your saucepan is above the level of milk in the double boiler or Pyrex bowl. Cover and let keep at a low simmer for 60-90 minutes over medium-low heat until the mixture becomes thick and brown in color. Stir occasionally.
3
When done, remove from heat and let cool for 20 minutes. Store any leftovers in fridge.
Additional Notes
(Recipe from EagleBrand.com)
This recipe makes a creamy and delicious dip!
This one-ingredient caramel dip is perfect for drizzling over ice cream and desserts. And you’ll be blown away at how simple is it to make. Time to make use of that can of sweetened condensed milk that’s likely already sitting in your cupboard — enjoy!
Can’t get enough caramel? Make these yummy Caramel-Stuffed Baked Apples!
I just submerge a closed can of sweetened condensed milk under water & cook for 3 hours. Let cool before opening can. Always turns out perfect. My parents & grandparents have been using this method for generations.
This sounds so easy, how high do you put the stovetop?
Oh thanks for sharing!
What temperature?
It could vary but medium/low should simmer well.
Can this be used to make Flan?
La Lechera brand “Dulce de Leche” is ready to go- I use it all the time to make “Empanadas”
I put the can in a crock pot and it Cooks in the can. Very easy and simple!
You can put the can of condensed milk, can & all, in a crock pot filled with water & let it cook overnight to get the same results.
Do you set it to low or high temperature?
Does it have an aluminum taste
Oh that’s a great idea – thanks for sharing 👏
Thanks, I didnt know. I would have thought the can would explode!
My friends from South Africa used to put it in the oven in a pot of water, but I never got the details on how long or at what temperature. Does anyone know that method, which would be great to do in the winter months?
I was born & raised in South Africa, but have never heard of this method since canned caramel is readily available in stores there. I was so happy to find the La Lechera caramel cans here. It’s so much easier than making my own and costs the same price as a can of condensed milk.
My husband is from South Africa and his mother taught me this trick! Now we both pop the can in our instant pots! Even easier than adding water as it boils away.
How long in the instant pot for ? Do you open the can or leave it sealed?
It’s like you’re in my head! I woke up this morning with a craving (odd I know!) for a caramel apple!!
That does sound amazing! Enjoy 😉 thanks Luna
Omg. This stuff is so good. Haven’t had it in a long time. Makes a great caramel apple pie.
oh yum! Thanks for sharing!
How so? I’ve got apples in the fridge… 🙂
For those asking, you can find many varying methods online for making dulce de leche (“sweet/candy of milk”) by heating an unopened can of sweetened condensed milk. Basically, bring water to a boil, remove the label(s) and submerge the can(s), ensure they are covered by 1-2in of water, reduce the heat to a simmer and heat for 2.5-3.5hrs. Remove the can and allow to reach room temperature before opening.
Regular cans WITHOUT pull tabs are preferred as some report explosions.
Check the water level often.
Cans can be on their sides or upright.
Length of time determines thickness and darkness. In order to get that deep, rich brown of commercial dulce de leche, cook for about 3.5hrs.
WAITING is important to prevent injury. The can must reach room temperature to ensure it will not erupt.
This is awesome on apples, apple pies, ice cream, flip flops, etc.
I would not heat in a sealed can. I had a friend do this, his can exploded and he received severe burns on his face, hands, arms and chest (he was not wearing a shirt.) It is not worth the risk. Please be careful, folks.
My high school science teacher told me about the boil can method over 20years ago 😱😱😱😭
Time flies folks!
Same but my home ec. teacher and about coughthirtycough years ago.
It shouldn’t explode if you cook an unopened can unless the water evaporates. Just make sure to add water if it does start to evaporate.
I cook mine in an instant pot. Remove the lids and all the wrapping from cans, cover tightly with foil. Set it on the trivet. Fill the water so it covers the bottom half of the can. 30 min (35min for darker color) on high pressure. Quick release. Remove with tongs. Let it come to room temp. Open and enjoy in spoonfuls. Or spread it on a toast or graham cracker.
ThAnks for sharing your easy method!