Make this thick, delicious caramel at home with only one ingredient!
Prep Time5 minutesmins
Cook Time3 hourshrs
Total Time3 hourshrs5 minutesmins
Course: Dessert
Keyword: Dulce de Leche
Ingredients
1-2cansSweetened Condensed Milk
Instructions
Fill a medium saucepan with water about 3/4 full.
Remove labels from cans of sweetened condensed milk. DO NOT open them!
Place the unopened cans in the saucepan and make sure cans are at least 3/4 covered with water. Bring water to a boil, then simmer for 3 hours, adding more water as needed to keep the water level at least 3/4 full. Flip the cans every half hour or so to prevent scalding.
After simmering for 3 hours, remove from heat. Carefully remove the cans (use tongs) and place them on a cooling rack or towel. Allow to cool completely.
Voila! You have shelf stable Dulce de Leche! Keep unopened cans in a cool spot in your cupboard until needed. Will keep for several months.
Notes
I like to use either an old saucepan or one with a dark interior (like my dutch oven in the photo). The cans can leave marks on your cookware.
When you open the cans, stir the caramel well (I use a butter knife). There may be a few scalded bits, but don't worry about it - those bits still taste delicious (though you can strain them out if you want a smoother caramel).
If you don't use a whole can at once, refrigerate the rest in an airtight container. It should stay fresh for at least a week.