Crock Pot Dulce de Leche Caramel-why pay more than you need to when you can make your own!
Dulce de Leche. Have you ever had it? It’s a creamy caramel. Thicker than a sauce, not as hard as a candy. It’s in between.
And it’s AMAZING!
And it’s expensive. If you can even find it in the stores. Keep in mind, I’m in the country so to speak and our selection at the store is limited.
But you can make it. It’s almost too easy.
All you need is 2 cans of sweetened condensed milk. Any brand will work. And some mason jars with lids. Oh, and a crock pot. It’s magical how it will transform into a creamy caramel that will have you licking the spoon.
You can also make this still in the can, on the stove, in a pot of water…but I don’t trust heating a sealed can for hours, and I like to see the color change to know when it’s done. You can “caramelize” this to suit your needs. Go for a thicker, darker caramel, perfect for baking. Or stay on the lighter side for a caramel that’s perfect for drizzling.
This isn’t something new. I first saw this when my friend Ann at Fountain Avenue Kitchen shared this almost 3 years ago. I made it when Ann first shared it. I gave it as Christmas gifts to friends and family. I added a little note to each jar to stir into coffee or serve over ice cream.
Once you have your Homemade Dulce de Leche, there are so many recipes you can use it for. And that’s why I’m sharing this with you today. Because I got in a caramelly mood. So go ahead and make a few batches of your own Dulce de Leche and get ready for some great recipes.
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Crock Pot Dulce de Leche
Ingredients
- 2 cans sweetened condensed milk (14 ounce)
- 3 mason jars (8 ounce)
- large crock pot
Instructions
- divide sweetened condensed milk evenly between the 3 mason jars. Wipe an drips from rims and place lids on jars, securing tightly.
- Place sealed jars in crock pot filled with enough water to cover the jars with at least 1/2 inch water.
- Turn crock pot on low and cook for 6-10 hours. Watch for color change to occur. For a thick caramel, cook longer for a darker color (10 hours) for a more liquid consistency, and lighter color, check at 6 hours. Turn off crock pot and let sit for 30 minutes (or more) before removing jars to cool completely on counter.
- Once cooled, store in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.
If you can foods at all, I can’t recommend using a Jar Lifter
enough. Makes moving hot jars safe. This is the one I have.
Want more food in jars?
Ann says
Thanks for the mention, Joan. Your photos look drool-worthy and I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed this foolproof recipe!
Diane Weingard says
Do you start it out using hot or cold water in crockpot?
Joan Hayes says
I just use warm tap water.
Sharon Davis says
Are these pint sized jars?
Joan Hayes says
They are 1/2 pint (8 ounce) jars.
Carolina says
Hi, im from Colombia and we eat dulce de leche but we call it arequipe, the easiest way to kake it is in the pressure cooker, you pit the can cover it water and cook it for 30 min after the fisrt psss, you have to use those cans that need a can opener not the other ones and dont worry it doesnt explose!
Jane earthy says
hi there, would a crock pot be the same as a UK slow cooker? One you plug in a leave all day for casseroles etc?
Joan Hayes says
yes, a crock pot and slow cooker are the same thing.
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Joan! oh my gawd, this is amazing! it’s like a water bath in a crock pot!! I’ve made homemade dulce de leche at home before in the oven and it was a huge mess!! can’t wait to try this!
sunnie says
How long do you think this would last in the fridge? I’m really looking forward to making it, for eating and gift giving!
Kayle+(The+Cooking+Actress) says
ooooh I have heard about this! SO AMAZING!
elizabeth baisley says
thanks for your great recipes.
heather+@french+press says
my daughter loves dulce de leche, I can’t wait to show her we can make our own now
Jackie Jenkins says
Thank you for bringing back a lovely memory of when I was 8/9 years old living at Issiping Beach (not shore of the spelling), Durban South Africa, a neighbour made us this by placing the can in water, so yummy. I am 61 in a few weeks. Makes me want to go an make some.