Discover the ultimate simplicity in cooking with this One-Ingredient Dulce de Leche recipe! Known as Dulce de Leche in Latin America and Cajeta in Mexico, this rich, creamy caramel is made using just one can of sweetened condensed milk and a slow cooker. Perfect for drizzling over desserts, enhancing your coffee, or gifting to friends, this recipe is a testament to the magic of minimalism in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 14-oz can of sweetened condensed milk
Yields: 1.5 cups of luscious caramel sauce.
Preparation:
- Remove the label from the sweetened condensed milk can, ensuring no paper residue remains.
- Place the can on its side in the slow cooker. You can fit multiple cans if making a larger batch.
- Cover the cans with water, ensuring at least 2 inches of water surrounds them to prevent pressure buildup.
- Cook on low heat for 8 hours, covered. Use tongs to carefully remove the hot can.
- Allow the can to cool to room temperature before opening. The caramel will thicken as it cools, achieving the perfect spoonable consistency.
- Open the can to reveal your golden, homemade caramel, ready to elevate any dish!
Tips & Variations:
- For a lighter caramel, reduce cooking time to 6 hours.
- Never open the can while hot to avoid dangerous explosions and burns.
- Make a batch ahead by cooking multiple cans and storing them unopened in the pantry.
- Enhance flavor with a pinch of sea salt or vanilla extract once cooled.
- For a quicker method, use a pressure cooker for 40 minutes, following safety guidelines.
Enjoy this versatile caramel in endless ways—over brownies, pancakes, ice cream, or even as a dip for apples and pretzels. Let your creativity shine!
