Creamy and dreamy homemade caramel sauce made from sweetened condensed milk in your crockpot! A truly simple and easy caramel sauce recipe made with just ONE ingredient, AKA dulce de leche...
You are simply not going to believe how simple this caramel sauce recipe is! Granted it's not as simple as opening a bottle of store-bought caramel sauce...
But I took a look at the ingredients on one of those bottles recently and found no less than 20 ingredients, including more high fructose corn syrup and sugar than milk + a myriad of dyes and preservatives. Blech!
In contrast, this homemade caramel sauce (also known as dulce de leche) requires just one ingredient — sweetened condensed milk! I was happy to see that the brand that I chose contains only milk and sugar, so that's a far cry from any store-bought caramel sauce I've seen.
Slow Cooker Caramel Sauce
But the very best part about this easy caramel sauce recipe is that it doesn't require you to stand over the stove for long periods of time. I make it right in my slow cooker, which allows it to cook at a low temperature for a long period of time — meaning there's virtually no chance of burning it.
Some of you may have made homemade caramel sauce in the past using a similar method where you boiled an unopened can of sweetened condensed milk on the stovetop. Please, I beg you, don't do this again!
Not only is it very difficult to tell when the caramel is finished cooking, but it's also extremely dangerous because the cans can explode. Not to mention there are surely numerous chemicals leaching from the can into your cooked caramel...
Sweetened Milk Caramel Sauce
Instead, transfer the sweetened condensed milk into several clean jelly jars, place a lid on them, and tighten the bands down well. I filled my jars up to the 6-oz. line to allow for expansion during cooking. As these jars are made to withstand the home canning process, they're much safer, and they allow you to visually check the caramel for doneness.
Place the jars in your slow cooker and then fill the slow cooker up with water to about one inch above the top of the lids. Place the lid on your slow cooker and cook on low for 7.5-8 hours, making sure not to let the water drop below the lid level. I didn't need to add water at any point, but I'd still recommend checking for safety's sake.
After the caramel sauce has cooked for about 7 hours, you'll want to check it periodically to see if its reached your desired doneness. You should be able to do this just by looking through the slow cooker lid so that you don't let the heat escape.
When the crockpot caramel turns a rich golden color, it's time to remove the jars from the water. Allow them to cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
Note that you may hear the lids sealing themselves as the caramel cools, but they are not sufficiently processed for long term pantry shelf storage.
Unopened jars of crockpot caramel sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for several months. Opened jars should be used within two weeks, but it's pretty much a given that they'll be gone long before then!
Smooth Sweetened Milk Caramel
For best consistency, you'll want to bring the sweetened milk caramel to room temperature before serving. To speed up the process, you can microwave it for 30 second intervals. Stir the sauce well and repeat until it's warmed to your liking.
The caramel may seem a little chunky when a jar is first opened. No worries — it's still absolutely delicious! I have NO problem scarfing it down with some of the beautiful seasonal apples available right now.
But if you want a silky smooth homemade caramel sauce, the solution is simple. After warming the sauce, use a mini whisk to stir it briskly until any lumps are gone.
Printable Recipe ↓
Sweetened Milk Caramel Sauce
Ingredients
- 3 (14-ounce) cans sweetened condensed milk
- water
Instructions
- Fill each jelly jar up to the 6-oz. line with the sweetened condensed milk. Three cans of sweetened condensed milk should fill about 5 jars. Place a lid on each jar and tighten the band down well.
- Place the jars inside the slow cooker and pour water in to about 1" above the top of the jars.
- Cover and cook on low for 7.5-8 hours, checking occasionally to see if more water needs to be added. Do not let the water drop below the lid level.
- Carefully remove the jars from the slow cooker and enjoy! The caramel may be a tad chunky and is perfectly delicious as is, but if you prefer a creamier caramel, simple whisk it until it's silky smooth.
- Store in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature or heat until warm before serving.
Featured Products
Besides drizzling it over ice cream, another option for using this caramel sauce up is this to-die-for caramel frosting. Spread over a fresh apple cake, it's totally decadent and amazing!
I'd love to see how your homemade caramel sauce turns out... Tag me @Unsophisticook on Instagram or use the hashtag #Unsophisticook so I can check it out. Enjoy!
Dorothy says
How long do these jars of carmel sauce last in the refrigerator
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Dorothy! Unopened jars should keep in the fridge for about a month. If you want to store them longer, freezing them is another option.
Bonnie Lowry says
If my jars seal and I keep them in the refrigerator, how long will it be safe to eat?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Bonnie! Even though the jars may seal during the cooking process, they are not sufficiently processed for long term shelf storage. Unopened, they should keep in the fridge for about a month. Or you can press a piece of plastic wrap down on the surface, then tighten the lid back on and freeze the jars for up to a year.
Liz says
This is SO good! My pints all sealed, but I’m concerned. How long is the shelf life? Like regular canned food ? Or should I freeze the jars until I’m ready to use.
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Liz! The jars are not processed enough to be adequate for long-term storage at room temperature. Unopened jars should keep in the fridge for about a month. Or you can freeze them for up to a year. If you're freezing them, I'd recommend pressing a piece of plastic wrap down on the surface before doing so.
Ann says
When this cools, does it get chewy? I want to make turtles and didn’t know if I could use this instead of Kraft caramels.
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Ann! It’s pretty thick - spoonable when chilled or at room temp, drizzle-able when warmed. I wouldn’t say it’s same texture as Kraft caramels at room temp though. If they’re refrigerated and then pulled out to warm slightly before serving, I think it would be good though!
JAK says
I used to do the “boil in the can” thing. Scary!! This is so much easier and the result is even better.
For an easy dessert using this (you can make your caramel a day or two before and keep in fridge):
Take a Graham Cracker pie crust, layer with sliced bananas, top with your delicious caramel once at room temp, gently spread out over bananas, then the final layer of a container of whipped cream and you have the most delicious, no bake dessert ever! Make close to serving time for the best result. Refrigerate if needed until serving. Best to serve same day. So easy and so good! Might sprinkle the top with some chopped pecans and cherries for a little something extra!
*To keep the bananas fresh longer, brush with lemon juice prior to placing in pie crust.
Tara Kuczykowski says
Sounds amazing — thanks for sharing!
Ramona Davis says
I've got 4 oz jars and was wondering if I could use them for this process? Do I need to change anything?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Yes, I think those should work! They may cook a little faster, so just follow the instructions but I'd guess you should start checking on them around the 6.5-hour mark.
Karla Kahler says
Can i use 3 larger canning jars instead of 5 smaller jelly jars?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Karla! I've never tried it, but I don't think it would work unless you have a very large crockpot. The water needs to completely cover the lid, and my crockpot is definitely not deep enough to do so.
Mary says
Tara, if I put this in a slow cooker for 8 hours would it be fine for it to stay in the pot for a couple of hours while it is cooling?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Mary! Yes, leaving the jars in the pot to cool is fine.
Rita Blatt says
I’ve not tried this yet. But I had my water heating and put 2 cans of condensed milk in and covered it. Then I searched google and come across this other recipe for caramel in a crockpot, but with a water bath. So, I turned off my crockpot and decided to wait, considering the comments about doing it with the unopened cans. This water bath recipe seems easy enough. Tell me what you think of this one. https://www.babysavers.com/crockpot-caramel-recipe/
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Rita! Yes, I'd be very cautious of heating the condensed milk in unopened cans. The recipe you linked sounds good! I think the caramel/dulce de leche is delicious without all the additions, but I wouldn't mind trying this sometime. I'd probably still use the canning jar method instead of a loaf pan, though. Just because I'd be worried about condensation from the crockpot lid running into the mixture while it's cooking.
Vicky says
is there a way to make this shelf stable?
Jimmie-Fay says
Is there an alternative stove-top way to do this recipe without slow cooker? Thank you.
JF Beal
Tara Kuczykowski says
Yes, you could follow the same instructions for preparing the jars, and then place them in a stockpot or Dutch oven lined with a small dishcloth. Fill with water to 1" above the jars. Simmer on low for 2.5-3 hours, making sure to check the water level every 20 minutes or so, adding more as necessary.
Vicky says
Is there a way to process to make shelf stable?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Vicky! Unfortunately, I'm not well-versed enough in canning to give advice on how to process this to be shelf stable. However, I can tell you that they will last indefinitely in the refrigerator.
J says
@Vicky,
I just completed mine and my jars sealed with a nice ping. I did all of what she did but put mine in the slow cooker for exactly 4:15. I also added a dash of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of real vanilla extract. Perfection!
Nancy says
@J, 1/2 tsp of vanilla per jar? Or mixed in before filling jars?
Sarah says
I’m curious how long it last in refrigerator and if anyone has tried freezing it.
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Sarah! I have not tried freezing it, but it lasts for quite awhile in the fridge due to the high sugar content. (Sugar is a natural preservative.)
KBartlett says
I am double excited to try this since Carnation has come out with a already caramel flavored condensed milk!... Also they have a new chocolate condensed milk... Im going to try it with both to make some great creamy sauces!!..
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Mmmmm, yum — I'd love to hear how it turns out!
sharon sanmarco says
You wrote "fill the slow cooker up with water to about one inch about the top of the lids"...did you mean 1" ABOVE the top of the lids?
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Oops, yes — thanks for pointing that out! It's correct in the recipe instructions, but I'll fix the post.
Jessica says
Brilliant! Going to add scm to my grocery list this week. Yum!
Nansusy says
Hi, we call it Dulce de Leche and we use it as a frosting on cakes, filling for cakes, as frosting on cupcakes, on toast for breakfast, with fruit slices. You can use it on anything you would use marmalade or jam or just plain on a spoon right out of the jar...
Amber says
I have never made it with the jars but I always make it in the can in my crockpot, 8-10 hours overnight. I put it in about 10-12 pm & get it out between 8-10 in the morning. I normally leave it in the crockpot after I turn off until the water cools. It always works for me. I rarely buy name brand. I normally always buy Kroger brand & I think it tastes better than the Nestle brand (just an FYI). :) I fill the water to the top of the crockpot & cook it on low with the lid on, of course.
Augusta Latorre says
Hey Tara, I loved this! Is delicious but just for you to know this is from my country Chile and Argentina and it name is Manjar or Dulce de Leche.
Love your website.
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Thanks for the history, Augusta! I always love hearing about the heritage of my favorite foods and recipes.
Nicky says
Do you have to keep the crock pot on low? I want this for my caramel buttercream frosting tonight so I don't have 7 hours. If you can cook it on high, for how long?
Amanda Collier says
Hello, Banoffee Pie! Wish I'd have seen this post before 3/14. Pi day will never be the same (or easier).
Kate Henry says
What you are making is called Dulce de Leche. I've made it for years in my crock pot.
To the person who said it didn't work, it could be the brand of sweetened condensed milk you used. I had that happen a couple of times when I bought an unfamiliar named sweetened condensed milk at an outlet store. Because of that, I now always use Eagle Brand or Safeway's brand, which I expect is Eagle. I like my Dulce dark because I think it tastes richer.
Recently I made Dulce de Leche from scratch. I have to say that it was really good, the flavor being much more complex. But, it does take a lot of babysitting so I still mostly make my Dulce de Leche this way.
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Thanks for the info, Kate! I hadn't even thought about the brand affecting results — I always use Eagle brand, as well.
kayla says
Any ideas what the nutrition facts on this is? Does the value change after its cooked?
Tammy says
WOW....I am so doing this over the weekend! Thank you!
Micki says
Well Tara, I have to say, I'm not sure if you had a chance to try a sugar-free version of this but I hate to say I did not like this caramel. My cousin and her husband loved it but I did not. I'm not sure what it is but it tasted nothing like I was expecting. I am hoping to make some of your butter cream caramel frosting out of it and see what happens. Now I'm trying to figure out what else I can do with the other 4 jars. To all you out there who liked this I'm so glad...and I'm so sorry that my taste buds just do not..BUT...the making of it was every bit as simple as Tara said.
Alunsina Nunez says
I did this one and it turned out great!
I wonder now how I can make a salted caramel version? :P
Jessica says
Hi I want to make this for a potluck ... Do you think after I make it that I can pour the sauce in the crockpot and keep it warm rather than have individual jars? Thanks
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
I think that should work, Jessica, but it seems like it would work best if you have a smaller crockpot, like maybe one of the Little Dipper models. I just found a really nice stainless steel Little Dipper on Amazon for $9.97!
Micki says
Well Tara and everyone...I made this yesterday...put it on at 5:30 pm and took it off at 2:30 am...so I went 9 hours...the color wasn't quite right after hour 8 so I let it go an extra hour...it is delicious!! Tara it is so so simple...I will never buy another jar of caramel sauce again...I gave my cousin and her husband one of the jars this morning and she texted me later to say it was delicious...they were dipping apple slices in it. I still want to see if I can make it with the sugar free version tho. Thanks so much for the wonderful and easy peasy recipe!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Glad you all love it! I'm going to try the sugar-free version later this week, so I'll update the post then.
Stephanie says
I have tons of baby food jars, do you think I could use those instead of buying jelly jars?
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
As long as you can seal them tightly, I'd think they'd work. Because they're smaller, you may want to keep a closer eye on them as they may cook faster than the jelly jars.
Stephanie says
Thank you, I will try soon, and let you know how it went. :)
Micki says
Thank you Tara...well I'm going to try this tomorrow with the regular - I can always give the jars as gifts..please keep us updated on the sugar-free or "light" version.
Micki says
Not sure if my original post went thru so I'll try again...can I make this with the sugar-free or "light" version of the sweetened condensed milk?
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
I don't see why not, but I haven't tried it. I'll give it a shot next week and report back!
Margie says
Has anyone made this with the fat free condensed milk?
Kathy says
I accidentally bought fat free condensed milk while at the grocery store. I was worried, but it turned out great!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Great, thanks for letting us know, Kathy!
Nancy says
Are your jar lids clear, allowing you to look through the lids for doneness?
Janet says
I think the lid she's referring to is the crockpot lid, not the actual jar lids.
Nancy says
My bad! That makes sense; don't know where my mind was. Thanks.
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Ha ha, yes, you should be able to look through the crock-pot lid and see through the sides of the glass jars to check for doneness. Sorry if I confused you!
Kecia says
Can you use the caramel sauce to make caramel apples? My daughter is sensitive to food coloring so always looking for alternatives to store bought without all the coloring and preservatives in it. Thanks for posting!!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
It might be a good consistency when it's cold from the refrigerator, but I'm not sure it would stick well as it warms up. It's great for dipping, though!
DEB says
This look great, how long will it keep on the shelf, or in the refrigerator,
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
I wouldn't keep it on the shelf, Deb, but it should keep for at least two months in the refrigerator, if not longer. It's never lasted that long around here, though!
Lisa says
I think I'll try it on high since my crock pot is 13 years old, thanks!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
I've often heard people say that the new slow cookers cook differently than older models. I would just check it more frequently because it may cook faster than the times I shared. I'd love to hear your results so that other readers with older crock-pot models can learn.
Lisa says
Yes, I never opened it!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Hmm, it sounds like it just never got hot enough for some reason. Did the water come to a simmer at all? It took quite awhile, but the water should come to a very low boil by the end of the cooking timeframe.
Lisa says
This did not work for me, I don't know what I did wrong! I left it in the crock pot for almost 9 hours, even turned it up to high on the last hour, there was no color change yet. It was late so I turned it off to go to sleep. First thing in the morning the water was still very warm, and it still looked like the milk from the jar, so I turned the crock pot back on for several more hours. I finally took it out and it is just slightly darker than the original milk, nothing like the picture. I want to try it again, but do you have any tips as to what happened? I don't know if my crock pot is too old or what! Thanks!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Did you have the lid on it, Lisa? It won't get hot enough without it.
Kristen @ Joyfully Thriving says
This looks absolutely delicious! I've never analyzed the safety of making caramel in a can, so thanks for suggesting an easy way to make caramel in a jar! :-)
Rick says
While I was reading this recipe I had Ming Tsai's show on PBS and Duff Goldman was his guest. Duff was making fudge and he made caramel "in the can" to use in it. Had to laugh.
I think I'll stick to your method, though.
Rick
Mom says
When you told me yesterday that you were making caramel sauce, I had no idea how simple of a recipe this would be. I can't wait to try this! I have to go to the store today, so I will be picking up some jars. You better stop making such good recipes, you know I am on a diet and I certainly don't need caramel sauce but I will just tell myself I need to test your recipe! Love, Mom
Cathy says
I'm excited to try this! Can you tell me how I can prepare them, after cooking, so they will be able to go on the shelf? After they come out of the slow cooker, can I boil them for a few minutes to bring the temp up high enough for "canning"?
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
I'll be honest, Cathy, I don't have enough experience with canning to tell you how to make the recipe shelf stable. I'd hate for anyone to get sick. But since it has a great deal of sugar in it (which is a natural preservative), it should keep for a good long time in the refrigerator!
Cathy says
Thanks! Didn't think about the sugar being the natural preservative. Don't have that much room in our fridge but would be an EXCELLENT thing to give away or take to cookout with extra jar for hosting family (if I could get it from the clutches of my own family!). Thank you SO MUCH again. I surely do appreciate you and your blog!!
Becky Thomas says
I did something wrong as well. It darkened, so I took it out, but didn't try it until later. It wasn't creamy. I'm afraid I scorched it. It still tasted like sweetened condensed milk, but not like caramel. Ideas?