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Home >> Food >> Desserts >> Crockpot Caramel Recipe

Crockpot Caramel Recipe

Published: Sep 7, 2015 · Modified: Nov 1, 2021 by Stefanie Fauquet · This post may contain affiliate links · 15 Comments

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I suppose the title of the post— Crockpot Caramel — is slightly misleading as this recipe is actually for Crockpot Dulce de Leche — a creamy sugar and milk-based confection that's very similar to caramel.

And if I'm completely honest, dulce de leche is a lot more decadent because milk is used instead of water (the way caramel is typically made).

You can use dulce de leche the same way as caramel, in a recipe, as a topping, sauce or dip.

crockpot caramel

Crockpot Caramel

The greatest thing about this dulce de leche/caramel recipe is that it's as easy as putting a couple of cans of sweetened condensed milk into the Crockpot ... you don't even open them until the heating process is finished! How easy is that!?

With fall just around the corner, and apple recipes calling for caramel, this method is an easy substitute for a delicious and creamy caramelized milk dip or topping.

Crockpot Caramel Recipe

Crockpot Caramel Ingredients:

  • 2-4 cans sweetened condensed milk depending on the size of crockpot
  • Optional: canning jars with lids and rings

How to Make Caramel in a Crockpot

  1. Place cans of unopened sweetened condensed milk into the crockpot and fill with water, as full as possible, so the cans are completely submerged. It’s very important that no part of the can should be out of the water during the cooking process.
  2. Cook on low for 8 hours. You may need to refill water if necessary.
  3. Allow dulce de leche to cool on the counter until it reaches room temperature before opening.
  4. Optional if using canning jars: Divide the sweetened condensed milk from cans into small canning jars. Close with lids and rings. Follow the same steps above.

Tip: Store dulce de leche in the refrigerator. It’s a fantastic dip for apples, including these fried apple rings, or as a topping for ice cream!

crockpot caramel recipe

5 from 1 vote
1-ingredient crock pot caramel recipe
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1-Ingredient Crock Pot Caramel Recipe
Author: Stefanie Fauquet
Ingredients
  • 2-4 cans sweetened condensed milk depending on size of crock pot
  • Optional: canning jars with lids and rings
Instructions
  1. Place cans of unopened sweetened condensed milk into crock pot and fill with water, as full as possible, so the cans are completely submerged in the water. It’s very important that no part of the can should be out of the water during the cooking process. 

  2. Cook on low for 8 hours. You may need to refill water if necessary.
  3. Allow dulce de leche to cool on the counter until it reaches room temperature before opening.
  4. Optional if using canning jars: Divide the sweetened condensed milk from cans into small canning jars. Close with lids and rings. Follow the same steps.

 

Want to Make Crockpot Caramel? You might find these useful:

La Lechera Sweetened Condensed Milk (Pack of 6)La Lechera Sweetened Condensed Milk (Pack of 6)Carnation Sweetened Condensed Milk, 14 OunceCarnation Sweetened Condensed Milk, 14 OunceOutside the Box Papers Stripe and Polka Dot Candy Dipping Cups 48 PackOutside the Box Papers Stripe and Polka Dot Candy Dipping Cups 48 PackPerfect Stix Wooden Candy Apple Skewer StickSemi Pointed (Pack of 100)Perfect Stix Wooden Candy Apple Skewer StickSemi Pointed (Pack of 100)

More Delicious Fall Dessert Recipes:

  • Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes
  • Candy Corn Magic Bars
  • Turkey Oreo Truffles
  • Pumpkin Banana Chocolate Chip Bread
  • Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins
  • Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cookies
  • Mini Apple Cheesecakes
  • Blueberry Bread
  • Pumpkin Spice Fried Apple Rings
  • Mini Apple Dumplings
  • Mini Muffin Tin Apple Pie Bites
« Game Day Essentials
Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt Dipped Chocolate Chip Cookies »
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Comments

  1. Ida Dohoney

    September 21, 2015 at 7:39 pm

    I have always wanted to make caramel and have seen it baked, but is this not thick enough for caramel apples or to make your own caramel candies.

    Reply
  2. Suzi F

    September 22, 2015 at 12:52 pm

    One can of this mixed with homemade whipped cream makes a delicious dip for apples!

    Reply
  3. bobi

    June 03, 2016 at 12:12 am

    How long can I store an unopened can of cooked caramel sauce unrefrigerated?

    How long will it last in my frig once opened?

    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Ina

      September 23, 2017 at 2:21 pm

      I always put the condensed milk in glass jars with the lids on and onder water and then in the slowcooker 8 hours high. You can store it a few months.

      Reply
      • Shanna

        November 12, 2018 at 11:27 pm

        5 stars
        Do you have to refrigerate?

        Reply
  4. Anna

    October 11, 2016 at 10:42 am

    This is what I use for a Carmel Tart with a baked pie crust. Make sure to add fresh whipped cream on top! Also, this is the perfect filling for turtle brownies!

    Reply
    • Jackie

      January 14, 2017 at 8:27 pm

      Pour the caramel over sliced bananas and you have Banoffee Pie. It is truly delicious and beyond simple to make.

      Reply
  5. Casey Bares

    September 10, 2017 at 1:48 pm

    Do you have to store it in the refrigerator if you don't open them??

    Reply
  6. Crystal

    December 10, 2017 at 10:38 pm

    Mine came out nowhere near as dark as the picture 🙁 I have it in canning jars now, I wonder if I can cook it longer in the crockpot to get it darker.

    Reply
    • C stover

      April 03, 2018 at 9:37 pm

      I also had the same problem- it did not darken at all!

      Reply
  7. Jessyca

    February 15, 2018 at 8:37 pm

    What tep is it cooked at

    Reply
  8. Holly L Morgan

    October 11, 2018 at 9:34 pm

    Will this harden enough to use on caramel apples?

    Reply
  9. Rebecca

    July 17, 2019 at 12:02 pm

    I made this to top my homemade vanilla bean ice cream. This is the best trick I’ve learned in a long time. I’ve seized up my fair share of caramel in my day and this was so easy. I’ll never make it on the stove again. Mine came out a nice medium color and I bet if I cooked it longer a richer color could be achieved.

    Reply

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