Ella Walter
Cooking sweetened condensed milk in a crock pot is a great way to make a delicious, thick caramel spread. This process, also known as making dulce de leche, involves heating sealed cans of condensed milk in a slow cooker for several hours. The result is a sweet, caramelized treat that can be used in various desserts and recipes. While it is important to exercise caution when handling the hot cans, this method is relatively simple and allows you to create a versatile ingredient for your culinary creations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of milk | 2% milk, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, condensed coconut milk, almond milk |
| Sweetener | Granulated sugar (white, brown), honey, maple syrup |
| Stove-top cooking time | 2.5-3 hours |
| Slow cooker cooking time | 8-10 hours |
| Slow cooker temperature | High |
| Slow cooker water level | 2 inches or 5 cm above the can |
| Slow cooker position | On its side |
| Cooling time | 10 minutes to 12 hours |
| Refrigeration time | Up to 1 month |
| Freezer time | 1 to 2 months |
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What You'll Learn
How to make condensed milk in a crock pot
To make condensed milk in a crock pot, you will need the following ingredients:
- Milk (some recipes specify 2% milk, while others suggest coconut milk or almond milk)
- A sweetener (recipes vary, with some using white or brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, or no added sugar at all)
First, add 14 ounces of water to your crock pot. Make a note of the water level, as this is where the milk level will be once your sweetened condensed milk is ready. Discard the water.
Next, combine all ingredients in the crock pot. If you are using sugar, cook on high until the sugar is melted. If you are using another sweetener, simply set the crock pot to high and let the milk cook down, uncovered.
Once the sweetener is melted (if using), reduce the heat to warm and take the lid off, or turn it sideways so that it's only half off. Cook for four hours, or however long it takes to reduce by half (or more if a thicker consistency is desired).
If you are not using the condensed milk right away, pour it into canning jars and seal, keeping it in the refrigerator, or measure out servings and freeze in ziploc bags.
Tips
- If you don't have a crock pot, you can make condensed milk in a saucepan on the stove.
- Be very careful when making dulce de leche by cooking a sealed can of condensed milk. The boiling point of condensed milk is higher than water, and the contents inside the can will never exceed 100° Celsius because that's the temperature of boiling water at sea level. However, the pressure inside the can can exceed the pressure of the environment around it if it's not covered by water the whole time it's cooking. Always make sure the can is fully submerged, and let it cool down completely before opening it.
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How to make dulce de leche in a crock pot
Making dulce de leche in a crock pot is a straightforward process, but it does take a long time. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make it:
First, you need to use sweetened condensed milk. If you want to make your own condensed milk, you can do so by combining milk with a sweetener such as sugar, honey, or maple syrup in your crock pot and cooking on high until the sweetener is melted. However, this will take several hours, and you will then need to leave the condensed milk to cool before using it to make dulce de leche.
To make dulce de leche, start by removing the labels from two cans of sweetened condensed milk. Do not open the cans. Check the cans for any dents or damage, as this may cause issues during cooking. Place the sealed cans in your crock pot or slow cooker, ensuring they are fully submerged in water. If your crock pot has a low/high option, choose the high setting. Cook the cans on high for 8 hours, ensuring they remain covered by water at all times. If you want a darker caramel, you can cook for a further 2 hours.
Once the cooking time is complete, turn off the slow cooker and let the cans cool down completely in the water before removing and opening them. This may take several hours, and you can speed up the process by submerging the cans in cold water. Be very careful when opening the cans, as the contents may burst out if they are not fully cooled.
Your dulce de leche will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for 1 to 2 months. It can be used as a spread, dip, or topping, and can be drizzled over cakes, cupcakes, muffins, or toast. Enjoy!
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How to make caramel in a crock pot
Making caramel in a crock pot is a simple process, but it does take a long time. This method is also known as making slow cooker caramel or crock pot caramel. It involves heating sweetened condensed milk very slowly over several hours to make a thick, spreadable caramel.
Ingredients
You will need two cans of sweetened condensed milk (395g / 14 oz each). You can also make your own condensed milk using a recipe that includes milk and a sweetener such as sugar, honey, or maple syrup.
Method
First, peel off the labels from the cans of condensed milk but do not open the cans. Place the sealed cans in your crock pot and fill it with water until the cans are fully submerged. The water level should be about 5 cm / 2 inches above the cans.
Then, put the lid on the crock pot and cook the condensed milk for 8 hours on low. If you want a darker caramel, you can cook it for up to 10 hours. The longer you cook it, the thicker it will be.
After cooking, turn off the crock pot and let the cans cool down completely in the water before removing and opening them. This can take a few hours or even up to 12 hours. You can speed up the process by submerging the cans in cold water. Be very careful when opening the cans, as the contents might burst out if they are not completely cool.
Once your caramel is ready, you can use it as a spread, dip, or topping. It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month or in the freezer for 1 to 2 months.
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Crock pot temperature and time settings for cooking condensed milk
When making condensed milk in a crock pot, the temperature and timing settings depend on the type of condensed milk you want to make. For instance, to make condensed milk, you can set the crock pot to high and let the milk cook uncovered for 8 to 10 hours. However, if you want to make dulce de leche, a form of caramelized condensed milk, the cooking time will be different.
To make dulce de leche in a crock pot, you should first fill the crock pot with water. Then, place the sealed cans of sweetened condensed milk into the crock pot, ensuring that they are fully submerged in the water. Some recipes recommend cooking the cans on low for 8 hours, while others suggest cooking on high for the same duration. After cooking, let the cans cool down completely before opening them. This process will result in a medium level of caramelization, suitable for dips, spreads, and toppings.
If you prefer a deeper caramelization, you can cook the cans for an additional 1 to 2 hours. This longer cooking time will produce a dulce de leche with a darker colour and a more intense flavour. It will be suitable for filling cupcakes or fruit dips. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter caramelization, you can cook the cans for a shorter period, around 4 to 6 hours. At this stage, the dulce de leche will still be fluid and pourable, with a very light caramel flavour.
It is important to note that the crock pot method for making condensed milk or dulce de leche takes a long time compared to other methods such as using a pressure cooker, stovetop, or oven. Additionally, the crock pot should not be left unattended, as the water level needs to be monitored to ensure the cans remain submerged at all times.
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Safety tips for cooking condensed milk in a crock pot
Cooking condensed milk in a crock pot is a popular method for making dulce de leche or caramel sauce. However, it's important to follow safety precautions to avoid any accidents or injuries. Here are some detailed safety tips for cooking condensed milk in a crock pot:
Inspect the Can:
Before placing the can of condensed milk in the crock pot, inspect it thoroughly. Ensure there are no dents, damages, or signs of previous use. This is crucial because any imperfections on the can may affect its integrity during the cooking process.
Use Sweetened Condensed Milk:
Make sure to use sweetened condensed milk and not evaporated milk. Evaporated milk will not work for this recipe and may not yield the desired results.
Submerge the Can Completely:
Always ensure that the can is fully submerged in water during the entire cooking process. The water level should be about 5 cm (2 inches) above the can. This is important because the water helps regulate the temperature and prevents the can from reaching a higher temperature than the boiling point of water, reducing the risk of explosion.
Avoid Boiling Water:
When filling the crock pot with water, use tap water or water at room temperature. Do not use boiling water as it can crack your crock pot bowl.
Slow Cooker Settings:
If your crock pot has a low/high option, choose the high setting. This will ensure that the condensed milk cooks effectively.
Do Not Open the Can While Hot:
Once the cooking time is complete, turn off the slow cooker. Do not open the can while it is still hot. Allow it to cool down completely in the water before removing it from the crock pot. Submerging the can in cold water can help speed up the cooling process.
Be Cautious of Pressure:
Remember that the caramelized condensed milk is under pressure inside the can. Avoid knocking, shaking, or jostling the can while it is hot. This could cause the hot caramel to burst out, potentially leading to burns or other injuries.
Store Properly:
After opening the can, transfer the dulce de leche into jars or airtight containers for storage. Do not leave it in the can. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer for one to two months.
Cooking condensed milk in a crock pot can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it's important to prioritize safety at all times. By following these tips, you can minimize risks and enjoy your delicious homemade dulce de leche or caramel sauce.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 8 and 10 hours to cook sweetened condensed milk in a crock pot.
The crock pot should be set to high.
Allow the condensed milk to cool for at least 30 minutes before opening the can. You can place the can in cold water to speed up the cooling process.
Crock pot condensed milk will last up to 3 months in an unopened can stored in a pantry. Once opened, it will last up to 3 days stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Yes, you can make dulce de leche in a crock pot by cooking a can of sweetened condensed milk for 8 hours.
