Caramel is one of the most popular sweet treats in the world. It can be found in sweetened milk products such as milk chocolate bars and caramel ice cream, among other delightful desserts. But how does condensed milk turn into caramel?
This blog post will teach you how to make condensed milk into caramel, step by step. By following these easy steps, you’ll be able to create a delicious caramel that tastes just like the store-bought variety. So what are you waiting for? Get started!
What is Condensed Milk
If you’re looking for a sweet treat that won’t break the bank, condensed milk is the answer.
The terms “condensed milk” and “sweetened condensed milk” are sometimes used interchangeably because condensed milk is simply evaporated milk that normally has sugar added. Condensed milk is exceedingly sweet and includes between 40 and 45 percent sugar; sugar is added before canning.
Around the world, condensed milk is a common ingredient in cooking. In Asia, it’s used to sweeten beverages like Thai Iced Tea (shown above), or snacks like this Hong Kong-Style Condensed Milk Toast; in Latin America, it’s a key ingredient in confections like Tres Leches Cake; and in Europe and the United States, it’s used to make fudge and no-churn ice cream.
The thick, creamy, and caramel-colored liquid gives all kinds of pastries sweetness and richness without adding the moisture that regular milk does. Consider cake batter, bars, milkshakes, pie filling, and candy.
Nutrients
The sugar content in sweetened condensed milk is high. However, since it is derived from cow’s milk, it also includes a variety of vitamins and minerals, as well as some protein and fat.
It contains a lot of calories; just 2 tablespoons (1 ounce or 30 ml) of sweetened condensed milk supplies the following:
- 90 calories
- 15.2 grams of carbs
- 2.4 grams of fat
- 2.2 grams of protein
- 8% of the daily value for calcium (DV)
- 10% of the Reference Daily Intake for Phosphorus (RDI)
- 7% of the RDI for selenium
- 7% of the RDI for riboflavin (B2)
- 4% of the RDI for vitamin B12
- 4% of the RDI for choline
Condensed Milk to Caramel Recipes
14 fluid ounces make up a typical can of sweetened condensed milk. Although many recipes call for a full can, if there are any leftovers, you may transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to a month.
Pour some over warm cobbler, stir some into a cup of tea or coffee, or add some to milkshakes for an added burst of creamy sweetness. For a one-ingredient caramel sauce that tastes great drizzled on ice cream or dolloped onto pound cake, you can also heat and slightly decrease the mixture.
Magic Bars
These appropriately called magic bars are evidence that a can of condensed milk can elevate sweet delicacies to a higher level of specialness. They come together in about 15 minutes, and the bottom layer is made of a delectable, ooey-gooey mixture of graham cracker crumbs and sweetened condensed milk.
No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream
You can make this super-creamy ice cream without any extra tools thanks to a can of sweetened condensed milk. Although it makes for a rich scoop on its own, it also lends itself to a variety of additions, such as fruit or candy.
Coquito
This Christmastime staple from Puerto Rico is similar to eggnog with a touch of coconut and tropical flavor. To produce its rich, creamy texture, it uses both evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk.
Caramel sauces for topping desserts
This recipe cooks sweetened condensed milk till it turns into a decadently rich caramel sauce.
One of the most commonly used condiments for flavoring food is caramel. Hard candies were initially made with caramel in the early days. Typically, it has a creamy, delicious, liquidy texture. Caramel can be used in a variety of ways, such as a topping, filling, dessert, and pudding.
Caramel is most frequently consumed in the form of chocolate and ice cream. Two common varieties of caramel are dry caramel and moist caramel. The consumption of salted caramel has increased recently all around the world. Salted caramel, as the name suggests, combines the benefits of both caramel and salt.
How to Make Caramel from Condensed Milk
Caramel is a popular sweet treat that can be made from just one simple and easy-to-find ingredient – condensed milk. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to make caramel from condensed milk, and be able to enjoy its complex and delicious flavor profile.
Ingredients
Caramel is a versatile sweetener that can be used in many recipes. Here’s one recipe for homemade caramel sauce: Ingredients:
- One sweetened condensed milk can (regular or low-fat)
- optional apples for dipping
Instructions
- Set the oven to 425 °F.
- A casserole dish or pie plate should be filled with one can of sweetened condensed milk. Wrap with foil.
- Put in a bigger pan and add 34″ of water. (While baking, add water as needed)
- Bake the condensed milk for 60 to 90 minutes, or until it turns golden brown.
- Complete cooling.
Notes
You can either use the caramel that hasn’t formed a thin crust on top or blend it for a minute in an immersion blender to incorporate it.
The nutritional data given is an approximation and will change depending on the cooking techniques and ingredient brands utilized.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 158
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 16mg
- Sodium: 62mg
- Potassium: 183mg
- Sugar: 26g
- Vitamin A: 130IU
- Vitamin C: 1.3mg
- Calcium: 141mg
- Iron: 0.1mg
Making Caramel from Condensed Milk on a Stove
Using your stove, you have two ways to make caramel from condensed milk.
Cooktop – Several Ingredients
The stovetop is the easiest way to satisfy your craving for caramel. Yes, a few additional ingredients are needed for this procedure.
However, it’s not always a terrible thing. Who doesn’t desire more flavor when there are more ingredients involved?
You’ll Need:
- 14-ounce can of condensed milk with sugar
- Brown sugar, 1 cup
- Butter, two tablespoons
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon
How-To Guide:
- Then, continuously stir as you heat the milk and brown sugar to a boil.
- Lower the heat, then simmer for about five minutes.
- After the sauce has thickened, turn off the stove.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and stir.
- As it cools, this recipe will get harder. Simply reheat it for 30 seconds in the microwave to make it soft again.
- Use within seven days of preparation and keep in an airtight jar.
Unopened Can on the Stovetop
This one is for you if you favor “traditional” and “tried-and-true” techniques.
You may make the caramel by adding a whole, unopened can of sweetened condensed milk to a pot of boiling water.
Do the following only:
- First, take the label off the milk can.
- Boil some water in a pot. Ensure there is enough water to completely cover the can.
- Carefully lower the pan into the simmering water, making sure it is completely submerged.
- Three hours of boiling the can. If extra water is required, add it.
- Carefully remove from the boiling water after three hours.
- Let it cool completely before consuming.
How Does Condensed Milk Become Caramel
Making caramel is a process that many people are familiar with, but don’t know how it actually works.
Typically, condensed milk is heated until the sugar inside turns brown in order to transform it into caramel. Since sweetened condensed milk contains more sugar than plain milk, it is the best ingredient to use for caramelizing food.
Despite the fact that dulce de leche and caramel are not the same, dulce de leche is frequently used interchangeably with caramel in recipes. You can follow suit.
Can You Safely Boil Condensed Milk
Condensed milk can be safely boiled, but only if done properly. A can of condensed milk can be boiled by putting it in a kettle with water. Condensed milk can explode. This can be avoided by following all safety precautions.
To safely boil condensed milk, you must follow these steps:
- Put the can entirely under a pot of boiling water.
- Always take the can’s label off.
- Use solid-lipped cans only; never use pop-off lids.
- To turn the can halfway, use tongs.
- Make sure the can is immersed in water throughout the entire boiling process.
- To create the perfect caramel, you’ll need to boil the can for three hours, which means you’ll need to keep adding water to keep it completely submerged.
- Always wait until the can has cooled before opening it.
Note: Only boil a condensed milk can if you can continuously monitor the water level and wait until the can is completely cooled before opening it. If you don’t do this, the can might explode, injuring others.
Why Don’t Condensed Milk Cans Explode When They’re Boiling
Because water boils at a lower temperature than condensed milk does, cans of condensed milk do not blow up when they are boiled. The water around the can will never get hot enough to cause the condensed milk to boil, expand, and explode as long as it is kept submerged in water.
In the absence of water, the can absorbs heat from the pot’s bottom and may become hotter than the liquid that is still within the pot. The can might blow up and explode as a result of this.
The Advantages Of Condensed Milk For Health
Condensed milk contains a lot of calories, therefore persons who are watching their weight may be reluctant to consume it frequently. That does not, however, take away from some of its potential advantages when used moderately.
Full of Calcium
Your muscles, bones, and teeth all benefit from calcium, which is necessary for their continued and improved health. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends individuals consume 1300 mg of calcium on a daily average basis (RDA). Nearly 20% of the daily average is provided by a serving of 100g condensed milk.
Ideal for Weight Gain
A diet high in calories and high in protein can help underweight people gain weight in a healthy way. According to research, this diet may contribute to a higher overall body-mass index.
Condensed milk can help you gain weight gradually because it has 321 calories and 7.91g of protein per 100g, making it a healthy addition to your diet.
Possesses Potential Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Aging Effects
In addition to having a high protein content, sweetened condensed milk also has traces of the anti-inflammatory vitamin riboflavin. By lowering the oxidative stress brought on by free radicals, riboflavin may also aid in minimizing the indications of aging.
Potential Downsides Of Consuming Condensed Milk
While drinking condensed milk has some positive health effects, it also has some drawbacks.
Not the Best for Losing Weight
There are 321 calories in 100g of condensed milk, which is a lot. Condensed milk must not be a part of your diet if you want to slim down or keep up a diet low in calories.
Not Ideal For People With Diabetes And Heart Issues
In addition to having a lot of calories, sweetened condensed milk has a lot of saturated fat, which is bad for persons with diabetes and heart problems. According to studies, a diet high in saturated fats can raise insulin and LDL cholesterol levels.
Cardiovascular problems are more likely when LDL cholesterol is high. Additionally, it can worsen insulin resistance, which prevents your body from metabolizing the sugar that causes type 2 diabetes.
Not Ideal For Those With Lactose Intolerance
As a dairy product, sweetened condensed milk should be avoided if you have a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance.
Now that you are aware of the advantages and disadvantages of drinking sweetened condensed milk, let’s explore how you may incorporate it into your diet.
Conclusion
You’ve mastered the art of caramelizing from condensed milk, and now it’s time to learn how to make caramel from dulce de leche. Dulce de leche is a caramel made from milk that has been sweetened and thickened with milk cream.
While sweetened condensed milk has some health benefits, it should not be part of your diet if you want to lose weight or keep up a low-calorie diet. It is also not recommended for people with diabetes or heart issues. Lastly, avoid sweetened condensed milk if you have dairy allergies or lactose intolerance.
Enjoy your caramel!