Making caramel from condensed milk is the easiest way to get the perfect caramel drizzle. This caramel drizzle takes only 10 minutes to make with sweetened condensed milk. It’s a simple treat to drizzle on apples, a Frappuccino, ice cream, or anything else.
I’m a sucker for caramel. The soft, smooth, luxurious caramel that melts in your mouth and you eat with healthy foods like apples to fool yourself into thinking you’re not eating spoonfuls of sugar. That sort. Or the caramel drizzled over a Starbucks Frappuccino?
While making caramel from sugar, butter, and heavy cream isn’t difficult, there are a lot of ways to mess it up, especially if you’re busy doing other things in the kitchen or telling your child which way a “b” goes for the umpteenth time. Caramel, in particular, burns easily. That is why a candy thermometer is always recommended.
This caramel, on the other hand, is impenetrable. It does not require a candy thermometer or any other specialized equipment. It makes the magic happen with a can of sweetened condensed milk rather than heavy cream. It’s also ready in less than 10 minutes! Last but not least, this caramel drizzle is extremely adaptable. You can use this caramel drizzle on cupcakes, cakes, apples, or to replicate the caramel drizzle from Starbucks. This is how to turn condensed milk into caramel.
Making Caramel from Condensed Milk
5 Ingredients Required
Here’s everything you need:
- condensed milk with added sugar
- brown sugar, light or dark (dark brown sugar will make the caramel slightly darker)
- unseasoned butter
- salt
- vanilla extract pure
Caramel Made with Sweetened Condensed Milk and Brown Sugar
First, bring condensed milk and brown sugar to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk constantly to keep the sugar from burning and from sticking to the bottom of the pan. When it begins to boil, reduce the heat to a low simmer for 5 minutes, whisking constantly. The caramel will gradually thicken.
Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter, salt, and pure vanilla extract until the butter is completely melted.
Drizzle over your favorite food right away, or cool and save for later (see note at bottom for storage).
Caramel Drizzle for Almost Everything
What about a caramel drizzle over apples? Latte or Frappuccino? What about some vanilla ice cream? Crisp apples? The list truly goes on and on! If you need more ideas, here are some more recipes:
An oldie but a goodie: Salted Caramel Apple Tart
In these Bacon Wrapped Dates, replace the honey with caramel.
Add a couple of Tablespoons to this Puff Pastry Apple Slab Pie to take it to the next level!
Use it to make a glaze for this delicious apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake.
What about a Caramel Frappuccino? All Recipes had tried to make a copycat recipe of the Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino that you might want to check out.
Hardening Caramel Drizzle
Because we are turning sweetened condensed milk into caramel, this caramel drizzle is a little more luxurious than your average caramel – and with the luxurious texture comes some hardening if not used right away. After about an hour of sitting out, it will become slightly harder, and even harder in the refrigerator.
But don’t worry! Simply place the caramel in a microwave-safe bowl or glass and reheat at 50% power for about a minute, or until the caramel returns to its melty goodness.
How long does homemade caramel keep in the fridge?
Caramel will keep in the fridge for 5-7 days.
Caramel Drizzle Made Simple with Sweetened Condensed Milk
This caramel drizzle takes only 10 minutes to make with sweetened condensed milk. It’s a simple treat that can be drizzled on apples, ice cream, and so much more.
Ingredients
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- 1 cup brown sugar, light or dark
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, pure
Instructions
Bring condensed milk and brown sugar to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, whisking constantly. Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for 5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens. Continue to constantly whisk.
Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the butter, salt, and pure vanilla extract*.