Craving a sweet and creamy treat? Look no further than caramel in a can, also known as dulce de leche. This delectable confection, with its rich flavor and smooth texture, is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of desserts and beverages. Whether you enjoy it as a simple spread on toast, incorporate it into your favorite cakes and cookies, or use it as a topping for ice cream and pancakes, caramel in a can is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
DULCE DE LECHE
There are several ways to make this sweet, caramel spread. Some traditionalists favor boiling an unopened can of sweetened condensed milk on the stovetop. If you go this route, make sure there is always enough water circulating around the can. Others prefer the ease of the oven method, which is slightly faster, too.
Provided by Food Network
Categories dessert
Time 4h5m
Yield about 1 1/4 cups
Number Of Ingredients 1
Steps:
- For the stovetop method: Remove the label from the can of sweetened condensed milk. Place 3 to 4 forks upside down on the bottom of a large 6- to 8-quart pot. Place the unopened can on top of the forks and cover with water by a few inches. (The forks help to prevent a vacuum between the bottom of the can and the pot.) Place the pot over high heat until it reaches a simmer, then lower the heat to medium-low or low to maintain a steady simmer for about 3 hours. Add more water to the pot if necessary to ensure that the can is submerged at all times. Let the can cool to room temperature in the water before removing. Open the can and scoop out the contents. The dulce de leche should be dark and caramelized.
- For the oven method: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Place a shallow baking dish in a roasting pan. Pour the sweetened condensed milk into the baking dish and cover the dish with foil. Transfer the roasting pan to the oven and add enough hot water to reach halfway up the sides of the baking dish. Bake until the dulce de leche is dark and caramelized, 60 to 75 minutes, checking the water level occasionally and adding more if needed. Let cool, then whisk until smooth.
- Transfer the dulce de leche to an airtight container, put plastic wrap directly on the surface and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
CARAMEL IN A CAN (DULCE DE LECHE)
Steps:
- Remove label from the can of condensed milk. Place unopened can in a 3 1/2- to 4 1/2-quart slow cooker. Pour water into the slow cooker until the can is completely covered with water. Put lid on the slow cooker.
- Cook on High for 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours, making sure the can is always covered with water. Remove hot can with tongs; allow to cool until safe to handle, at least 25 minutes. Open can and pour contents into a lidded bowl. Stir in vanilla extract.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 210.8 calories, Carbohydrate 35.6 g, Cholesterol 22.2 mg, Fat 5.7 g, Protein 5.2 g, SaturatedFat 3.6 g, Sodium 83 mg, Sugar 35.6 g
INSTANT POT DULCE DE LECHE (HOMEMADE CARAMEL)
Number Of Ingredients 2
Steps:
- Remove the label and lid from the can of condensed milk and securely cover the top of the can with foil (you ABSOLUTELY MUST remove the lid from the can which is why we place foil over it once the lid is removed - it is super dangerous to cook a can with its lid still sealed on)
- Add the trivet to the Instant Pot, place the foil-wrapped can of condensed milk on top and pour in enough water (NOT directly on top of the can, but on the sides) so that the can is submerged in the water halfway up (about 8-9 cups worth of water in a 6qt). Note: You can totally do more than one can at once and fit in 2 or 3. The cooking time below will remain the same.
- Secure the lid, hit "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" High Pressure for 40 minutes. Quick release when done, carefully remove the can from the pot (it will be hot), rest on the countertop, remove the foil and let cool for 20 minutes. You'll see it will have transformed from ordinary condensed milk into a beautiful caramel/dulce de leche!
- After 20 minutes have passed, add in the vanilla extract right in the can and stir well for about 2 minutes until it goes from a lumpy consistency to a creamy one (the can may still be hot so just hold it with a dish towel while stirring with the other hand)
- Enjoy!
Tips:
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot or saucepan to prevent the mixture from scorching.
- Stir the mixture constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot or saucepan.
- Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature of the mixture. The mixture is ready when it reaches 245°F (118°C).
- Be careful not to overcook the mixture, as this will make it grainy.
- Once the mixture is ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before transferring it to a jar or container.
- Dulce de leche can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Conclusion:
Dulce de leche is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of desserts and dishes. It can be enjoyed on its own, spread on bread or crackers, or used as a filling for cakes, pies, and pastries. With its rich, creamy flavor and smooth texture, dulce de leche is sure to please everyone. So next time you're looking for a sweet treat, give dulce de leche a try. You won't be disappointed!
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