Ingredients:
1 (14-ounce) can of sweetened condensed milk
Directions:
Remove the label from the unopened can of sweetened condensed milk, ensuring no paper remnants remain. Keep the can intact for the slow cooker.
Place the can on its side in the slow cooker, accommodating multiple cans for larger batches.
Fill the slow cooker with water, submerging the cans by at least 2 inches to prevent pressure-related can explosions.
Set the slow cooker to 'Low' and let it gently simmer for 8 hours. Carefully retrieve the can with tongs—it will be hot.
Allow the can to cool completely before opening, unveiling the magically thickened, spoonable caramel.
Once cooled, open the can to reveal a golden treasure: your homemade caramel, ready to embellish any dessert or be savored by the spoonful.
Variations & Tips:
For a lighter caramel, reduce the cooking time to around 6 hours.
Never open the can while hot, as the contents can be dangerous and cause burns.
Prepare a batch in advance by cooking several cans and storing them unopened in the pantry—they keep well.
For a twist, add a pinch of sea salt or half a teaspoon of vanilla extract after the caramel has cooled.
Bonus Tip:
Adventure seekers with a pressure cooker can expedite the process to approximately 40 minutes using the pressure cooking setting. Always refer to the pressure cooker manual for safety instructions!
