How to Make Caramel from Condensed Milk on the Stove

Caramel is a delicious and versatile dessert topping that can transform any dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Most people buy caramel sauce from their local grocery store but did you know that you can easily make your own caramel sauce at home using condensed milk and a stove? In this article, we’ll show you how to make your own caramel sauce from condensed milk in relaxed English language.

Making caramel from condensed milk on the stove is a simple process that only requires three main ingredients: condensed milk, butter, and sugar. With just these three ingredients, you can create a creamy, rich, and sweet caramel that’s perfect for drizzling over desserts, dipping fruit into, or adding to your coffee or tea. It’s a great way to add a little something extra to your everyday meals while also satisfying your sweet tooth. So, let’s get started on how to make the perfect caramel sauce at home.

10 Steps to Make Caramel from Condensed Milk on the Stove

Step 1: Preparation is Key

Before you start making caramel from condensed milk on the stove, you need to gather all the ingredients. You will need one can of sweetened condensed milk, a heavy-bottomed saucepan, a wooden spoon or a silicone spatula, and water. Once you have all these items, you can start preparing for the next step.

Step 2: Choose the Right Saucepan

The type of saucepan you use for making caramel from condensed milk on the stove is crucial. The best option is to use a heavy-bottomed pan with a large surface area. This will ensure that the heat is distributed evenly, and the caramel doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

Step 3: Open the Condensed Milk Can

Once you have your saucepan ready, open the can of sweetened condensed milk and pour it into the pan. Make sure to scrape all the condensed milk from the can into the saucepan.

Step 4: Add Water to the Saucepan

Next, add water to the saucepan. The ratio of water to condensed milk should be 1:1.5. For example, if you used one can of condensed milk, you should add one and a half cans of water to the pan.

Step 5: Mix the Ingredients

Using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, mix the condensed milk and water until they are well combined. Make sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the pan to ensure everything is mixed well.

Step 6: Cook Over Medium Heat

Now it’s time to start cooking the mixture over medium heat. Keep stirring the mixture slowly and continuously to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Step 7: Reduce the Heat

After about 10-15 minutes of cooking, you’ll notice that the mixture starts to thicken and turn a light caramel color. Reduce the heat to low heat to prevent burning and keep stirring.

Step 8: Cook Until Caramelized

Continue cooking the mixture for another 15-20 minutes over low heat, stirring regularly until the mixture thickens and turns into a rich, dark caramel color.

Step 9: Remove from Heat

Once the caramel has reached your desired color and consistency, remove the pan from the stove. Be careful as the mixture is extremely hot.

Step 10: Let it Cool

Allow the caramel to cool for a few minutes before using it to avoid any burns. And that’s it! You have successfully made caramel from condensed milk on the stove. Enjoy your homemade caramel sauce on ice cream, cakes, or drizzle over your favorite desserts for a delicious treat.

Advantages of Making Caramel from Condensed Milk on the Stove

Making caramel from condensed milk on the stove may seem like a daunting task, but it is actually a quick and easy way to create a delectable topping or filling for cakes, cupcakes, ice cream or even desserts. Moreover, this method has several advantages over other methods:

1. Cost-Effective: Making caramel from condensed milk is cheaper than purchasing caramel candy or sauce from the store. This is because a single can of condensed milk can produce a batch of caramel that can be used for several desserts, and it is relatively cheaper than purchasing multiple pre-packaged caramel containers.
2. Quick and Easy: Preparing caramel from condensed milk on the stove takes only 1-2 hours unlike the traditional method of preparing caramel which may take up to 3 hours in the oven. Therefore, making caramel on the stove is also a faster option for those who have a busy lifestyle.
3. Taste and Texture: Caramel prepared from condensed milk on the stove has a smooth and creamy texture, compared to the traditional caramel which can be hard, chewy, or even brittle if not cooked with precision. Moreover, the caramel has a rich and distinctive flavor that complements sweet and savory dishes alike.
4. Flexibility: The stove method for preparing caramel is versatile- it can be used for many different types of desserts, including cakes, brownies, cookies, pies, puddings, and more. It can also be flavored with different ingredients such as vanilla, cocoa powder, honey, or even rum to add complexity to its taste.
5. No Special Equipment Required: To prepare caramel on the stove, all you need is a stove pot, a spatula, and a can of condensed milk. You don’t need any special equipment such as a candy thermometer, a whisk, or a baking pan, which makes the process simple, effortless and cheaper.
6. Longer Shelf Life: Caramel prepared on the stove has a longer shelf life than one prepared on the oven. You can store it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 1 month. This makes it a handy ingredient to keep on hand for impromptu baking or last-minute desserts.
7. A Unique Homemade Treat: Making caramel from condensed milk on the stove is an accomplishment to take pride in. This method provides you with a mouthwatering topping or filling for any dessert, while also giving you the satisfaction of preparing it from scratch. It’s a great way to show off your culinary skills to family and friends and make them wonder how you achieved such a delectable creation!

Now that you have learned the advantages of this method, let’s dive into the steps to make caramel from condensed milk on the stove.

Preparation and Process of Making Caramel from Condensed Milk on the Stove

Now, let’s dive into the preparation and process of making caramel from condensed milk on the stove. In this section, we will break down the steps to make the perfect caramel with ease.

Ingredients and Utensils

Before proceeding with the process, gather all the necessary ingredients and utensils that you will need. Below are the lists of ingredients and utensils needed to make the caramel from condensed milk.

The Process

Now that we have gathered all the necessary items, let’s proceed with the process of making the caramel from condensed milk on the stove.

1. Start by opening the can of condensed milk and pouring it into a saucepan.

2. Add enough water to cover the condensed milk by an inch or two.

3. Place the saucepan over low to medium heat and stir the mixture continuously to prevent it from sticking to the pan.

4. As the mixture heats up, it will begin to thicken, and you will notice that it starts to turn a light brown color.

5. Continue to stir the mixture until it reaches the desired caramel color and consistency.

6. If you are using a thermometer, the caramel should reach a temperature of around 230°F to 240°F.

7. Once you have achieved the desired color and consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat and add a few drops of vanilla extract if you prefer.

8. Give the mixture a final stir and let it cool down before pouring it over your favorite dessert.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks that will come in handy while making caramel from condensed milk on the stove.

– When turning the condensed milk into caramel, use a low to medium heat. Do not try to speed up the process by using a high heat as this may burn the mixture, resulting in a bitter and unpleasant taste.

– Stir the mixture constantly to prevent it from sticking to the pan and burning.

– Be patient. This process takes time and requires constant attention.

– If you are using a thermometer, make sure to keep checking the temperature to ensure that it doesn’t exceed the recommended range.

Caramel Variations

Lastly, there are different ways to make caramel from condensed milk on the stove, and there are also variations that you can try. Below are some variations that you can experiment with.

– Chocolate Caramel: Add cocoa powder or melted dark chocolate to the caramel mixture for a rich and flavorful twist.

– Salted Caramel: Add a pinch of salt to the caramel mixture to enhance the flavor.

– Caramel Sauce: If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more water to the caramel mixture to make a sauce that you can drizzle over your desserts.

– Spiced Caramel: Add spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the caramel mixture for a warm and cozy flavor.

In conclusion, making caramel from condensed milk on the stove is a simple process that requires patience and constant attention. With the tips and tricks mentioned above, you can make the perfect caramel every time and experiment with different variations for a unique and flavorful twist.

Give it a Try!

Thank you so much for reading this article about how to make delicious caramel from condensed milk on your stove. We hope this tutorial was helpful, and you’re now ready to try it yourself. Remember to be careful while making it, as the caramel can get very hot. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family and come back for more exciting articles soon! Happy cooking!