Crock pot Caramel Sauce is an easy recipe to prepare and makes a fabulous dessert topping! This crockpot caramel sauce recipe requires just two ingredients and minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy families.
It's perfect for dipping apple slices, drizzling over cheesecake or topping ice cream with.
So you've heard caramel sauce can be easily made with sweetened condensed milk, but you aren't quite sure how to make this easy caramel sauce. The trick is a slow cooker. Making dulce de leche caramel sauce in a slow cooker is amazingly easy, as you will soon see. For this simple homemade caramel sauce recipe, you’ll need two to three cans of sweetened condensed milk.
While some may make caramel sauce like this straight in the can, that really doesn't appeal to me. Making it in jelly jars is nearly as easy, makes for a far better presentation and makes it easy to add a bit of vanilla or sea salt if you like. Using a jar also makes the caramel sauce perfect for gifting or storage.
When you make a batch of this easy homemade caramel sauce, you will end out with three jars, so you can share with your friends... I don't know about you, but if someone gave me a can of condensed milk and it looked like caramel sauce in side, it would sort of turn me off a little. I know it is pretty much the same, but mentally, it just isn't.
This slow cooker caramel dip tastes amazing when you serve warm with sliced apples, graham crackers, or drizzled over desserts. It’s perfect for dipping, drizzling, or as a caramel dip for fruit, and can be easily warmed before serving. If you’re making caramel for a party or large gathering, you can use two crock pots or multiple slow cookers to make larger batches. Compared to store bought caramel sauce, this homemade version contains no high fructose corn syrup or unnecessary additives. If you love caramel, this rich caramel sauce will become a favorite for all your dessert needs.
Try this delicious homemade caramel in a Caramel Apple Dump Cake, Caramel Frappuccino or drizzle on Snickers Salad.
How to Make Slow Cooker Caramel Sauce
Making condensed milk caramel in crock pot is super easy and delicious! Here’s how to make this slow cooker caramel dip:
Use 2 cans of sweetened condensed milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (or 3 cans with 1 ½ teaspoons of vanilla, )
Mix vanilla into the condensed milk.
Pour the condensed milk into 3 jelly jars (½ pint).
Secure lids and rings, then place the jars in slow cooker.
Fill the slow cooker with hot tap water, pouring the water around the jars to create a water bath.
Set the slow cooker to the high setting for about 4 hours, or preferably use the low setting for approximately 8 hours for a slower cook. Place the slow cooker lid on top to retain heat. Cook a little longer for a richer darker caramel sauce.
When the caramel is cooked it will have a rich caramel color and smooth texture.
Carefully remove the jars from the water bath. Once the caramel cools for about 15 minutes, it will be ready for handling or storing.
Stir the sauce until it has a smooth texture.
Use immediately or replace lids and rings and store in the refrigerator.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
The secret to an irresistible homemade caramel sauce starts with choosing the best ingredients. Sweetened condensed milk is the star of most caramel sauce recipes, lending a creamy texture and deep, caramelized flavor that’s hard to beat. For the richest results, pick a sweetened condensed milk that lists only milk and sugar on the label—no unnecessary additives. If you want to make your caramel sauce extra decadent, a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half can add a luxurious creaminess. For those who crave a little complexity, try stirring in a pinch of cinnamon or a spoonful of brown sugar to enhance the flavor. And if you’re a fan of salted caramel sauce, don’t forget a generous pinch of flaky sea salt or kosher salt to balance the sweetness. With just a few quality ingredients, you’ll be amazed at the delicious, homemade caramel you can create.
Easy Slow Cooker Caramel Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cans of Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix vanilla into the condensed milk.
- Pour the condensed milk into 3 jelly jars (½ pint).
- Secure lids and rings, then place the jars in slow cooker.
- Cover the jars with water, and cook on low for approximately 8 hours. (Will take approximately 4 hours on high, though low and slow is preferred for this recipe.)
- Carefully remove the jars from water bath. After cooling for about 15 minutes, remove rings and lids (use caution).
- Stir the sauce until it is smooth.
- Use immediately, or replace lids and rings and store in the refrigerator.
susan @ the wimpy vegetarian says
This looks fabulous! What a great way to make caramel sauce!
maria says
Wow!! thank you so much for the recipe. I will put it to good use! YUM
Linda @ Linda's Lunacy says
I've never tried making it in the can. I've always been afraid the can would explode. lol I'm definitely going to try this. Thanks for the recipe!