Slow Cooker Caramel (Dulce de Leche)

Make velvety smooth dulce de leche with just one ingredient and your slow cooker!

This easy slow cooker caramel is a nostalgic family favourite that brings back memories of homemade caramel tarts at gatherings with Mum and the aunties. With zero stirring, no fuss, and no need for fancy equipment, this method transforms a can of sweetened condensed milk into golden, rich caramel—perfect for spreading, spooning, or swirling into your favourite desserts.

Whether you're making a single can or a full batch, this foolproof method delivers silky, sweet, and perfectly thick caramel every time. It’s more budget-friendly than store-bought options and free from added nasties—ideal for those looking for easy homemade treats with a nostalgic twist.

dessert, treats, sweets, caramel tart, cake, milkshake, sundae, caramel, condensed milk, pie filling

dessert

Australian

Yield: 10

Author: Ange Zahn

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Silky Smooth Slow Cooker Caramel (Dulce de Leche)

Create silky smooth caramel from sweetened condensed milk in your slow cooker with just 1 ingredient and 5 minutes of prep time! This dulce de leche recipe is a cherished family favourite, just like Mum used to make. It’s the perfect way to bring back the memory of homemade treats, enjoyed at family gatherings over the years.

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 8 HourInactive time: 12 HourTotal time: 20 H & 5 M

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Ingredients

• 1 x 395g can sweetened condensed milk
• Boiling water

Instructions

1. Place a folded tea towel at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Lay the unopened can of sweetened condensed milk on top of the tea towel.
3. Cover the can completely with boiling water, ensuring at least 1 inch of water over the top (or up to the lip of the slow cooker).
4. Put the lid on the slow cooker.
5. Cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 7-8 hours. I cooked mine for 4 hours on high, and it was perfect!
6. Once the time is up, allow the can to cool completely before opening. The caramel is under pressure in the tin, and you don't want it to explode if opened while hot. I let mine cool on the bench overnight.
7. Your caramel will now be ready to use!

Notes

Need some inspiration for using your caramel?

• Caramel tart
• Banoffee pie
• Caramel slice
• Cheesecake
• Cake filling
• Apple or pear slices
• Stirred through vanilla ice cream
• Milkshake flavouring
• Caramel brownies
• Cookies
• Pudding filling

Nutrition Facts

Calories

126.8

Fat

3.44 g

Sat. Fat

2.17 g

Carbs

21.49 g

Fiber

0 g

Net carbs

21.49 g

Sugar

21.49 g

Protein

3.12 g

Sodium

50.16 mg

Cholesterol

13.43 mg

The nutritional information provided is computer generated and is only an estimate. This data is provided as a courtesy for informational purposes only.

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