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One Ingredient Soft Caramel Recipe

Indulge in the creamy, dreamy perfection of homemade caramel in just minutes! This unbelievably simple recipe uses only ONE ingredient—Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk—to create a luscious caramel perfect for drizzling over desserts, dipping apples, or enjoying straight from the spoon. Skip the complicated candy thermometers and long waits; this method delivers rich, smooth caramel with minimal effort.

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 240 mins
Calories 171.7 kcal
Protein 8g
Rating 4.8 (4 Reviews)
One Ingredient Soft Caramel 15

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Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for One Ingredient Soft Caramel

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How to Make One Ingredient Soft Caramel

  1. **Choose Your Method:** Select your preferred cooking method: oven, stovetop, or microwave (see options below).
  2. **Oven Method:** Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Pour the entire can of Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk into a 9-inch pie plate. Cover tightly with aluminum foil. Place the pie plate in a larger, shallow baking pan. Pour enough hot water into the larger pan to come halfway up the sides of the pie plate. Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the caramel is thick and a deep caramel color.
  3. **Stovetop Method:** Fill the bottom of a double boiler with simmering water. Pour the Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk into the top of the double boiler. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until thick and caramel-colored, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Once cooked, remove from heat and beat until smooth.
  4. **Microwave Method:** Pour the entire can of Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk into a 2-quart glass measuring cup. Microwave on 50% power for 4 minutes, stirring briskly every 2 minutes. Then, reduce power to 30% and cook for 20-26 minutes, or until very thick and caramel-colored. Stir briskly every 4 minutes during the first 16 minutes, and every 2 minutes for the last 4-10 minutes. **Important:** Always use a microwave-safe glass measuring cup and never leave unattended.
  5. **Cooling & Serving:** Once cooked using any method, allow the caramel to cool completely before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

2 g

Sugar

116g

Fat

14g

Carbs

9g

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

Weeknight Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Occasion North American Healthy 5 Ingredients Or Less Sauces Desserts Condiments Etc Eggs Dairy American Canadian Southern United States Easy European Kid Friendly Vegetarian Cakes Candy English Scottish Stove Top Dietary Gifts Low Sodium Cake Fillings And Frostings High Calcium Comfort Food Californian Pacific Northwest Oamc Freezer Make Ahead Inexpensive High In Something Low In Something Taste Mood Equipment Number Of Servings 4 Hours Or Less