I learned that condensed milk can be cooked in a crock pot. I took it one step further to ensure the condensed milk remained untainted while cooking.

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

We Ukrainians have been making sweetened cooked condensed milk (sguschonka) for years, but who knew we were actually making dulce de leche?

What’s in a name right? I discovered a new way of cooking this in the crock pot; a safer way. I was poking around my can of sweetened condensed milk and found this:

A can with an arrow pointing at a label that says caution-never heat in the can

Oh snap!! This is exactly what I’ve been doing. I’ve heard the can can explode if it’s not fully submerged in water, but could there have been chemicals from the can entering my dulce de leche? Well, I was inspired to try something new!

Thanks to Pinterest, I learned that condensed milk can be cooked in a crock pot. I took it one step further to ensure the condensed milk remained untainted while cooking…

Crockpot Method for Sweetened Cooked Condensed Milk:

So I used two cans of condensed milk and found 2 little jam jars; washed them clean and poured 1 can of sweetened condensed milk into each. I sealed the tops as tightly as I could by hand.

A can of condensed milk
A can of condensed milk being poured into a mason jar
Condensed milk in a mason jar

I then placed them in my Slow Cooker and completely covered them with hot water from the sink; hot water speeds up the process. I set it on high for 4 hours and walked away (played with my son, sat on Pinterest for awhile, cooked and ate dinner, yada yada…) and when it was done, I drained the water and set the cooked sweetened condensed milk cans on the counter to cool. From my reading you can also set it on low for 6-8 hours overnight.

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

Two mason jars in a crockpot that is filled with water

The dulce de leche was perfect. The right color and texture. No mysterious chemicals and now I get to lick the spoon.

Two mason jars of dulce de leche
Dulce de leche inside a mason jar with a spoon within the jar
Dulce de leche cooked sweetened condensed milk crockpot-8

When choosing a brand of condensed milk, just make sure the ingredients are simple. This was a cheap-o can and it reads “milk and sugar” – sounds simple enough to me! I’ve never noticed a difference between brands. Have you?

I’m dipping into this tonight with apple slices. Also, if you haven’t tried it already, our waffle cakes are a great way to use up your dulce de leche. What are your favorite dulce de leche recipes?
P.S. Once dulce de leche is cooled to room temp, refrigerate if you aren’t using it right away.

Dulce de Leche; Cooked Condensed Milk

4.94 from 16 votes
Author: Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 2 jam jars

Instructions

  • I used two cans of condensed milk and found 2 little jam jars; washed them clean and poured 1 can of sweetened condensed milk into each. I sealed the tops as tightly as I could by hand.
  • I then placed them in my Slow Cooker and completely covered them with hot water from the sink; hot water speeds up the process. I set it on high for 4 hours
  • and walked away and when it was done, I drained the water and set the cooked sweetened condensed milk cans on the counter to cool. From my reading you can also set it on low for 6-8 hours overnight.
  • The dulce de leche was perfect. The right color and texture. No mysterious chemicals and now I get to lick the spoon.

When choosing a brand of condensed milk, just make sure the ingredients are simple.

    Notes

    If not using right away, refrigerate any un-used portion of dulche de leche.
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Cooked Condensed Milk, dulce de leche
    Skill Level: Easy
    Cost to Make: $
    Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook
    Final Final Picmonkey Hashtag banner
    4.94 from 16 votes (4 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Comment

    Recipe Rating




    As Featured On

    Never Go "Hangry" Again!

    Get weekly updates on new recipes, exclusive giveaways plus behind the scenes photos.