A few weeks ago when I posted the first installment of our Old School Easter Ham I mentioned having too much pineapple when I got around to putting the ham together. I said I would post about *why* in another post but decided not to. The reason is because I accidentally left the pineapple out of our dessert which happens to a favorite recipe from my grandma. Because it’s a favorite it deserves a full and accurate post so next time I make the dessert I will share it and this time I won’t forget the pineapple!
However, there is a bonus recipe that coincides with the dessert. The dessert calls for only half a can of Sweetened Condensed Milk. For years I would toss the remaining half can but a few years I found a way to use it. The recipe is everywhere across the net and I have no idea where I originally found it so I wouldn’t know who to credit at this point. Let me just say…whoever you are out there in cyberspace, Thank You!
It’s about the easiest thing ever. It just takes time. Here’s how to make Homemade Caramel Sauce from leftover Sweetened Condensed Milk.
Set up a double boiler by using a pot and a glass bowl.
Fill the pot with a few inches of water. Before you add the milk set the bowl over top and make sure the water level is not touching the bottom of the bowl. Add or remove water as needed. Bring the water to a slow boil, place the bowl on the pot and pour in the milk.
Simmer over rolling water for a couple of hours, stirring occasionally. It will turn watery at first then slowly start to thicken. I let this one go very slowly for several hours because I was standing in the kitchen preparing other dishes. I didn’t want it to go to fast because I didn’t want to baby sit it. I just let it go slow. No matter how long you let it go check your water level every so often to make sure it hasn’t all boiled out. Refill as needed.
The longer you let it go the richer and more flavorful it becomes. By the time I was done in the kitchen this day mine was still quite light but the flavor was fine. I also needed to pull it off the heat so it could cool a bit before capping the jar…you don’t want any condensation.
This is WAY better than the expensive, overly sweet and chemically tasting stuff you purchase in the grocery store to pour over ice cream.
I keep mine in the fridge in a Mason Jar. Pour it over ice cream, baked fruit and recently someone mentioned to drizzle it over Cinnamon Rolls…Can you imagine Cinnamony-Caramely Goodness? I know I can!! 
I remember my sister doing this when we were kids! She put an entire can of sweetened condensed milk in a pot of simmering water for a while, and when she opened it it was caramel! Now my childhood was a LONG time ago, so maybe she poked a hole in the top to release pressure, I’m not really sure. I was being super impressed and wanted to eat spoonfuls of that stuff!
No, I don’t thing you poke a hole in the full cans because I think you actually submerge them in the water, but maybe not. I’ve never tried it with the full cans though because I was afraid of a caramel explosion! Now that I know someone who’s actually done it I might have to give it a try!
I saw this too on Pinterest, but I think they were using a slow cooker for hours – this looks much faster and easier.
Oooh! I like that idea. I’m gonna have to check out the slow cooker method. Thanks for sharing!
Now, if you have a whole can of condensed milk to play with, the best thing is just to throw the can into boiling water and cook for a few hours. When it is ready, then you open the can, and you have a full thing of dulce de leche.
Yes, I’ve heard that too! Thanks for stopping by!
Great idea! Thanks for posting this recipe.
Greetings from north of the Arctic Circle.
You’re so welcome! North of the Arctic Circle? Good Grief! I thought only penguins and deep sea creatures lived there! Welcome to my side of the tropics!
That sounds amazing! Especially the cinnamon roll part!
I know, right? It had never crossed my mind until a friend mentioned his wife drizzled homemade cinnamon rolls with caramel. I just about fell over!
Honestly – I am seriously considering making it right now….if I start soon, I could probably be eating one by midnight….
Oh, Stephanie! You’re killing me!! LOL!!
What a great idea! I’ve seen something like this floating around on the Internet but haven’t tried it. Looks like I’ll have to soon!
You have to try it! It’s the perfect way to use up the leftovers!