1. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
- Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or a bit of butter to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt (if using) until smooth.
3. Transfer to Slow Cooker:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared slow cooker.
4. Set the Slow Cooker:
- Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to prevent the caramel from sticking and burning. The caramel is ready when it turns a rich golden color and thickens.
5. Cool and Store:
- Once done, turn off the slow cooker and let the caramel cool for a few minutes before transferring it to a glass jar or airtight container.
6. Use or Store:
- You can use the caramel warm over ice cream, brownies, or pancakes, or let it cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. It will thicken further as it cools.
Tips for Success
- Stir Regularly: Stirring every 30 minutes is crucial to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- Adjust Sweetness: You can adjust the sweetness by using less brown sugar or adding more salt if you prefer a salted caramel flavor.
- Add Flavors: Consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon, espresso powder, or even a splash of bourbon for additional flavor complexity.
Conclusion
This slow cooker caramel with condensed milk is an easy and rewarding way to make a delicious topping for a variety of desserts. The result is creamy, sweet caramel that can be enjoyed in many ways. Perfect for sharing or keeping for yourself, this recipe is sure to be a hit! Enjoy!