Instant Pot Caramel Sauce (Dulce de Leche)
Homemade Dulce De Leche couldn’t get any easier thanks to your Instant Pot! This Instant Pot Caramel Sauce (Dulce de Leche) one ingredient and just 30 minute cook time. Add a printable, and a ribbon and this homemade caramel sauce will make the perfect holiday gift for your friends and family.
What Is Dulce De Leche
Some might not know what dulce de leche is. Dulce de leche is very similar to a caramel sauce you would buy in the stores. The only difference is you will find a thicker and creamier texture. It is a breeze to make and uses one ingredient. I can’t complain, and it tastes better than buying it in stores!
One Ingredient Instant Pot Caramel Sauce
Yes, you read that right, one simple ingredient! Grab a mason jar and some sweetened condensed milk, and let’s create the most outstanding dulce de leche you have ever tasted. I have tested so many ways to make my own dulce de leche, and the Instant Pot wins hands down for ease!
I have cooked caramel sauce on the stove top, and even my slow cooker. Let’s say the stove was time-consuming and you had to babysit it a LOT. I mean regularly checking to ensure your water hadn’t evaporated, it got exhausting. Then with the slow cooker method, it was a breeze, turned it on and walked away. BUT, it took all day long to make, and I will be honest, I like things done fast. Especially when I am in a time crunch and need my caramel sauce quick!
So the Instant Pot has become my preferred method, and I will never look back! If you are like me, reach for that Instant Pot and follow my simple and straight-forward recipe below.
Caramel Sauce Is Great For Holiday Gift Giving
I am all about making homemade gifts for Christmas (check out my apple pie moonshine). I created this fun kit where I put in whole apples, homemade Instant Pot caramel sauce in jars, and then package it up for a holiday gift. I give these type of gifts to my neighbors, mailman, co-workers or family members. You could go even further and put in other toppings like chocolate chips, M&M’s, sprinkles for even more apple dipping fun.
Or if you are a fan of homemade caramel sauce, you might want to make some for yourself for those late night bowls of vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of caramel or top your frappuccino in the morning. No matter how you use this homemade caramel sauce, it will be worth it.
Make this recipe all year round and enjoy the thick and creamy richness this caramel sauce brings to the table. Pour it on anything or everything for that matter, or eat a spoonful of it on its own! You can’t go wrong with this tasty recipe.
Have you ever made a homemade caramel sauce before?
Below, print out your own stickers and tags to make your holiday gifts extra special. I printed my labels on sticker paper and printed my tag on a nice cream colored card stock. I used a hole punch to put a hole in the corner of the tag and hung it from my basket.
I used half pint mason jars for this holiday gift. I thought they were the perfect size for caramel sauce.
Instant Pot Caramel Sauce (Dulce de Leche)
Instant Pot Caramel Sauce (Dulce de Leche) is a super easy and delicious treat. print out your own stickers and labels and make this a great holiday gift.
Ingredients
- Sweetened Condensed Milk
Instructions
- Fill your mason jars with sweetened condensed milk close the lid tightly ***(in can method recipe below in notes)
- Place the jars on top of a trivet.
- Fill with water to just below the lid of the mason jar.
- Cook on HIGH pressure for 35 minutes. Do a quick release.
- Let jars start to cool in your pot until you can safely remove them.
- Once you open a jar you will need to stir well to smooth the caramel sauce.
- Slice apples and get dipping.
Notes
Let the caramel sauce cool to room temperature. The caramel can be stored in the refrigerator for 1 month, or in the freezer for 3 months
***You can also make this by using the can the sweetened condensed milk comes in. To do using this method, remove the lid to the can. Cover the top of the lid with aluminum foil, creating a tight seal. (make sure you remove the paper label) place in the instant pot on a trivet as you would above and fill with water until it reaches 3/4 of the way up the side of the cans. Pick up from step #4 above.
CLICK HERE to PRINT your sticker sheet
CLICK HERE to PRINT your tag sheet
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!
In the recipe notes I see you can store it in the refrigerator as well as the freezer. Is this after opening? I would love to make this and give as gifts! But want to handle it properly so no one gets sick.
I am saying to safely refrigerate after it cools from your instant pot. I honestly think it would be fine at room temperature until opened but I am not an expert caner, so I am taking the safe road.
Can you please tell me what size are your jars that you are using to make the Carmel sauce and, where did you purchase them from. I would like to make this. Thank you
I used 1/2 pint sized mason jars. I believe I have a link in the recipe to them on Amazon. You can get them at Walmart as well, they have a great selection of the various sized mason jars. You can also use any size jar you like.
If you use a pint size jar would you increase the time?
1 cup of pumpkin puree for this recipe.
Will this work safely in a 6 quart Instant Pot?
absolutely!!!
Your caramel sauce recipe looks delish and I can’t wait to try it. But I have been reading a lot of recent warnings online about not canning in an IP, especially as it relates to low-acid foods. I get that, but then open pot water bath canning is recommended, which is very different from your recipe. Maybe this isn’t really canning? I am planning on using half pint quilted Ball jars for your recipe. I just want to verify that I won’t be blowing up my kitchen! Sorry if this is a dumb question … I am new to this. Thanks for your help.
Hi there.. yes technically this is not canning. Mine did get a great seal and have lasted quite some time in my fridge. You will be fine. No question is a dumb one. 🙂