Magic Caramel Pie: Easy Recipe With Condensed Milk (2024)

Who says magic isn’t real? Whip up some enchantment in your kitchen with this heavenly Magic Caramel Pie! This easy recipe made with delectable sweetened condensed milk will leave you spellbound. It’s a caramel lover’s dream. Get ready for an irresistible dessert that truly tastes like magic! It’s the perfect pie for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner alongside your pumpkin pie.

Magic Caramel Pie: Easy Recipe With Condensed Milk (1)

This MagicCaramel Pie recipeutilizes a unique cooking method to make a delicious, mouth-watering pie.

It’s thick and rich and full of flavor.

This no-bake caramel pieis a family favorite at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Transform your holiday feasts with this unforgettable Magic Caramel Pie!

There’s no need to heat up the oven – this creamy and luscious treat is made without baking.

With its thick, rich texture and sweet flavor profile, it’ll quickly become a beloved staple of family get-togethers during Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Disclosure – I may get a small commission for purchases made through affiliate links in this post.

Magic Caramel Pie: Easy Recipe With Condensed Milk (2)

Making Caramel in a can?

Did you know that you can make a luscious caramel sauce by boiling an unopened can ofsweetened condensed milk?

It’s a secret cooking method that works like magic!

Imagine the caramel’s thick and rich texture drizzled over your favorite ice cream or generously poured onto a piece of creamy cheesecake.

Made withsimple ingredients, it’s theeasy wayto make agooey caramel pie.

If you inspect the side of a can ofsweetened condensed milkclosely, you might notice a tiny warning that says, “Do not cook in an unopened can.”

So, let’s be clear—I’m not encouraging you to do something unsafe.

But let me share with you how I whipped up this scrumptious caramel pie effortlessly. It’s incredibly delicious and oh-so-easy to make.

Now, it’s up to you to decide whether you want to embrace the adventure of attempting thisdelicious dessert.

Go ahead, give it a try!

Magic Caramel Pie: Easy Recipe With Condensed Milk (3)

Key to Success #1 – Keep It Covered

When cookingsweetened condensed milkin a can, ensure that you haveenough waterin the cooking vessel to completely cover the cans.

Ideally, aim for a water level of 2-3 inches above the cans.

Remember to regularly check the water level every 15-20 minutes and add a bit more if necessary.

Drizzle the additional water into the pot to prevent a significant drop in temperature.

If making caramel on thestove top, use alarge potto boil thesweetened condensed milk.

With a 6-quart stock pot, you’ll have no trouble keeping the cans submerged in water.

So, make sure to follow these steps for a successful and hassle-free cooking process!

Quick Tips –

  • Completely remove labels from cans before putting them in the water.
  • Place the cans on their sides so that they won’t make as much noise during cooking.
  • Pull-tab cans are okay. They work just as well with this cooking method.
Magic Caramel Pie: Easy Recipe With Condensed Milk (4)

To make Caramel Filling in the Instant Pot:

  • Place sealed cans of sweetened condensed milk in the inner pot of the Instant Pot.
  • Add water to cover 2/3 of the can.
  • Set Instant Pot to High Pressure for 35 minutes. Set valve to sealing.
  • When finished cooking, quick-release the pressure.
  • Allow to cool completely before opening.

To make Caramel Filling in Crock Pot:

  • Place sealed cans of sweetened condensed milk in the Crock Pot.
  • Add water to completely cover the can.
  • Cook on low for 8 hours.
  • Allow cans to cool completely before opening.

Key to Success #2 – Count the Cans

For my caramel pie, I had a 9-inchgraham cracker crustso I cooked three 14-oz cans ofsweetened condensed milk.

This made a perfect full pie in the9-inch pie panfrom thegrocery store.

If you are using a smaller pie pan, you may want to only cook two cans ofsweetened condensed milk.

Or cook three and have an extra can of caramel sauce for something else.

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Key to Success #3 – Cool it, Cool it

After the cans ofsweetened condensed milkhave boiled for three hours, carefully remove the cans from the water and set them on a heat-proof surface to cool.

Be very careful – every part of the cans will be hot!

After the cans have cooled on the countertop for about an hour, they should be cool enough to safely open.

You can speed up the cooling process by placing the cans inice waterfor at least 30 minutes.

When you open the cans with acan opener, the caramel will start oozing up so be ready to pour the caramel into another bowl when you start opening them.

Work fast – you don’t want to lose a drop of that deliciousness.

Pour the caramel into a medium-sized bowl then stir invanilla extract.

Continue stirring 2-3 minutes until the caramel is smooth and shiny then pour intograham cracker crust.

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Cool the Magic Caramel Pie for at least 4 hours before adding the sweetened whipped cream.

Next time, I will put the whipped cream into a piping bag and pipe some pretty designs around the outside of the pie.

This pie is easy to decorate and cuts beautifully so don’t be afraid to experiment with different decorating ideas.

Magic Caramel Pie: Easy Recipe With Condensed Milk (7)

How long does condensed milk take to turn into caramel?

When you placesweetened condensed milkin a pot of boiling water, magic happens.

In just about 3 hours, it transforms into a delectable caramel known asdulce de leche.

But hold on, here’s a secret – you can make this caramel delight even faster!

Pop the can into an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, and voila! In just 35 minutes, you’ll have rich, creamy caramel goodness.

If you prefer a darker caramel, simply let the condensed milk cook a little longer.

The possibilities are endless.

Imagine indulging in a heavenlyhomemade caramel piemade with this sensational caramel.

Trust me, your taste buds won’t believe what they’re experiencing!

Go ahead, give this magical cooking method a try. Prepare to be amazed!

Save this Caramel Pie recipe to your favorite Pie board or your Thanksgiving Dessert board!

Magic Caramel Pie: Easy Recipe With Condensed Milk (8)
Magic Caramel Pie: Easy Recipe With Condensed Milk (9)

Magic Caramel Pie: Easy Recipe With Condensed Milk

Yield: 12 slices

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

The way this Magic Caramel Pie comes together is like a magic trick. You won't believe your eyes. Transform your holiday feasts with this unforgettable Magic Caramel Pie! There's no need to heat up the oven - this creamy and luscious treat is made without baking. With its thick, rich texture and sweet flavor profile, it'll quickly become a beloved staple of family get-togethers during Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Ingredients

  • 1 (9-inch) graham cracker crust
  • 3 cans (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

For topping:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 Tbsp sugar

Instructions

  1. Remove labels from cans of sweetened condensed milk. Place cans unopened into a large and deep pot of water. Make sure there is enough to water to cover the cans with at least 2-3 inches of water.
  2. Bring pot of water with the cans inside to a boil. Boil for 3 hours. While cans are boiling, add water as needed to ensure the cans are always fully covered with water. This will prevent cans from bursting or leaking.
  3. After 3 hours, carefully remove cans from pot and allow them to cool on the counter top for 1 hour or more until they have cooled to room temperature.
  4. Carefully open cans and use spatula to scrape caramel into a large bowl. Stir in vanilla extract and continue stirring until mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
  5. Pour caramel pie filling into graham cracker crust. Refrigerate until firm.
  6. Chill small mixing bowl and beaters then beat heavy cream along with sugar until cream forms a stiff peak. Spread fresh whipped cream on top of the pie or use a piping tip to decorate the pie with whipped cream.

Notes

To make Caramel Filling in the Instant Pot:

  • Place sealed cans of sweetened condensed milk in the inner pot of the Instant Pot.
  • Add water to cover 2/3 of the can.
  • Set Instant Pot to High Pressure for 35 minutes. Set valve to sealing.
  • When finished cooking, quick-release the pressure.
  • Allow to cool completely before opening.

To make Caramel Filling in Crock Pot:

  • Place sealed cans of sweetened condensed milk in the Crock Pot.
  • Add water to completely cover the can.
  • Cook on low for 8 hours.
  • Allow cans to cool completely before opening.

Substitutions:

  • If desired, you can top the pie with Cool Whip or commercially prepared whipped cream instead of homemade whipped cream.
  • You can make a homemade pie crust with freshly crushed graham cracker crumbs. Crush 12 full-sized graham crackers using a rolling pin or food processor then stir in 6 tablespoons of melted butter and 1/4 cup sugar. Press into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12Serving Size: 1 grams
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 110Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 20mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 0gSugar: 8gProtein: 1g

Nutrition Information Provided For Educational and Informational Purposes Only.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Have suggestions for improvement?

Your feedback helps us create better recipes for you. Leave a comment and let us know your thoughts!

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Magic Caramel Pie: Easy Recipe With Condensed Milk (2024)

FAQs

Why do you put condensed milk in caramel? ›

Basic caramel has sugar, milk, and butter in it, and is then brought up to a high temperature until it all thickens up. By starting with condensed milk, we already have milk and sugar combined and it is already partially thickened, so caramel is made more quickly.

Can I use condensed milk instead of evaporated milk in a pie? ›

Although it may be tempting, because of the added sugar, you should generally avoid substituting sweetened condensed milk in any recipe that calls for evaporated. If you don't have evaporated milk available, it's possible to substitute a cup of light cream, or you can make your own.

Can you use condensed milk instead of cream for caramel? ›

Dulce de leche - the most indulgent form of Caramel has so many uses. There are 2 ways to make this superb caramel made from a can of condensed milk. You can boil a can in a saucepan for 3 hours or do it in a slow cooker.

Does boiling condensed milk turn into caramel? ›

Place the milk over the boiling water in the double boiler and cover with a lid. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Stirring occasionally, simmer for one-and-a-half to two hours, until the milk becomes thick and reaches the desired caramel color.

Why do you add baking soda to condensed milk? ›

Baking Soda will make the Milk thick and give creamy texture. Condensed Milk is ready. It is thick and creamy. Cool down to room temperature.

How to make caramel from condensed milk without boiling? ›

You're going to simply pour condensed milk into a pie pan or casserole dish. Cover it with foil and place it in a larger pan of water and bake. SO easy! I put my water level about 1/2″ to 3/4″ (depending on your pan) so just check the oven every now and then to make sure the water hasn't evaporated.

Is condensed milk the same as dulce de leche? ›

The difference between condensed milk and dulce de leche is the caramelization of the sugars that are both added and part of milk,” Sibley says. “Typically, condensed milk remains white and has a lighter consistency and taste than dulce de leche.

What can I substitute for dulce de leche? ›

Technically, if you see dulce de leche in a recipe, you can instead use caramel, and vice-versa. However, there will be a slight variance in taste and texture, and the recipe will no longer be authentic to the specified region.

What happens when you whip sweetened condensed milk? ›

Yes, condensed milk can be whipped to create a creamy, fluffy texture similar to whipped cream. This makes it a great alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or looking for a dairy-free option.

What happens if I use condensed milk instead of evaporated milk? ›

These items are essentially the same with one big difference: no sugar is added to evaporated milk. Sweetened condensed milk also has 60% of the water removed, but contains 40% sugar. Due to the big flavor difference, they cannot be substituted for each other.

Why sweetened condensed milk Cannot be used interchangeably with evaporated milk? ›

It's thicker and sweeter than evaporated milk, which means the two cannot be used interchangeably. It's typically used to make rich desserts, such as magic cookie bars, tres leches cakes or an easy caramel sauce. Just two tablespoons of condensed milk contain 18 grams of added sugar.

What's the difference between caramel and dulce de leche? ›

Caramel and dulce de leche might look and taste somewhat similar, but they are actually pretty different. While caramel is made from slowly simmering water and sugar until it caramelizes, dulce de leche is made from simmering milk and sugar super slowly until it turns into a creamy, caramelized substance.

How do you thicken caramel sauce with condensed milk? ›

Melt 200g of butter in the microwave (in a large microwavable bowl) for 2-3 minutes, then add the condensed milk and golden syrup. Whisk the mixture well until the butter is thoroughly incorporated. Heat for 6-7 minutes until it is boiling, stirring thoroughly every minute.

Why did my condensed milk caramel split? ›

If you have added too much butter to your caramel sauce, you may find that it is too oily or it might even begin to separate. To fix this, add 1 tablespoon of either water or milk and stir while cooking over medium heat. Adding 1-2 Tbsp of a simple cornstarch slurry may fix the problem, as well.

What happens when you microwave condensed milk? ›

After the first two stirs, you'll notice that the milk bubbles and foams up as it expels moisture. Then, with each stirring, the milk will be thicker and more caramel colored. If after the 10 minutes, you like the color and consistency, stop!

Is it safe to boil a can of condensed milk? ›

Is it safe to boil my can of sweetened condensed milk to make caramel sauce? No. For safety reasons, we do not recommend heating a can of our condensed milk, opened or unopened. The current can is not designed to withstand high temperatures.

How long does it take to whip condensed milk? ›

Once the condensed milk is well-chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and begin whipping it with the chilled beaters. Start at a low speed and gradually increase to high speed as the mixture thickens. Whip for 5-7 minutes, or until the condensed milk forms stiff peaks.

Can you water down condensed milk to make milk? ›

On the other hand, condensed milk is made by removing water from regular milk and adding sugar. To get whole milk, you may need to dilute the condensed milk with an equal amount of water. This will reduce the sweetness and thickness of the condensed milk and bring it closer to the consistency of whole milk.

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