Caramel and pineapple are a surprisingly good combination. The tropical sweetness of the pineapple balances the sugary goodness of the caramel.
This dessert was served to us at a gathering a few months ago. There are only two ingredients and it involves a bit of dangerous cooking.
It takes 3-4 hours of boiling a can of sweetened condensed milk to turn it into caramel. But you must make sure that the can stays completely submerged during the boiling time or you risk the can exploding. Sugary sweet magic happens during all that boiling. When you open the can, it’s full of marvelous caramel!
Chill the caramel and then you can slice it. The slices are wonderful on top of pineapple rings.
Here’s what you’ll need: 
That’s a can of sweetened condensed milk that has had the label removed for boiling. I used Walmart brand, but I wonder if name brand might work better. The caramel was a little softer than I wished and it made slicing it difficult. I also only boiled 3 hours. Boiling closer to 4 hours might work better.
Serves: 6-8 servings
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can pineapple rings
- Remove the label from the sweetened condensed milk.
- Place UNOPENED can of milk in a large pot. Cover completely with water.
- Bring to a boil and boil 3-4 hours. Be sure to always keep the can completely submerged. Don't let the water level boil too low or the can may explode.
- After 3 hours of boiling, remove the can.
- Allow to cool, then refrigerate.
- To serve, cut both ends of the can open. Push caramel out of can.
- Slice caramel. Place one slice on a ring of pineapple.
Ok, I am amazed…I never realized that caramel was just overcooked sweetened condensed milk…
Typically, its not. Caramel is usually sugar, with just enough water to cover up the sugar and get it wet. Then you boil this mixture until it begins to turn the color of a penny, pull it off of the heat and add in some butter and cream.
Soo I guess this works since the can of condensed milk would have the water cream and sugar factor. youd just be missing out on a little bit of butter -flavor and thickness.
you realize when you sink your teeth in it.
I got an overly-chatty cashier at Target last week and we were talking about sweetened condensed milk. I told her that if you just boil the whole can, it will turn into caramel. She looked at me, wide-eyed, and asked, “How do you spoil it?”
This looks delicious.
Lesa, that is funny! I don’t think spoiled would taste as good as boiled 😉
I’m on a pineapple kick lately–so this is perfect timing! Looks amazing! {Pssstt..you need a Pin It Button. 🙂 }
Phoebe, you’re right about the Pin It button. I’m working on it 🙂
I pinned this one my Pinterest. Hope that’s okay. 🙂 I think I have some sweetened condensed milk just waiting for a boil.
Paula, it’s always ok to pin things on Pinterest 🙂 It’s a high compliment! Thanks!
My mouth is seriously watering right now! I have to try this. SOON 🙂
Remember when you could buy chocolate? It was good too. I first did this in the late 70s. I’ve found Walmart brand to be identical to the top brand name.
I used to make turtles with the caramel.
Because I don’t always remember to check things boiling away on my stove I use the crockpot to make my caramel. Just put the can (or 2 or 3) in the slow cooker and cook for 6 – 8 hours. I also turn the can on it’s side because that’s what the recipe said to do. Works out beautifully every time.
Tamra, I’ll have to try that next time.
The crockpot blogger, Stephanie, did her caramel-in-a-can in the slow cooker:
http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/03/dulce-de-leche-crockpot-recipe.html
No dangerous boiling involved! 🙂
Thanks for the link! I thought about doing it that way, but opted for stove top method. I think I’ll use the slow cooker next time though.
A VERY favorite dish of mine! I always boil it 4 hours…=) I served this at a Girlfriend’s Potluck a few years ago and the girls are still talking about it. I have a post in my drafts to remind me to make this…you beat me to it. This is lucious for sure. Thanks for sharing.
Yum! I’m thinking a little sea salt would be amazing sprinkled on top!
II can not wait to try this! I pinned it! Love your site. Followed you from the Dis.
This recipe is so great! I can bring that to my Christmas party for my daylily club’s Christmas meeting. I am always looking for an easy recipe that is really portable.
I had this one time & wondered how it was done. It was so delicious! I can’t wait to try it!
Did you have any trouble getting it out of the can or slicing it?
Can someone tell me a brand that you can actually open the bottom? Thanks in advance!