How Do I Boil A Can Of Condensed Milk To Make Caramel Frosting?

Caramel frosting is a great addition to a chocolate cake -- add pecans and you've got a beautiful turtle cake for any special occasion. It is deceptively easy to make caramel toppings; in fact, the most basic caramel ice cream topping can be made from boiling sweetened condensed milk in a double boiler for about half an hour until it has thickened to caramel. For a more substantial cake frosting, add butter and brown sugar to condensed milk.

Step 1

Melt the butter or margarine in the saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Whisk the remaining ingredients into the butter over medium heat until they are well-combined and the sugar has completely dissolved.

Step 3

Insert the candy thermometer into the mixture, clipping it to the side of the pan if possible.

Step 4

Bring the mixture to a boil, continuing to stir it constantly, over medium heat until the thermometer reads 225 degrees F and the caramel is golden and becoming thicker.

Step 5

Pour the caramel mixture over a cooled cake and allow it to set for at least 15 minutes. For rounded cakes or if you prefer a frosting that doesn't run down the sides of the cake, allow the caramel to cool before you spread it over the cake. The cooled caramel will be much thicker and more difficult to spread, so spread slowly and take care not to tear your cake if you use this method.

Tips and Warnings

For a buttercream-style frosting, wait until the caramel is cool, then use a hand mixer to beat in confectioners sugar and additional butter or margarine until the frosting is light and fluffy.