Go Back Email Link
caramel up close
dana vento

4 Ingredient Simple Soft Caramel Filling

Admittedly, baking is a passion. 
The recipe for simple soft caramel filling I am about to share is one that I use over and over.
Once I find a good solution for a recipe, I never stop using it. 
For this particular simple soft caramel filling, fewer ingredients lead to a much better taste. 
Therefore this 4-ingredient simple soft caramel filling is the ultimate in easy prep! 
The craft of caramel can be hard, but it does not have to be if you use this simple recipe. 
What I've done with this simple soft caramel filling is make it easy so you will use it in cookies, layered cakes, bar cookies, etc. 
Read the recipe through a few times. 
Consider the steps, and if you have 20 minutes to yourself without distraction. 
While the recipe is easy,  you do want to pay attention to make the premium soft caramel filling. 
Simple soft caramel filling is my signature recipe and after using it at least 300+ times for my most-requested bars and cookies, it's time to share it with you. 

Traditions, Holidays and a Good Simple Soft Caramel Filling

It all started one evening when our slated dessert was to be ice cream. 
Actually, ice cream sundae bar. 
However, somehow I forgot to purchase caramel sauce and the feature flavor that evening was 'caramel sauce'. 
I had the sprinkles, whipped topping, 3 flavors of ice cream, cones, cone bowls, cherries and anything else you could imagine, but no caramel. 
Ugh! What had I done, how did I forget the single most important part of the sundae bar? 
Since we had owned a restaurant, and I am a self-trained chef, I've been in pinches before that were far worse. 
I grabbed some butter, brown sugar and condensed milk and went to work at the stove. 

Success Comes In Small Stages with only a few ingredients! 

Now it's your turn to try! ~ Dana XO
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Additional Time 1 minute
Total Time 11 minutes
Course: In the Kitchen with Dana
Cuisine: dessert
Ingredients Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 C of Salted refrigerated butter.
  • 1 C of Brown Sugar lightly packed
  • 14 oz can of Condensed Milk
  • 1/4 C of Whole Milk don't cheat the recipe here use WHOLE Milk

Method
 

  1. Prepare all ingredients so they are ready to enter the pot.
  2. Add butter, sugar, condensed milk, and milk.
  3. Cook on medium heat and allow the butter to thoroughly melt.
  4. Once melted, increase heat to medium-high and bring to a light boil.
  5. Boil for 5 minutes.
  6. You want the melted mixed ingredients to be blended and stirred constantly.
  7. Do not stop stirring or it might stick or burn.
  8. The color will start more yellow and turn more golden.
  9. The caramel will pull from the sides are you are mixing it and become thicker.
  10. IF you are temping this, you will want 245° F do not let go beyond this as it will change the consistency of your caramel and the pliability.
  11. Once it sets for about a minute it will also thicken.
  12. Remove from heat.
  13. Allow cooling slightly if you are using it on ice cream or it will melt it.
  14. IF you are using the soft caramel in a bar cookie, or cake, use immediately or reheat to soften.
  15. Store any leftovers in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 14 days.

Video

Notes

The first time you make this, I suggest using a thermometer to see what the consistency SHOULD look like.
You do NOT have to use a thermometer, it is just a suggestion.
Always use salted butter as I believe the taste is best, You can experiment if you dare!
The caramel can be made and stored ahead in an airtight jar up to 14 days.
The allergen in this is dairy, but there are NO NUTS, which is what I was going for.
Add this to cakes, ice cream cookies, berries, etc. Anything you would put caramel on, use this!
Dress up a jar of caramel and gift it.