How to Make Dulce de Leche

Have you ever wondered how to make dulce de leche at home? We have the answer and easy step-by-step directions. It is very easy but a little bit time consuming. However, we think it’s totally worth the effort.

What is Dulce de Leche?

Dulce de leche is a rich and sweet caramel-like sauce that originated in Latin America. The name “dulce de leche” translates to “sweet milk” in Spanish, which perfectly describes its main ingredients and flavor profile.

Traditionally, dulce de leche is made by slowly simmering sweetened condensed milk until it thickens and develops a deep caramel color and flavor. This process can take several hours, as the milk needs to be heated gently to prevent scorching.

The end result is dulce de leche that has a smooth and creamy texture. It is very similar to caramel sauce, but with a distinct flavor that comes from the caramelization of the milk sugars. It has a rich, sweet, and slightly nutty taste that is a real treat and can be used in various dessert as fillings and toppings.

Ingredients for Dulce de Leche:

• 1 can (14 ounces) of sweetened condensed milk
• Water

How to Make Dulce de Leche – 2 Ways

Method 1: Stovetop Method

This traditional stovetop method requires a bit more attention, but it yields delicious results.

1. Remove the label from the can of sweetened condensed milk.
2. Place the can in a large saucepan and fill the pan with enough water to completely submerge the can.
3. Place the saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
4. Bring the water to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2-3 hours. Make sure to check the water level occasionally and add more hot water as needed to keep the can fully submerged.
5. After 2-3 hours, carefully remove the can from the saucepan using tongs or oven mitts. Allow it to cool completely before opening.
6. Once cooled, open the can to reveal the thick, caramel-like dulce de leche.

NOTE: The longer you cook the sweetened condensed milk the darker it will get.

Method 2: Oven Method

This oven method is a safer alternative to the stovetop method as it eliminates the risk of the can exploding.

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Pour the sweetened condensed milk into an oven-safe dish.
3. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
4. Place the dish in a larger roasting pan and fill the pan with hot water, about halfway up the sides of the dish.
5. Transfer the roasting pan to the preheated oven and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours. Check the water level occasionally and add more hot water if needed.
6. After the desired time, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely.
7. Once cooled, uncover the dish to reveal the luscious dulce de leche.

NOTE: If using the oven method, you can experiment with different variations by adding flavors like vanilla extract or a sprinkle of sea salt to create your own unique flavors.

Storage and Serving:

Dulce de leche can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It can be enjoyed in various ways:

• As a topping for ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or toast
• As a filling for cakes, cookies, or pastries. Try our Apple Almond Cake with Amaretto Dulce de Leche, it’s DIVINE!
• As a dip for fruits or cookies
• As a spread for sandwiches or crepes

Continue to Content

Yield: 12 Servings

Homemade Dulce de Leche

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours

Have you ever wondered how to make dulce de leche at home? We have the answer and easy step-by-step directions. It is very easy but a little bit time consuming. However, we think it's totally worth the effort.

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Ingredients

• 1 can (14 ounces) of sweetened condensed milk
• Water

Instructions

METHOD 1: STOVETOP METHOD

This traditional stovetop method requires a bit more attention, but it yields delicious results.

1. Remove the label from the can of sweetened condensed milk.
2. Place the can in a large saucepan and fill the pan with enough water to completely submerge the can.
3. Place the saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
4. Bring the water to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2-3 hours. Make sure to check the water level occasionally and add more hot water as needed to keep the can fully submerged.
5. After 2-3 hours, carefully remove the can from the saucepan using tongs or oven mitts. Allow it to cool completely before opening.
6. Once cooled, open the can to reveal the thick, caramel-like dulce de leche.

NOTE: The longer you cook the sweetened condensed milk the darker it will get.

METHOD 2: OVEN METHOD

This oven method is a safer alternative to the stovetop method as it eliminates the risk of the can exploding.

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Pour the sweetened condensed milk into an oven-safe dish.
3. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
4. Place the dish in a larger roasting pan and fill the pan with hot water, about halfway up the sides of the dish.
5. Transfer the roasting pan to the preheated oven and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours. Check the water level occasionally and add more hot water if needed.
6. After the desired time, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely.
7. Once cooled, uncover the dish to reveal the luscious dulce de leche.

NOTE: If using the oven method, you can experiment with different variations by adding flavors like vanilla extract or a sprinkle of sea salt to create your own unique flavors.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 65Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 5mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 4gProtein: 0g

Calories are estimated and may vary.

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