How To Make Dulce De Leche Recipe

Introduction

Dulce de leche is a rich, caramel-like sauce made by slowly cooking sweetened condensed milk until it transforms into a smooth, creamy treat. Perfect for drizzling over desserts, spreading on toast, or enjoying by the spoonful, this homemade version is easy and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: For the Instant Pot method, transfer the sweetened condensed milk to a clean, pint-sized mason jar and screw on the lid tightly.
2. Step 2: Place the trivet inside the Instant Pot and set the jar on the trivet. Add enough water to come about 1 inch below the jar’s lid. Close the Instant Pot lid and cook on the Manual setting at high pressure for 35 minutes.
3. Step 3: Perform a quick pressure release, then carefully remove the jar using tongs or oven mitts. Let it cool completely before opening to avoid burns and allow the dulce de leche to thicken.
4. Step 4: For the stovetop method, remove the label from the unopened can. Place the sealed can in a large pot or Dutch oven and cover it with water, ensuring it is submerged by at least 2 inches of water.
5. Step 5: Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Maintain the simmer and cook for 2 1/2 hours, adding water as needed to keep the can submerged.
6. Step 6: Carefully remove the can with tongs and let it cool completely to room temperature before opening to prevent hot caramel from spilling.

Tips & Variations

• Use a pint-sized mason jar for the Instant Pot method to allow even cooking and reduce the risk of leaks.
• Be patient when cooling the dulce de leche; opening it too hot can result in splatters and burns.
• Experiment by adding a pinch of sea salt for a salted caramel twist.
• If you prefer a thicker dulce de leche, cook a bit longer or refrigerate after cooling to help it set.

Storage

Store dulce de leche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Before using, you can let it come to room temperature for easier spreading or gently warm it in a microwave-safe bowl for a few seconds to soften.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?

No, regular milk will not caramelize the same way. Sweetened condensed milk contains sugar and milk solids that allow it to thicken and brown into dulce de leche.

Is it safe to boil the can directly on the stove?

Yes, as long as the can remains fully submerged under water during the entire cooking time, and you allow it to cool completely before opening. Never open the can while it is hot, as the contents can cause serious burns.

How To Make Dulce De Leche Recipe

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4.5 from 89 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: Instant Pot: 45 minutes including cooling; Stovetop: 3 hours including cooling
• Yield: Approximately 1 cup of dulce de leche 1x

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Description

This recipe guides you through the simple process of making rich and creamy Dulce De Leche at home from sweetened condensed milk. You can prepare it using two methods: either with an Instant Pot for convenience and time savings or the traditional stovetop water bath for a slow, caramelized texture. Dulce De Leche is a versatile caramel-like sauce that is perfect for desserts, spread on toast, or as a sweet dip.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 1 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk

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Instructions

1. Prepare the sweetened condensed milk: For the Instant Pot method, transfer the sweetened condensed milk into a clean, pint-sized mason jar and securely screw on the lid to ensure no water enters during cooking.
2. Set up the Instant Pot: Place the trivet inside the Instant Pot and carefully position the sealed jar in the center of the trivet. Add enough water to the pot so it comes about 1 inch below the jar’s lid.
3. Cook in Instant Pot: Close the lid of the Instant Pot, ensure the steam release valve is sealed, then select the Manual (high pressure) setting and cook for 35 minutes.
4. Release pressure and cool: Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the steam, then use tongs or oven mitts to carefully remove the hot jar. Allow the jar to cool completely before opening to avoid any risk of burns or explosions.
5. Alternatively, stovetop method prep: If using the stovetop method, first remove the label from the sealed can of sweetened condensed milk.
6. Simmer the can: Submerge the sealed can in a large pot or Dutch oven filled with water, making sure there is at least 2 inches of water covering the can. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
7. Cook on stovetop: Simmer the can for 2 1/2 hours, checking periodically to ensure the can remains submerged by adding hot water as needed.
8. Cool and serve: After simmering, carefully remove the can with tongs and allow it to cool completely to room temperature before opening. Opening the can while hot can be dangerous.

Notes

• Ensure the jar or can remains sealed tightly to prevent water from entering and contaminating the dulce de leche.
• Never open the jar or can while it is hot to prevent burns or potential explosion due to pressure.
• If using Instant Pot, the cooking time is significantly shorter and convenient compared to the stovetop method.
• The stovetop method requires constant attention to keep the can submerged to avoid burning or uneven cooking.
• Dulce de leche thickens as it cools; for a thinner consistency, warm gently before use.
• Use caution when handling hot containers and water to avoid scalds.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: Instant Pot: 35 minutes; Stovetop: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Instant Pot and Stovetop Simmering
• Cuisine: Latin American

Keywords: dulce de leche, caramel sauce, sweetened condensed milk, instant pot dessert, stovetop caramel