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.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Alternatively, stovetop method prep: If using the stovetop method, first remove the label from the sealed can of sweetened condensed milk.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
