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Dulce de Leche

Find out how to make your own delicious dulce de leche using condensed milk with this easy recipe. You’ll be licking your spoon in no time!

Find out how to make your own delicious dulce de leche using condensed milk with this easy recipe. You'll be licking your spoon in no time!

If you’ve never had dulce de leche, you’re missing out! This delicious caramel-like sauce is made from sweetened condensed milk, and it’s perfect for topping desserts or just eating by the spoonful.

If you’ve ever been to Argentina, you know that dulce de leche is a staple of the diet. This creamy sauce can be used on everything from toast to ice cream. And if you’re like me, you’ll love it so much you’ll want to find a way to make it at home. Luckily, making dulce de leche is surprisingly easy, and only requires one ingredient: condensed milk.

In this easy recipe, we’ll show you how to make dulce de leche using a simple can of condensed milk and a pot. The stovetop method is the easiest way to make a homemade version of this sweet sauce with consistent results.

So if you’re looking for an excuse to indulge in some sweet caramel goodness, then scroll down and get started with this easy dulce de leche recipe!

Find out how to make your own delicious dulce de leche using condensed milk with this easy recipe. You'll be licking your spoon in no time!
Find out how to make your own delicious dulce de leche using condensed milk with this easy recipe. You'll be licking your spoon in no time!

What is Dulce de Leche?

Dulce de leche is a thick, creamy, caramel-like sauce that is thought to have originated in Argentina.

Dulce de leche is a Spanish phrase that literally means “sweet of milk.” That is a pretty accura description of this delicious sauce, as it is made by slowly simmering milk and sugar until it thickens and takes on a deep caramel flavour.

This rich sauce has become popular in many other countries in Latin America, as well as in Europe and North America. Dulce de leche can be made at home, or bought ready-made from many supermarkets.

Dulce de leche can be used as a topping for desserts, or even eaten on its own as a sweet treat. It is also a popular ingredient in many baking recipes.

Find out how to make your own delicious dulce de leche using condensed milk with this easy recipe. You'll be licking your spoon in no time!

Is Dulce de Leche and Caramel the Same?

Dulce de leche is often compared to caramel, and while they are both sweet sauces that rely on the maillard reaction, there are some key differences.

The biggest difference between Dulce de leche and Caramel is the ingredient list. Dulce de leche is made with just milk and sugar, while caramel is made with sugar, water, and cream.

The second difference is the flavour. Dulce de leche has a deeper, richer flavour because of the slow cooking process, while caramel is more of a light, sweet flavour.

The third difference is the texture. Dulce de leche is much thicker and creamier than caramel.

So while they are both delicious sweet sauces, Dulce de leche and Caramel are not the same.

If you are interested in making homemade caramel sauce be sure to check out my recipe for creamy caramel sauce!

What is the Difference Between Dulce de Leche and Cajeta?

The biggest difference between Dulce de leche and Cajeta is the milk. Dulce de leche is made with cow’s milk, while cajeta is made with goat’s milk. Cajeta also has a stronger flavour because of the goat’s milk, with a hint of tanginess.

So while they are both sweet and delicious, Dulce de leche and Cajeta are not the same.

Find out how to make your own delicious dulce de leche using condensed milk with this easy recipe. You'll be licking your spoon in no time!

Ingredients for Dulce de Leche

The only ingredient you need to make dulce de leche at home is a can of condensed milk. Just use your favourite brand. You can use a single can or do a batch of a few cans at once if you like.

Other than that you just need some tap water and a pot. The water you start with can be lukewarm or hot, it doesn’t make a difference. When topping up the water while cooking though you will want to use hot or boiling water to avoid stalling the cooking process while the water has to come back up to heat.

Find out how to make your own delicious dulce de leche using condensed milk with this easy recipe. You'll be licking your spoon in no time!

Tips for Making the Best Dulce de Leche with Condensed Milk

  • When making dulce de leche in a can, make sure the can is not dented or leaking. If this happens you will end up with a watery mess instead of a thickened caramel-like sauce.
  • It is better to use the type of can that does not have tab openers as they are more prone to leaking during the boiling process. I have never had a problem personally with this but be aware it is a possibility.
  • The can must be kept fully under water at all times while cooking. Cook with a lid on to slow down evaporation, and be sure to top with more hot water as necessary. The can can explode if the water gets too low, so this isn’t the time to set it and forget it.
  • If you want a thinner consistency for drizzling or pouring remove the can from the water at the 3 hour mark and move to a sink full of cold water to help stop the cooking. The resulting dulce de leche will be lighter in flavour and colour. (Shown in the image above and below.) Once refrigerated it will continue to thicken but it will remain pour-able.
  • For a thicker consistency with a deeper flavour, allow the can to cool with the hot water in the pot. The dulce de leche will continue to cook as it cools, and the resulting dulce de leche will have a deeper flavour with a pudding like consistency and a nutty brown colour. (Shown in all the images except the ones immediately above and below.)
  • Avoid opening the can while the Dulce de Leche is still hot, it could burn you.
Find out how to make your own delicious dulce de leche using condensed milk with this easy recipe. You'll be licking your spoon in no time!
Find out how to make your own delicious dulce de leche using condensed milk with this easy recipe. You'll be licking your spoon in no time!

How to Store Dulce de Leche

An unopened can of dulce de leche can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 months.

An opened can of Dulce de leche should be stored in a mason jar or air tight container, in the fridge, for up to 2 weeks. Do not store leftover dulce de leche in the original can.

If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze dulce de leche in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To use, simply thaw the sauce in the fridge overnight before using.

Find out how to make your own delicious dulce de leche using condensed milk with this easy recipe. You'll be licking your spoon in no time!

How to Use Dulce de Leche

Dulce de leche can be used in many different ways. Here are some ideas:

  • Spread dulce de leche on top of pancakes or waffles
  • Use it as a topping for ice cream or cheesecake
  • Mix it into coffee or hot chocolate
  • Make a delicious Dulce de Leche Milkshake
  • Use it in baking recipes, like brownies or cookies
  • As a dip for fruit or churros
  • In my recipe for Dulce de Leche Donuts
  • Use it in a banoffee pie with bananas.
Find out how to make your own delicious dulce de leche using condensed milk with this easy recipe. You'll be licking your spoon in no time!

How to Make Homemade Dulce de Leche

Yields: 14 oz Dulce de Leche | Prep time: 2 Minutes | Cook time: 3 hours

Ingredients:

14 oz can of Sweetened Condensed Milk

Directions:

Making dulce de leche at home is very simple. All you need is a can of condensed milk, and a little bit of patience.

Can of condensed milk with the label removed.

First, remove the label from the can of condensed milk and remove as much of the glue as possible.

Can of condensed milk submerged in water in a large pot.

Next, place the unopened can sideways in a large pot of water. Make sure the can is completely submerged by about 2 inches of water. Do not place the cans upright in the pot in order to avoid having the can bob around.

Place the pot of water on the stove, cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let cook for 3 to 3.5 hours. Keep an eye on the water level and add more hot water as needed to keep the cans fully submerged.

Can of condensed milk held up with tongs.

After 3 to 3.5 hours turn off the heat and allow the cans to cool in the pot of water for a thicker, darker sauce. For a lighter sauce carefully remove the cans from the pot using tongs and place them in a sink full of cold water or on a wire rack or towel to cool for about 30 minutes.

Once cooled, open the cans and enjoy your homemade dulce de leche!

Dulce de Leche
Yield: 14 oz Dulce de Leche

Dulce de Leche

Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 32 minutes

Find out how to make your own delicious dulce de leche using condensed milk with this easy recipe. You’ll be licking your spoon in no time!

Ingredients

  • 14 oz can of Sweetened Condensed Milk

Instructions

  1. First, remove the label from the can of condensed milk and remove as much of the glue as possible.
  2. Next, place the unopened can sideways in a large pot of water. Make sure the can is completely submerged by about 2 inches of water. Do not place the cans upright in the pot in order to avoid having the can bob around.
  3. Place the pot of water on the stove, cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let cook for 3 to 3.5 hours. Keep an eye on the water level and add more hot water as needed to keep the cans fully submerged.
  4. After 3 to 3.5 hours turn off the heat and allow the cans to cool in the pot of water for a thicker, darker sauce. For a lighter sauce carefully remove the cans from the pot using tongs and place them in a sink full of cold water or on a wire rack or towel to cool for about 30 minutes.
  5. Once cooled, open the cans and enjoy your homemade dulce de leche!

Slow Cooker instructions

Place the can sideways in your slow cooker and submerge fully in water again. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours.

Instant Pot Instructions

Place the can sideways in your instant pot and submerge fully in water again. Pressure cook on high for 40 minutes. Allow for natural release.

Notes

  • The can must be kept fully under water at all times while cooking. Cook with a lid on to slow down evaporation, and be sure to top with more hot water as necessary. The can can explode if the water gets too low, so this isn’t the time to set it and forget it.
  • If you want a thinner consistency for drizzling or pouring remove the can from the water at the 3 hour mark and move to a sink full of cold water to help stop the cooking. The resulting dulce de leche will be lighter in flavour and colour. (Shown in the image above and below.) Once refrigerated it will continue to thicken but it will remain pour-able.
  • For a thicker consistency with a deeper flavour, allow the can to cool with the hot water in the pot. The dulce de leche will continue to cook as it cools, and the resulting dulce de leche will have a deeper flavour with a pudding like consistency and a nutty brown colour. (Shown in all the images except the ones immediately above and below.)
  • Avoid opening the can while the Dulce de Leche is still hot.
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    Nutrition Information:

    Yield:

    9

    Serving Size:

    2 Tbsp (39 g)

    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 191Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 75mgCarbohydrates: 32gFiber: 0gSugar: 32gProtein: 5g

    This information is provided as a courtesy and for entertainment purposes only. This information comes from online calculators. Although frugalmomeh.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

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    Find out how to make your own delicious dulce de leche using condensed milk with this easy recipe. You'll be licking your spoon in no time!

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