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    Home » Dessert and Sweets recipes

    Dulce de Leche Recipe | What is Dulce de Leche?

    Published: Aug 9, 2023 by Kushi · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Dulce de leche is a rich, thick, sweet, and creamy caramel-like sauce made by heating sweetened milk. A very versatile sauce that you can use as a spread on bread, drizzle on fruits, or as a main ingredient to make ice creams, milkshakes, churros, cookies, cakes and cupcakes, pastries, and almost every possible dessert!!!

    Easy homemade Dulce de Leche recipe for desserts.

    Jump to:
    • What is dulce de leche?
    • Best dessert recipes to try with dulce de leche
    • Ingredient
    • How to make Dulce De Leche?
    • Pro Tips to make dulce de leche at home
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Recipe card
    • User Reviews

    What is dulce de leche?

    Dulce de leche is a very popular caramel-like sauce in Latin American countries pronounced as dool-say dee lay-chay, which translates to sweet milk in Spanish.

    Dulce de leche is traditionally made by slow-heating sweetened condensed milk or regular milk with sugar until it caramelizes and thickens to a sticky and smooth sauce. This process also gives it beautiful caramel color and rich flavor.

    Best dessert recipes to try with dulce de leche

    • Best homemade dulce de leche ice cream served in waffle bowl.
      Best Dulce De Leche Ice Cream
    • Dulce De Leche Milkshake, Caramel Milkshake, Best & easy summer drink recipes, dessert drinks, fancy desserts, ice cream float, #milkshake #icecreamshake #dulcedeleche #summerdrinks #4thofjuly #caramel
      Dulce De Leche Milkshake
    • Best homemade churros recipe served with dulce de leche sauce. Mexican churros (Eggless, vegan).
      Homemade Churros Recipe | Mexican Churros
    • Easy coconut balls - 3 ingredients only, Coconut ladoo with condensed milk or dulce de leche.
      Coconut Balls | Coconut Ladoo with Dulce de Leche

    Today's post is about making dulce de leche from condensed milk. But they are readily available in the baking aisle of grocery stores.

    Ingredient

    Sweetened condensed milk: Use any brand of your choice. Cans of these are available in the baking aisle of any grocery store. Make sure you are using sweetened condensed milk. EVoporated milk will not work in the recipe. 

    One ingredient used to make dulce de leche in can.

    How to make Dulce De Leche?

    Dulce de leche Stovetop Method 1

    Prepare the can: If the outside of the can has a paper label, remove it else; you can immerse it directly. Ensure there are no dents or damage. (The final image is from the sauce that I made in the USA, and stepwise pictures are from the one that I recently tried making again in India)

    Boiling the water: Fill a large pot with water. Ensure you add enough water atleast 1 or 2 inches above so that the cans are submerged completely. 

    Submerge the can: Place unopened cans of condensed milk in this pot of water. 

    Submerge the can in a pot with water atleast 1 or 2 inches above to make dulce de leche.

    Boiling process: Bring the water to a boil and simmer. You will cook for 3 to 4 hours, depending on the consistency and the color you prefer. For a lighter sauce, you will have to boil for 2 hours; for dark copper brown color, you may have to simmer for 3 to 4 hours. 

    Keep checking the water level and add more water as needed. For best results, see that the can is always submerged in water. 

    Cooling down: After the desired cooking time, use thongs or big spoons to remove the can from hot water. You must allow the cans to cool down to room temperature before opening. This helps prevent any splattering. 

    Remove the sweetened condensed milk can using kitchen thongs.

    Homemade dulce de leche is ready: Open the can, and you will see thick creamy, and caramelized sauce. If you need uniform texture, transfer it to a bowl and give it a good whisk to eliminate any lumps.

    Transfer and store: Unopened cans can be refrigerated for 3 months or poured into a glass jar or storage conatiner and refrigerated and used for upto 3 weeks. You may have to warm it up in a pan, microwave, or double boiler to soften the sauce and smooth it out.

    Thick, creamy dulce de leche in can. Best Latin American caramel sauce.

    Stovetop method 2 for beginners

    • In a large pot, bring water to boil.
    • Using the can opener, make small holes opposite each other on the can's top side. (The two holes on top of the can help release the pressure that is developed when heating condensed milk, and you don't have to worry about any explosions)
    • Place these cans upright in a large wide pot on high heat. Pour the boiling water slowly from the sides till it covers three-fourths of the can.
    • Bring this to a rolling boil and then simmer (medium-low heat) uncovered for 3 ½ to 4 hours. Monitor the water level and top it off every 30 minutes.
    • After 4 hours, carefully remove the cans using tongs and let them cool down completely.
    Pouring best and easy homemade dulce de leche to a bowl.

    Pro Tips to make dulce de leche at home

    • The most attractive thing about caramel is the color; you will have to experiment with different simmer times. You will not be able to see the color of the caramel as the cans remain unopened while cooking. It took about 3 hours on medium-low heat for the caramel to develop copper-brown color. But the last time I tried to get this color, it took me about 4 hours as the heat was set to the lowest possible setting.
    • One more thing to watch out for is the possibility of cans exploding. YES, you heard it right!! I have tried preparing several times but never had any explosions till now. Ensure to maintain the water level steady at all times, ensuring even cooking and eliminating any danger of explosions. However, when you search the internet, you hear a few stories about explosions or popping. So be careful when you prepare this!
    Best and easy dulce de leche recipe. (Latin American dessert)
    • If you have time, patience, and caramel craving or love experimenting in your kitchen, grab 4 or 5 cans of condensed milk and try this out. But if you just want 1 can to make your favorite dessert, then you should buy from the store!!!
    • You may have to bear a series of rattling sounds as the cans bounce while simmering. The good news is the noise can be eliminated by placing a kitchen towel at the bottom of the pot before placing the cans and topping them with boiling water.
    Pouring thick and creamy, best homemade dulce de leche sauce. (Stovetop, instant pot, oven method)

    Dulce de Leche instant pot

    • If the outside of the can has a paper label, remove it else; you can use the unopened can directly. See that there are no dents or damage.
    • Place the unopened can of sweetened condensed milk in your instant pot and add enough water so that water is at least 1 to 2 inches above.
    • Set the pressure on high for 40 minutes.
    • Let the pressure release naturally. Remove the can and let it cool to room temperature before opening.

    Dulce de Leche oven method

    • If you want to make it in the oven, preheat it to 425 degrees F. Pour a can of condensed milk into your pie dish and wrap it with aluminum foil.
      Place this on a roast pan and fill it with hot water halfway up.
      Bake this in the middle rack of the oven for 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the color and texture you like.
    • You can lift the foil, check the color and bake for additional time if needed. Make sure you fill the roast pan with enough water.
    • You can use the sauce once it is out of the oven. Make sure you give it a good whisk so that it is smooth and there are no lumps.
    Showing the perfect, thick consistency and copper or golden brown color of homemade dulce de leche.

    Recipe FAQs

    How long does homemade dulce de leche last?

    If the can is unopened, it can last for one to 3 months. If it is opened and poured in a jar or conatiner, you can refrigerate and use it for up to three weeks.

    Is dulce de leche the same as caramel?

    These two sauce might look similar, but they are actually different. Caramel is made by slowly simmering sugar and water, while dulce de leche is made by simmering milk and sugar.

    What is better dulce de leche or caramel?

    Dulce de leche sauce is heavier and rich than caramel sauce. But if a recipe calls for dulce de leche you can use caramel sauce or vice versa.

    Is dulce de leche same as condensed milk?

    Dulce de leche is made by caramelizing sweetened milk or is, in short, cooked condensed milk, while condensed milk is made by reducing the water content of milk and then adding sugar.

    What is dulce de leche sauce made of?

    Traditionally this sauce is made by slow-heating milk and sugar until it reaches a deep brown color with a thick consistency.

    What is dulce de leche used for?

    Dulce de leche can be used to make tres leches cake, banoffee pie, cupcakes, cookies, pastries, milkshakes, ice creams, toppings for desserts, or as a spread for your bread or roti. You can use it only for any dessert where you use caramel sauce. Some of my favorite desserts are churros dipped in dulce de leche, homemade ice cream, milkshakes, and no-bake coconut bites.

    Where to buy dulce de leche?

    It is available in the grocery store in the baking aisle, mostly placed along with condensed milk.

    Did you like this recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below and/or a review in the comments section. You can also stay in touch with us through social media by following us on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

    Recipe card

    Best Dulce de Leche. Pouring homemade Dulce de Leche sauce.

    Dulce de Leche Recipe | What is Dulce de Leche?

    Kushi
    Dulce de leche is a rich, thick, sweet, and creamy caramel-like sauce made by heating sweetened milk. A very versatile sauce that you can use as a spread on bread, drizzle on fruits, or as a main ingredient to make ice creams, milkshakes, churros, cookies, cakes and cupcakes, pastries, and almost every possible dessert!!!
    5 from 16 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Cook Time 3 hours hrs
    Total Time 3 hours hrs
    Course Desserts, sweets
    Cuisine Argentina, Latin America, Mexican, Spanish
    Servings 1 batch
    Calories 1271 kcal

    Equipment

    • Pot

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 can Sweetened condensed milk

    Instructions
     

    How to make Dulce De Leche?

      Stovetop Method

        Prepare the can: 

        • If the outside of the can has a paper label, remove it else; you can immerse it directly. Ensure there are no dents or damage. (The final image is from my Dulce de leche that I made in the USA, and stepwise pictures are from the one that I recently tried making again in India)
          1 can Sweetened condensed milk

        Boiling the water:

        • Fill a large pot with water. Ensure you add enough water atleast 1 or 2 inches above so that the cans are submerged completely.

        Submerge the can: 

        • Place unopened cans of condensed milk in this pot of water.

        Boiling process: 

        • Bring the water to a boil and simmer. You will be cooking for 3 to 4 hours, depending on the consistency and the color you prefer. For a lighter dulce de leche, you will have to boil for 2 hours; for dark copper brown color, you may have to simmer for 3 to 4 hours.
        • Keep checking the water level and add more water as needed. For best results, see that the can is always submerged in water.

        Cooling down: 

        • After the desired cooking time, use thongs or big spoons to remove the can from hot water. You must allow the cans to cool down to room temperature before opening. This helps prevent any splattering.

        Homemade Dulce de leche is ready:

        • Open the can, and you will see thick creamy, and caramelized Dulce de leche. If you need uniform texture, transfer it to a bowl and give it a good whisk to eliminate any lumps.

        Transfer and store: 

        • Unopened cans can be refrigerated for 3 months or poured into a glass jar or storage conatiner and refrigerated and used for upto 3 weeks. You may just have to warm it up in a pan, microwave, or double boiler to soften the sauce and smooth it out.

        Dulce de Leche Instant Pot

        • If the outside of the can has a paper label, remove it else; you can use the unopened can directly. See that there are no dents or damage.
        • Place the unopened can of sweetened condensed milk in your instant pot and add enough water so that water is at least 1 to 2 inches above.
        • Set the pressure on high for 40 minutes.
        • Let the pressure release naturally. Remove the can and let it cool to room temperature before opening.

        Dulce de Leche Oven

        • If you want to make it in the oven, preheat it to 425 degrees F. Pour a can of condensed milk into your pie dish and wrap it with aluminum foil.
        • Place this on a roast pan and fill it with hot water halfway up.
        • Bake this in the middle rack of the oven for 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the color and texture you like.
        • You can lift the foil, check the color and bake for additional time if needed. Make sure you fill the roast pan with enough water.
        • You can use the sauce once it is out of the oven. Make sure you give it a good whisk so that it is smooth and there are no lumps.

        Notes

        • The most attractive thing about caramel is the color; you will have to experiment with different simmer times. You will not be able to see the color of the caramel as the cans remain unopened while cooking. It took about 3 hours on medium-low heat for the caramel to develop copper-brown color. But the last time I tried to get this color, it took me about 4 hours as the heat was set to the lowest possible setting.
        • One more thing to watch out for is the possibility of cans exploding. YES, you heard it right!! I have tried preparing several times but never had any explosions till now. Ensure to maintain the water level steady at all times, ensuring even cooking and eliminating any danger of explosions. However, when you search the internet about Dulce de leche, you hear a few stories about explosions or popping. So be careful when you prepare this!
        • If you have time, patience, and caramel craving or love experimenting in your kitchen, grab 4 or 5 cans of condensed milk and try this out. But if you just want 1 can of Dulce de leche to make your favorite dessert, then you should buy from the store!!!
        • You may have to bear a series of rattling sounds as the cans bounce while simmering. The good news is the noise can be eliminated by placing a kitchen towel at the bottom of the pot before placing the cans and topping them with boiling water.
        • Check the stovetop method II by making small holes in the can if you are a beginner.

        Nutrition

        Calories: 1271kcalCarbohydrates: 215gProtein: 31gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 22gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 135mgSodium: 503mgPotassium: 1469mgSugar: 215gVitamin A: 1057IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 1125mgIron: 1mg
        Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

        Note: We originally posted this recipe in July 2018. It has now been modified in Aug 2023 with Expert Chef Tips, FAQs, Storage Instructions, etc.

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          Persimmon Pie with Custard Filling
        • Cinnamon swirl cake with fresh apples and persimmons. Holiday, fall, winter dessert and breakfast.
          Cinnamon Swirl Cake with Apples and Persimmons
        • French Apple Cake Recipe | Best Apple Dessert, Snack and Breakfast.
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        • Easy persimmon muffin recipe. Fall and winter, Christmas holiday breakfast, snack and dessert.
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        Reader Interactions

        Comments

        1. Amy Liu Dong

          August 14, 2023 at 2:23 am

          5 stars
          I never thought that it was so easy making a Dulce de Leche.
          I have a can of condensed milk in my pantry, and I will def try this one!

          Reply
        2. Jamie

          August 14, 2023 at 9:44 am

          5 stars
          Oh my, this Dulce de leche sauce looks amazingly delicious! The thick creamy texture makes this so enticing and very tempting! Totally love it!

          Reply
        « Older Comments
        5 from 16 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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