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.