If you have a sweet tooth and a love for creamy, caramel-like delights, you are going to adore learning How to Make Dulce De Leche with Condensed Milk Recipe. This classic treat is surprisingly simple to prepare at home with just one main ingredient: sweetened condensed milk. The slow cooking process transforms it into a luscious, golden caramel sauce that’s perfect for drizzling, spreading, or dipping. Whether you want to elevate your desserts or simply enjoy a spoonful of rich, velvety goodness, this recipe is an absolute game-changer that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need one core ingredient to achieve that irresistible dulce de leche texture and flavor. Each choice here is essential to deliver the perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and that characteristic caramel hue.
- 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk: This is the star ingredient, providing the perfect sweet and creamy base that caramelizes beautifully.
How to Make How to Make Dulce De Leche with Condensed Milk Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Materials
Start by gathering your can of sweetened condensed milk and a pot or slow cooker. It’s important to remove the label from the can so it doesn’t disintegrate while cooking. This step sets you up for a smooth cooking process with no surprises.
Step 2: Submerge the Can in Water
Place the unopened can in a pot and cover it completely with water. This method of slow, gentle heat is key to transforming the sweetened condensed milk into silky dulce de leche without burning or curdling. Make sure the water stays above the can level throughout cooking.
Step 3: Simmer Slowly
Turn your stove to a low simmer and cook the can for around 40 minutes. The low temperature allows the sugars to caramelize gradually, turning the contents a beautiful golden brown with that irresistibly thick texture. Patience is critical here!
Step 4: Cool Before Opening
Once cooked, carefully remove the can from the water using tongs and let it cool completely before opening. Opening it while hot can be dangerous due to pressure inside the can, so waiting will keep you safe and your dulce de leche perfect.
Step 5: Stir and Store
After cooling, open the can and stir the dulce de leche until it’s smooth and creamy. You can now use it immediately or store it in an airtight container. This step ensures a consistent and luscious texture every single time.
How to Serve How to Make Dulce De Leche with Condensed Milk Recipe
Garnishes
Dulce de leche shines when enhanced with just a few thoughtful garnishes. Sprinkle flaky sea salt for a delightful sweet-salty contrast or add toasted nuts like pecans or almonds for crunch and flavor. A dusting of cinnamon complements its warm caramel notes perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dulce de leche is a versatile companion to many dishes. Try it alongside vanilla ice cream, spread on toast or pancakes, or swirl it into your morning oatmeal. It also pairs wonderfully with fresh fruits like bananas and strawberries, creating an indulgent yet approachable dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a wow factor, consider serving the dulce de leche in small jars tied with a rustic ribbon as homemade gifts. Drizzle it over desserts like cheesecakes, brownies, or churros for a decadent finish. You can even use it as a filling for cupcakes or crepes, turning simple recipes into something spectacular.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover dulce de leche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Its rich flavor actually intensifies with time, so leftovers can taste even better. Before using, give it a good stir to bring back its creamy consistency.
Freezing
You can freeze dulce de leche for up to three months by placing it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and stir well before using to restore its smooth texture. Freezing is a convenient way to keep this treat on hand without worrying about spoilage.
Reheating
If your dulce de leche thickens too much in the fridge or freezer, gently warm it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. Adding a splash of milk or cream while reheating helps loosen it up for easier drizzling and spreading.
FAQs
Is it safe to boil a can of sweetened condensed milk?
Yes, but it is important to keep the can fully submerged in water at all times and avoid cooking it on high heat. This prevents the can from overheating and potentially exploding. Always let the can cool completely before opening.
Can I use this dulce de leche as a frosting?
Absolutely! Its rich, creamy texture makes a fantastic base or addition to frostings for cakes and cupcakes. You can whip it into buttercream or use it straight for a decadent caramel topping.
How long does homemade dulce de leche last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, it usually stays fresh for up to two weeks. Freezing extends its shelf life to about three months without compromising taste or texture.
Can I make dulce de leche with powdered milk?
Traditional dulce de leche requires sweetened condensed milk for the right sweetness and creaminess. While powdered milk can be used in some caramel sauces, it won’t replicate the same texture or flavor as this recipe.
What if my dulce de leche is grainy?
Graininess can happen if cooked at too high heat or stirred too vigorously. To fix it, gently reheat and stir in a little cream or milk until smooth. Slower cooking and careful stirring help prevent this issue.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know How to Make Dulce De Leche with Condensed Milk Recipe, you have unlocked a treasure trove of delicious possibilities. This delightful caramel is so easy to make and richly rewarding in flavor that it’s perfect for treating yourself or impressing friends and family. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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How to Make Dulce De Leche with Condensed Milk Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes plus cooling time
- Yield: 14 servings (1-oz each)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Latin American
Description
Learn how to make creamy, caramel-like dulce de leche easily at home using just one simple ingredient: sweetened condensed milk. This recipe transforms a can of condensed milk into a rich and luscious dessert topping or spread through gentle simmering on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Prepare the can: Remove the label from the can of sweetened condensed milk and ensure it is unopened. This is important to prevent water from entering the can while cooking.
- Place in water: Put the sealed can in a large pot and fill the pot with water until the can is fully submerged with at least 1-2 inches of water above it. This ensures the can cooks evenly and safely.
- Simmer the can: Bring the water to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Maintain a steady simmer, not a rapid boil, for about 40 minutes. Make sure to keep the can submerged the entire time, adding more hot water if necessary.
- Cool the can: After 40 minutes, carefully remove the can from the water using tongs and allow it to cool completely to room temperature before opening. This may take an hour or more and is essential to prevent injury from hot caramel.
- Open and serve: Once cooled, open the can to reveal smooth, golden dulce de leche. Stir gently to combine and enjoy as a spread, topping, or ingredient in desserts.
Notes
- Never open the can while it is hot to avoid burns from hot caramel.
- Keep the can fully submerged throughout the cooking process to prevent it from overheating and potentially bursting.
- The longer the can simmers, the thicker and darker the dulce de leche will become; adjust timing accordingly for preferred consistency.
- Store any leftover dulce de leche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
