Dulce de Leche, a sweet and creamy caramel-like substance, is a beloved treat across many cultures. Made simply by heating sweetened condensed milk, it transforms into a luscious, golden delight that can be used in so many ways. Whether you drizzle it over desserts or scoop it straight from the can, it’s hard to resist. After all, who could say no to sweet, gooey goodness?

Pin this for later!

I remember the first time I made dulce de leche; my kitchen was filled with an irresistible aroma that took me back to my childhood. I found myself lost in nostalgia, reminiscing about my grandmother’s caramel cakes that always had a hidden layer of this rich topping. This recipe brings warmth and sweetness into your home, and the magic lies in its simplicity. Once you try it, you may never want the store-bought version again!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Dulce de Leche
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Dulce de Leche

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: It only takes about 5 minutes to prep and 3 hours simmering to achieve that perfect consistency!
Irresistible Flavor: The taste is delightfully sweet, with a deep caramel richness that works beautifully in both savory and sweet dishes.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden hue and smooth texture make it an impressive topping for any dessert.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it straight from the can, over pancakes, in coffee, or incorporated into various baked goods.
Diet-Friendly Options: While this recipe calls for traditional sweetened condensed milk, you can easily find dairy alternatives to suit dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk: This is the star ingredient that transforms into silky dulce de leche. For best results, stick with brands like Eagle Brand or Carnation. If you want a dairy-free version, look for coconut milk alternatives.

How to Make Dulce de Leche

Prepare the Can: Remove the paper label from the can of sweetened condensed milk and inspect it for any dents. If you see any, it’s safer to discard that can and grab a new one.
Place in Pot: Gently place the can into a large pot, making sure it stands upright.
Add Water: Fill the pot with enough water to completely submerge the can, ensuring there are at least 2 inches of water above it.
Heat It Up: Turn the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and maintain a simmer for 2 to 3 hours. If you’re aiming for a lighter and milder flavor, 2 hours will do; for a deeper, richer flavor, go for 3 hours. Just keep an eye on the water level and add more boiling water as needed.
Cool Down: After simmering, carefully drain the water, then let the can sit at room temperature for 3 to 4 hours; resisting the temptation to open it early is crucial. Opening a hot can can lead to a spray of scorching liquid!
Open and Enjoy: Once it has completely cooled, simply open the can and prepare for the sweet explosion of flavor inside.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover dulce de leche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just remember that when rewarming, it may thicken, so stir in a bit of milk to bring back that smooth consistency. Gently warm it in the microwave in 10-second intervals, being careful not to overheat it.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be cautious with the can: Always check for any visible damage before using. Dented cans can be hazardous.
Keep a close watch on the water: Ensure the can remains submerged throughout cooking to prevent it from overheating.
Experiment with flavors: For a unique twist, add a pinch of sea salt or a splash of vanilla extract to enrich the flavor further.
Pour some dulce de leche into a lined square dish to cool and set, then cut it into squares for delightful homemade candies.

Dulce de leche is an incredibly versatile and easy-to-make treat that appeals to everyone. It’s perfect for those sweet cravings that strike unexpectedly or to impress guests with homemade desserts. With each spoonful, you’ll taste the love and patience that went into its creation. Don’t hesitate to get creative and try incorporating it into your favorite recipes or snacks!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use evaporated milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?

No, sweetened condensed milk is the key ingredient for dulce de leche. It contains sugar, which is essential for the caramelizing process. Evaporated milk has no added sugar and would not give you the same rich flavor or texture.

Is dulce de leche gluten-free?

Absolutely! The key ingredient, sweetened condensed milk, is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the label for any added ingredients if you’re purchasing a pre-made version.

How can I use dulce de leche besides eating it plain?

There are countless ways to enjoy dulce de leche! Use it as a topping for ice cream, pancakes, or waffles. You can spread it on toast, incorporate it into cheesecakes, or swirl it into brownies for a decadent treat.

Can I make dulce de leche in the microwave?

Yes, you can! Combine sweetened condensed milk and a pinch of salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it thickens and turns a caramel color. This method is quicker but requires more attention to avoid burning.

More Breakfast and Brunch Recipes

👉 If you make my Dulce de Leche recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating — it really helps others discover the recipe.
Follow me on Pinterest for more easy recipes.

Dulce de Leche

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Krista
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 305 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 24 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: Mexican

Print Recipe

Description

Create this delightful dulce de leche that’s irresistibly sweet and simple to make. With just canned sweetened condensed milk, you can whip up a delicious treat perfect for desserts and toppings!

Ingredients

Scale

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Remove the paper label from the can of sweetened condensed milk and inspect it for dents. If found, discard the can and use another.
Place the can into a large pot.
Fill the pot with water until the can is submerged by at least 2 inches.
Heat on medium-high until boiling. Once it boils, reduce heat to medium and let it simmer for 2 hours for a golden hue or up to 3 hours for a darker shade and richer flavor. Add boiling water as needed to keep the can covered.
Once done, drain the water and let the can cool to room temperature (3-4 hours). Note: Open carefully as it is pressurized after heating.
After cooled, open the can as you normally would.