Dulce de Leche, or sweet milk, is made by heating a can of sweetened condensed milk until it thickens and develops a rich, caramel-like flavor and color. It is a delicious sauce that is as easy to make as it is versatile to use! Forget about buying a can at the store and make your own for treats like my Dulce de Leche Pecan Pie.
Ingredient
Sweetened condensed milk: You just need a can of sweetened condensed milk for this recipe. Sometimes dulce de leche is made by reducing milk and sugar on the stovetop. However, you can get the same sweet flavors of it by using a can of sweetened condensed milk. Sweetened condensed milk should not be confused with evaporated milk. Check the labels carefully when purchasing a can for this recipe.
How to Use Dulce de Leche
Dulce de leche can be used for many things from a spread to a filling to a topping and more. Here are some delightful ways to use it:
- Use it as a filling for pies.
- Add it to buttercream for frosting cakes.
- Sweeten your hot cocoa or cup of coffee.
- Drizzle over a bowl of ice cream.
- Enjoy it at breakfast over pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
- Serve it with a fresh fruit platter for dipping.
🚨Caution when Cooking a Can of Sweetened Condensed Milk
There are a couple of safety reminders when cooking a can of sweetened condensed milk. First, make sure the can is completely submerged in water throughout the cooking process. Never let the pot boil dry. If water drops below the can, it can overheat and rupture. Add boiled water to the pot if you notice the water getting too low. Then, once cooked, be sure to let the can of sweetened condensed milk cool completely before opening it. Cooking it in water pressurizes it, so opening it too early can cause it to explode.
What is the Difference Between Dulce de Leche and Caramel?
Although they are similar in both flavor and texture, dulce de leche is different than caramel. While caramel is made from slowly heating granulated sugar, dulce de leche is made by browning sweetened milk. In addition, when browning the sugar for caramel, it turns into a golden-brown syrup, whereas dulce de leche turns into more of a thick sauce. They certainly both have their place in the world of sweetness!
How to Store Dulce de Leche
Once the can of sweetened condensed milk has been heated through, dulce de leche can be stored at room temperature, unopened, for up to three months. (Be sure to label the can.) If you have opened the can, store the dulce de leche in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Dulce de Leche
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Remove the paper label from the can of sweetened condensed milk and check for dents. If there are any dents near the sealed edges or seams, discard it and use a different can.
- Place the can into a large pot.
- Fill the pot with water until the can is covered with at least 2 inches of water, completely submerged.
- Heat over medium-high heat until boiling. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium. Simmer for 2 hours for a golden color and mild flavor, or up to 3 hours for a darker color and more robust flavor. (If the water level drops below the top of the can, you will need to add more boiling water.)
- Drain the water and allow the can to come to room temperature before opening (3-4 hours). (PLEASE NOTE: Because the can is pressurized, attempting this step too early can cause the can to spray hot liquid. Make sure to wait until it is completely cooled.)
- Once completely cooled, open the can as normal.
Did you make this recipe?
Thank you for making my recipe! You took pictures, right? Well go ahead and post them on Instagram! Be sure to mention me @iambaker and use the hashtag #YouAreBaker.
Love seeing this… takes making caramel to a whole new level! 🥰
Thank you for the recipe. Heard of this but never had actual instructions. Curious whether you think this would work with the sugar free sweetened condensed milk or the sweetened condensed coconut milk?
Glad you like the recipe! For substitutions:
Sugar-free sweetened condensed milk: It can work, but results vary… many sugar-free sweeteners don’t caramelize as well, so it may be thinner or less flavorful. Test a small batch or make your own keto base first.
Sweetened condensed coconut milk: Yes, this works! Use the exact same method (submerge sealed can, simmer 2-3 hours). It turns creamy and caramely with a light coconut note.
Keep the can fully submerged and cool completely before opening. Let me know how it turns out!
I have done in my pressure cooker, came out perfect! I can’t keep this stuff around, I’d eat it all 😂
I’ve made it in a slow cooker. Cooked on low for first 8 hours. It is delectable 😘
I don’t have a pot tall enough to set the can straight up and covered it with at least 2” of water. Can the can be on its side or must be standing up?
Edgardo,
No, the can doesn’t have to be upright. You can lay it on its side in the pot, which actually makes it easier to fully submerge in a shorter pot (just keep it covered by at least 1–2 inches of water the whole time).
Key things stay the same:
Never let the water drop below the can (add boiling water as needed).
Simmer 2-3 hours.
Let it cool completely (3-4+ hours) before opening.
You’ll get the same rich dulce de leche either way. 🙂
Thank you so much! I did it, I let it simmer for 3 hours and then let it cool down in and with the same water overnight. Next morning I opened the can and found the same dulce de leche I enjoyed as a child growing up in Argentina.
Hello, I would like to do this in my instant pot can I get a recipe or rather timing for that
I’ve been doing this for over 40 years now and it’s the best ever, thanks for reminding me to make it again for my new hubby! 🙂