How To Make Dulce De Leche Recipe

Introduction

Dulce de leche is a luscious, caramel-like spread made from sweetened condensed milk. It’s perfect for drizzling over desserts, spreading on toast, or simply enjoying by the spoonful. This recipe shows you how to make it easily using either an Instant Pot or stovetop method.

Ingredients

• 1 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: For the Instant Pot method, transfer the sweetened condensed milk into a clean, pint-sized mason jar and screw on the lid tightly.
2. Step 2: Place the trivet inside the Instant Pot and set the sealed jar in the center. Add enough water to the pot so it comes about 1 inch below the jar’s lid.
3. Step 3: Close the Instant Pot lid and cook on the Manual setting at high pressure for 35 minutes.
4. Step 4: Perform a quick release of the steam. Carefully remove the jar using tongs or oven mitts and allow it to cool completely before opening.
5. Step 5: For the stovetop method, remove the label from the sealed can and place it in a large pot or Dutch oven. Fill the pot with water until the can is submerged by at least 2 inches.
6. Step 6: Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Maintain the simmer and cook for 2 1/2 hours, adding water as needed to keep the can submerged.
7. Step 7: Remove the can with tongs and let it cool completely to room temperature before opening.

Tips & Variations

• Make sure the jar or can is fully submerged during cooking to ensure even caramelization and avoid burning.
• For a richer flavor, you can stir in a pinch of sea salt after cooking to create salted dulce de leche.
• If you prefer thicker dulce de leche, you can simmer it a bit longer on the stovetop, but watch carefully to prevent scorching.
• Use a heatproof jar for the Instant Pot method to avoid any risk of breakage.

Storage

Store dulce de leche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It may thicken when chilled; simply let it come to room temperature or warm gently before use. Avoid freezing as this can affect the texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use any brand of sweetened condensed milk?

Yes, any standard 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk works well for making dulce de leche. Just make sure it is sealed and not damaged.

Is it safe to cook the condensed milk in the can on the stovetop?

Yes, it is generally safe as long as the can remains fully submerged in water during the entire cooking process to prevent overheating or bursting. Always let the can cool completely before opening.

How To Make Dulce De Leche Recipe

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4.5 from 55 reviews

• Author: Mariam
• Total Time: 40 minutes (Instant Pot) or 2 hours 35 minutes (Stovetop)
• Yield: About 1 cup dulce de leche 1x

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Description

This recipe guides you through making rich and creamy dulce de leche using two easy methods: the Instant Pot and the stovetop. By gently cooking sweetened condensed milk until it caramelizes into a luscious, golden spread, homemade dulce de leche can be enjoyed on its own or used as a decadent topping or ingredient in desserts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 1 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk

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Instructions

1. Prepare for Instant Pot: Transfer the sweetened condensed milk into a clean, pint-sized mason jar and screw on the lid tightly to seal.
2. Set Instant Pot: Place the Instant Pot trivet inside and set the jar in the center of the trivet. Add water to the pot until it reaches about 1 inch below the lid of the jar.
3. Cook in Instant Pot: Close the Instant Pot lid and cook on the Manual setting at high pressure for 35 minutes.
4. Release Pressure: Perform a quick pressure release once cooking is done. Use tongs or oven mitts to carefully remove the jar from the pot.
5. Cool Down: Allow the jar to cool completely before opening to prevent any burns or spills.
6. Prepare for Stovetop: Remove the label from the sealed can of sweetened condensed milk and place it in a large pot or Dutch oven.
7. Submerge and Simmer: Fill the pot with water until the can is submerged by at least 2 inches of water.
8. Cook on Stovetop: Bring the water to a boil on high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for about 2 1/2 hours. Make sure to add water as needed to keep the can submerged.
9. Remove and Cool: Use tongs to carefully take the can out of the water and let it cool completely to room temperature before opening to avoid spillage or burns.

Notes

• Always ensure the jar or can is fully submerged during cooking to avoid overheating or burning.
• Do not open the jar or can while it is hot as the contents are under pressure and very hot, which can cause burns.
• Use the dulce de leche as a spread on toast, a topping for desserts, or incorporate it into baking recipes.
• If using the stovetop method, monitor water level throughout cooking to keep the can submerged.
• Homemade dulce de leche can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes (Instant Pot) or 2 hours 30 minutes (Stovetop)
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Instant Pot
• Cuisine: Latin American

Keywords: dulce de leche, caramel sauce, sweetened condensed milk, Instant Pot dessert, homemade caramel