The Perfect Dulce De Leche Milk Caramel Recipe You’ll Love

Dulce de leche, a silky caramel marvel, reimagines ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary delight.

Sweetalchemy happens when milk and sugar merge into a luscious golden nectar.

Kitchen magic transpires through gentle heating, creating a smooth and rich confection that captivates taste buds.

The subtle complexity of this treat makes it a versatile companion for countless desserts and snacks.

Such an unassuming ingredient carries immense potential for elevating simple dishes into memorable experiences.

Its creamy texture and deep amber color promise sensory pleasure with each spoonful.

Mastering this technique unlocks a world of delectable possibilities.

Why Easy Homemade Dulce de Leche Is a Must-Make

• Sweetly Effortless: Transforms a single ingredient into a luxurious caramel sauce with minimal kitchen skills required, perfect for novice cooks wanting impressive results.
• Versatile Dessert Base: Creates a rich, golden sauce that can enhance countless sweet treats like ice cream, cakes, pastries, and breakfast dishes with its deep caramel flavor.
• Gentle Baking Magic: Uses a simple water bath technique that slowly transforms sweetened condensed milk into a silky smooth caramel without burning, ensuring consistent texture and color every single time.
• Convenient Storage Solution: Produces a homemade delicacy that stays fresh for a week in the refrigerator, allowing you to prepare ahead and have a gourmet ingredient ready whenever culinary inspiration strikes.

What You Need to Make Easy Homemade Dulce de Leche (Milk Caramel)

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: A rich, creamy base that transforms into a golden caramel through slow baking, perfect for creating authentic dulce de leche with minimal effort.

• Water: Provides gentle, even heat distribution during the baking process, ensuring smooth caramelization of the condensed milk.

• Aluminum Foil: Helps cover and protect the condensed milk during baking, preventing skin formation and maintaining moisture.
• Loaf Pan: An ideal vessel for containing and shaping the dulce de leche during the cooking process.
• Roasting Pan: Serves as a water bath container, creating a gentle heating environment for consistent caramelization.
• Glass Jar: Perfect for storing the finished dulce de leche, keeping it fresh and accessible in the refrigerator.

How to Make Easy Homemade Dulce de Leche With No Fuss

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Setup

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Select a loaf pan and pour sweetened condensed milk directly into it.

Step 2: Create A Water Bath

Cover the loaf pan completely with aluminum foil. Place the pan inside a larger roasting pan. Carefully fill the outer pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the inner pan.

Step 3: Slow Bake The Caramel

Slide the pans into the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour, allowing the milk to transform into a rich, golden caramel.

Step 4: Cool And Store

Remove the pans from the oven. Let the dulce de leche cool down completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the creamy caramel into a clean glass jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Tips to Get Smooth and Creamy Dulce de Leche Every Time

• Check Temperature Carefully: Use an oven thermometer to ensure precise 400°F heat for consistent caramel color and texture.
• Prevent Water Evaporation: Wrap foil tightly to stop water from seeping into the condensed milk and maintain a smooth, even cooking process.
• Stir for Smoothness: Gently whisk the caramel after baking to eliminate any potential lumps and create a silky-smooth consistency.
• Monitor Browning Closely: Watch the dulce de leche during baking to achieve your desired shade of golden caramel without burning.
• Store Smartly: Keep the dulce de leche in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator and consume within a week for optimal flavor and freshness.

Storing Easy Homemade Dulce de Leche for Sweet Cravings Anytime

• Store sealed in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for maximum freshness up to 7 days. Keep the dulce de leche away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption. Refrigeration helps maintain its smooth, creamy texture and prevents bacterial growth.
• Reheat gently by placing the desired amount in a microwave-safe bowl and warming in 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating. Alternatively, create a warm water bath by placing the sealed container in a bowl of hot water, stirring occasionally until the dulce de leche reaches your preferred consistency. Never reheat the entire batch to maintain quality and prevent potential spoilage.
• Consider freezing extra dulce de leche in small portions using freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and give a quick stir before using to restore its original creamy texture.

What to Pair With Easy Homemade Dulce de Leche (Milk Caramel)

• Pair with Creamy Delights: Spread your homemade dulce de leche on warm banana bread or swirl it into vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience that melts in your mouth.
• Breakfast Bliss Combo: Drizzle this golden caramel over fluffy pancakes or mix into morning oatmeal, creating a sweet start to your day that feels like a luxurious treat.
• Beverage Harmony: Stir a spoonful into hot coffee or blend into a chai latte for a rich, caramel-infused drink that transforms your regular beverage into a gourmet indulgence.
• Fruit and Caramel Magic: Dip fresh apple slices or strawberries into the dulce de leche for a simple yet elegant dessert that balances sweetness with natural fruit freshness.

Tasty Variations for Your Easy Homemade Dulce de Leche

• Microwave Magic: Skip the oven and use a microwave-safe dish, stirring every minute to prevent burning and achieve smooth caramel in less time.
• Stovetop Simplicity: Pour condensed milk into a heavy-bottomed saucepan, constantly stirring over low heat until it transforms into a rich, golden caramel in about 45 minutes.
• Pressure Cooker Perfection: Use an instant pot or pressure cooker to create dulce de leche in just 20-25 minutes, with minimal supervision and consistent results.
• No-Fuss Crockpot Caramel: Slow cook unopened condensed milk cans in water for 8 hours, resulting in a creamy caramel with minimal effort and hands-on time.

Easy Homemade Dulce De Leche Milk Caramel Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 9 minutes
• Yield: 1 1x

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Description

Silky smooth dulce de leche from Argentina brings creamy caramel magic to desserts with just milk and sugar. Gentle simmering creates a rich, golden sauce that elevates any sweet treat you’ll adore.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 can (14 ounces / 396 grams) sweetened condensed milk

Preparation Ingredients:

• 1 large pot
• 1 heat-safe glass jar or baking dish

Optional Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 pinch salt (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) and select a glass or ceramic loaf pan for preparing dulce de leche.
2. Open a can of sweetened condensed milk and carefully pour the entire contents into the selected loaf pan, ensuring an even distribution across the bottom.
3. Create a protective seal by tightly covering the loaf pan with aluminum foil, preventing any moisture from entering during the baking process.
4. Position the covered loaf pan inside a larger roasting pan, then gently add hot water from the tap until it reaches approximately halfway up the sides of the smaller pan, creating a water bath environment.
5. Carefully transfer the nested pans into the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes, periodically checking the water level to ensure it remains consistent.
6. After the baking time has elapsed, carefully remove the pans from the oven using heat-resistant mitts and allow the dulce de leche to cool completely at room temperature, which typically takes 1 to 2 hours.
7. Once cooled, remove the aluminum foil and whisk the caramelized milk until smooth, then transfer to a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid for refrigeration.
8. Store the homemade dulce de leche in the refrigerator for up to one week, using it as a delightful topping or ingredient in various desserts.

Notes

• Baking this sweet treat transforms ordinary condensed milk into a luxurious golden caramel with minimal effort.
• Water bath technique ensures gentle, even heating prevents burning and creates smooth, creamy consistency.
• Aluminum foil covering protects the milk from direct heat while allowing slow caramelization process.
• Cooling time is crucial for setting the perfect thick, spreadable texture that’s rich and silky.
• Refrigeration helps maintain freshness and makes this homemade dulce de leche perfect for multiple dessert applications.

• Prep Time: 9 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg