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Easy Homemade Dulce De Leche Milk Caramel Recipe

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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)

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