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dulce de leche

Dulce de Leche Recipe

Course: Dessert, How To, Sauce
Cuisine: Latin American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 14 ounces
Calories: 91kcal
Author: Becky Hardin
Transform a simple can of sweetened condensed milk into rich, velvety dulce de leche with this easy, one-ingredient method.
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US Customary - Metric

Equipment

  • Kitchen Scale (optional)

Ingredients

  • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (1 can)*

Instructions

  • Remove the label and its glue from the can.
    14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
  • Leaving the can closed, place it in a medium pot. Fill the pot with water, so that there are at least 2 inches of water above the can.
    pouring water over a can of sweetened condensed milk in a pot.
  • Bring the water to a simmer over high heat. Reduce the heat and allow the water to simmer for 3 hours, adding in more water if needed to keep the can completely submerged throughout the cooking.
    boiling a can of sweetened condensed milk in a large pot.
  • Carefully remove the can from the water and allow the can to cool completely before opening.
    dulce de leche in a can.

Video

Notes

*I recommend full-fat, but low-fat will also work just fine for this recipe.
Tips:
  • If using an aluminum pot, add a splash of white vinegar or lemon juice to the boiling water to prevent the pot from developing scale on the inside.
  • Avoid cans with tab openers, as they are more likely to burst than those that require a can opener.
  • Ensure the top of the can is always completely submerged under at least 2 inches of water to prevent it from breaking and exploding. I set a timer for every 30 minutes to add more water.
  • You can lay the can on its side to prevent it from rattling as the water boils, which can be noisy and annoying. 
  • Allow the can to completely cool, or the pressure in the can will send hot dulce de leche spraying everywhere.
  • If you open the can and it looks grainy or lumpy, simply whisk it vigorously or give it 10 seconds in a blender, and it will become silky smooth again.
  • Add a pinch of flaky sea salt, a tsp of vanilla bean paste, or a splash of dark rum for extra flavor.
  • Once opened, do not store it in the can! Instead, store it in a food-safe airtight container.
Alternative Cooking Methods:
  • Crockpot: Remove the label from the can and place it on its side in a slow cooker, covering with at least 2 inches of hot water; cook on LOW for 8-10 hours (ensure the water stays above the cans), then turn off the heat and allow the cans to cool completely in the water before removing and opening.
  • Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F and pour the sweetened condensed milk into a pie dish. Cover the dish tightly with foil, then place it into a hot water bath and bake for 90-105 minutes, or until it reaches your desired color, adding more water to the water bath as needed. Let cool to room temperature before using.
Make-Ahead: You can store the sealed cans of dulce de leche at room temperature for up to 3 months--great for batch prepping!
Storage: Once opened, store dulce de leche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ounce | Calories: 91kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 36mg | Potassium: 105mg | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 76IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 0.1mg