Irresistible Homemade Dulce De Leche Milk Caramel Recipe

Sweet, golden dulce de leche captures the essence of creamy caramel perfection in this simple homemade milk caramel recipe.

You’ll fall in love with its rich, silky texture that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

The magic happens when milk and sugar slowly dance together, creating a luscious golden treat that whispers comfort in every spoonful.

Generations of cooks have cherished this traditional Latin American delicacy for its deep, complex flavor.

No fancy equipment or complicated techniques stand between you and this decadent sauce.

A few basic ingredients and some patient stirring transform ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Let’s find out this delightful recipe and unlock the secret to making the most irresistible caramel sauce right in your own kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 9 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 9 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 2

Easy Homemade Dulce de Leche (Milk Caramel) Ingredients

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creamy foundation that transforms into rich, golden caramel through slow heating, ensuring a smooth and luxurious texture.

• Large Pot, Saucepan: Creates the water bath environment for gentle, even heating that prevents burning and allows milk to slowly caramelize.
• Tongs: Safely handles hot cans during cooking process, preventing burns and ensuring careful manipulation.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the caramel, creating a more complex and sophisticated flavor profile.
• Sea Salt: Provides a delightful contrast, cutting through sweetness and elevating the overall taste experience.
• Cinnamon: Introduces a subtle, warming spice that complements the caramel's natural richness.

Tools for Making Dulce de Leche at Home

• Loaf pan: Essential for baking and shaping the dulce de leche.
• Large roasting pan: Needed to create a water bath for even cooking.
• Aluminum foil: Crucial for covering the loaf pan and preventing moisture loss.
• Glass jar: Perfect for storing the finished dulce de leche in the refrigerator.
• Measuring cup: Helps pour hot water accurately into the roasting pan.
• Oven mitts: Protect hands when handling hot pans and water.

How to Cook Homemade Dulce de Leche

• Oven Preparation Warm up your kitchen and get ready for a sweet adventure with a toasty oven set at 400 degrees F.
• Milk Magic Pour sweetened condensed milk into a loaf pan, transforming simple ingredients into a creamy caramel delight.
• Water Bath Technique Wrap the loaf pan snugly with aluminum foil, then nestle it inside a larger roasting pan. Gently pour hot water around the pan, creating a cozy water bath that will help your dulce de leche develop its rich, golden color.
• Patience and Cooling Let the magic happen in the oven for about an hour. After baking, remove and allow the dulce de leche to cool completely, letting its flavors meld and intensify.
• Storage and Enjoyment Transfer your luscious creation to a glass jar, where it'll wait patiently in the refrigerator for up to a week, ready to elevate your favorite desserts and treats.

Tips for Creamy Milk Caramel Every Time

• Experiment with different types of sweetened condensed milk brands for subtle flavor variations.
• Stir in a pinch of sea salt or vanilla extract just before serving to enhance the dulce de leche's richness.
• Transfer the cooled caramel to an airtight container and freeze for up to three months for extended enjoyment.
• Whisk the dulce de leche briefly if it develops any separation during storage to restore its smooth, creamy consistency.
• Drizzle over ice cream, spread on toast, use as a filling for cakes, or mix into coffee for an indulgent treat.

Serving Homemade Dulce de Leche in Desserts

• Sweet Companion Pairings: Spread this rich, creamy dulce de leche over warm toast, fresh pancakes, or waffles for a decadent breakfast treat that'll make your morning shine.
• Dessert Magic Drizzle: Transform ordinary desserts by swirling this golden caramel sauce over vanilla ice cream, cheesecake, or apple pie to elevate their flavor and create an irresistible indulgence.
• Baking Buddy Boost: Mix this dulce de leche into cake batters, cookie doughs, or use as a filling between cake layers to add a luxurious caramel depth that will impress family and friends at any gathering.
• Gourmet Gift Idea: Package this homemade dulce de leche in cute mason jars with a ribbon, creating a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift that shows your love and culinary skills.

Storage Ideas for Dulce de Leche Leftovers

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep your dulce de leche in an airtight glass container, ensuring it stays sealed tightly to prevent moisture and other flavors from seeping in. Refrigeration helps maintain its smooth, creamy texture for about 7-10 days.
• Freezing Magic: Want longer storage? Transfer the caramel to a freezer-safe container, leaving a small space at the top for expansion. Frozen dulce de leche can last up to 3 months when properly sealed, perfect for future dessert emergencies.
• Temperature Revival: When ready to use, gently warm the refrigerated or thawed caramel by placing the container in warm water or microwaving in short 10-15 second intervals. Stir between heating to create a silky, spreadable consistency.
• Flavor Boosters: Experiment by mixing a pinch of sea salt or a splash of vanilla extract into your dulce de leche before storing. These simple additions can elevate the caramel's richness and make it even more delectable for your next sweet adventure.

Creamy Dulce De Leche

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• Total Time: 1 hour 9 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Sweet dulce de leche caramel reveals Argentina’s culinary heritage in a simple, creamy delight. Home cooks can effortlessly create this golden treat with minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 can (14 oz / 396 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 large pot
• 1 heat-safe glass jar or baking dish
• 1 pinch salt (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and select a glass or ceramic loaf pan.
2. Milk Transfer: Pour sweetened condensed milk into the loaf pan, spreading evenly across the bottom.
3. Sealing and Water Bath: Cover pan tightly with aluminum foil, then place inside a larger roasting pan. Fill roasting pan with hot water halfway up the loaf pan’s sides.
4. Baking Process: Slide nested pans into preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, monitoring water level periodically to maintain consistent depth.
5. Cooling and Texture Development: Remove pans using heat-resistant mitts and let dulce de leche cool at room temperature for 1-2 hours, allowing caramelization to stabilize.
6. Finishing and Storage: Whisk the caramelized milk until smooth, then transfer to a clean glass jar with a secure lid. Refrigerate for up to one week, ready to enhance desserts or serve as a standalone treat.

Notes

• Monitor Water Levels: Check water bath consistently during baking to prevent scorching and ensure even caramelization of condensed milk.
• Choose Right Bakeware: Use glass or ceramic loaf pan to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning or uneven caramel texture.
• Watch Caramelization Color: Golden to deep amber indicates perfect dulce de leche; darker colors mean potential bitterness or burnt flavor.
• Cooling is Crucial: Allow complete cooling at room temperature to stabilize caramel’s consistency and develop rich, smooth texture before whisking and storing.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 50 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg