What is Dulce de Leche?

Dulce de Leche is a very sweet caramelized milk confection that is so delicious and decadent that it’s almost come to symbolize the sweetest of the sweets. It is traditionally made by simmering milk and sugar together very gently for hours. The slow simmering causes the sugar to caramelize as well as all the sugars that are naturally present in the milk and the result is a thick, spreadable, sauce with a caramel-y flavor. It’s different from caramel sauce in that caramel sauce is made by simmering sugar and water and it is just the sugar that caramelizes. 

Is Dulce de Leche Just Condensed Milk?

Dulce de leche is not the same thing as sweetened condensed milk. The latter is milk that has had the water evaporated out of it and sugar added. It has the same ingredients as dulce de leche, but the sugars have not been caramelized so condensed milk is white in color and not quite as sweet as dulce de leche. It is, however, a shortcut in making dulce de leche, because by simmering an unopened can of sweetened condensed milk submerged in water, we don’t have to stir the dulce de leche periodically over the cooking time, which is two to three hours. 

Important: Keep Covered

There are a few important things to remember when making dulce de leche directly in the can of sweetened condensed milk. First of all make sure the can doesn’t have any dents in it. Dents in a can create a weak spot and could cause the seal on the can to fail. Secondly (and less important), remove the label from the can before simmering it. Finally (and very important), make sure the can always stays submerged with water. This last point is critical. The can must be submerged for the duration of the cooking time. Set a timer to check it periodically and refill with boiling water from your kettle or another saucepan. 

How Long to Cook Dulce de Leche

How long to cook dulce de leche depends on how deep a flavor and color you want. Two hours will give you a light caramel color that is pourable. Three hours increases the flavor and thickness. Four hours will create a deep, spreadable sauce like a preserve. Three hours is my preference, but time the dulce de leche based on what you are going to use it for.

Let it Cool Completely

It is also very important to let the can of dulce de leche cool completely before you go to open it. It will take quite a while to cool, but just let it be. You can actually store the can like this on a shelf for a few months unopened. Once cool, open the can and give it a stir before diving in.

How to Serve Dulce de Leche

I’m sure I don’t really need to give you ideas for how to use dulce de leche, but just in case…. it’s obviously delicious with ice cream or brownies, but also great on cookies, drizzled onto cakes or waffles, made into icing for cupcakes, piped into donuts, stirred into a special coffee or even just spread on toast. 

How to Store Dulce de Leche

If you haven’t opened the can, you can store the dulce de leche on the shelf for up to three months. If the can is opened, transfer the contents to a container or jar and store in the fridge for up to a month. You can even freeze dulce de leche and keep it up to three months if you like. But I don’t think you’ll have to even think about storing it for longer than that. 😉

Dulce de Leche