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Home » Recipes » Recipes

How to Make the Perfect Dulce de Leche for Your Desserts

Published: Aug 29, 2023 · Modified: Sep 12, 2023 by Sandrine Pearson · This post may contain affiliate links

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Unveil the magic of creating the creamy and delicious Dulce de Leche right in your kitchen! This recipe is not just another caramel; it's a velvety, rich, and indulgent spread that promises to elevate your desserts. Stay with us and unravel the simplicity of this heavenly concoction.

A mason jar getting filled with Dulce cream. In the background on the left, there is a can of Sweetened condensed milk and a white table cloth.

Dulce de Leche, originally from Latin America, is a staple during festive seasons, especially Christmas. Its velvety texture and rich flavor make it a favorite among many. And if you're intrigued by this recipe, why not make this Banoffee Cake recipe? made with that sweet spread that pairs beautifully with many desserts and can be an intriguing link in your sweet culinary journey.

Jump to:
  • PREFER TO WATCH INSTEAD OF READ?
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Substitutions
  • Variations
  • Equipment
  • Storage
  • Top tip
  • FAQ
  • Related
  • How to Make the Perfect Dulce de Leche for Your Desserts
  • Food safety

PREFER TO WATCH INSTEAD OF READ?

Ingredients

  • Sweetened Condensed Milk

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

A Pyrex pie mold filled with sweetened condensed milk.

Prepare the Mold

Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a Pyrex pie mold and cover securely with aluminum foil.

Pie mold nestled inside a bigger pot.

Setting Up for Baking

Position the pie mold inside a larger pot.

Water-filled pot halfway up the pie mold.

Water Bath

Pour water into the pot, ensuring it reaches half the height of the pie mold.

Oven baking process showcasing the water bath method.

Baking

Slide the set up into a 425F preheated oven and bake for approximately 1h30.

Cooled Dulce de Leche in a pie mold.

Cooling

After baking, remove from the oven and allow it to cool down to room temperature.

Creamy Dulce de Leche ready for consumption next to a can of condensed milk.

Storing or Serving

Either use the Dulce de Leche immediately or refrigerate for future delights.

Hint: Keep a keen eye on the color during the baking process. Achieving the right caramel hue ensures the perfect Dulce de Leche consistency and taste.

Substitutions

For a dairy-free version, consider using coconut condensed milk. It offers a slightly different flavor but maintains a creamy consistency.

Variations

Infuse the Dulce de Leche with a hint of vanilla or sprinkle in some sea salt after baking for a salted caramel version.

Equipment

A Pyrex pie mold is ideal for even cooking. If you don't have one, any heatproof glass dish will do. Remember, adjusting the size of the dish may alter the baking time.

Storage

A Pyrex pie mold is ideal for even cooking. If you don't have one, any heatproof glass dish will do. Remember, adjusting the size of the dish may alter the baking time.

Top tip

Ensure the aluminum foil covering is tight to prevent water from entering the condensed milk during the baking process.

FAQ

What's the difference between caramel and Dulce de Leche?

Dulce de Leche is made from condensed milk while caramel is sugar-based.

Can I use regular milk?

No, sweetened condensed milk is essential for this recipe.

Is there a risk of the milk boiling over?

Not if you ensure the pie mold is securely covered with aluminum foil.

How do I know if it's done?

The Dulce de Leche should have a rich caramel color.

Can I make this on a stovetop?

Yes, but the oven method provides a consistent heat for even caramelization.

Is Dulce de Leche gluten-free?

Yes, as it's made from sweetened condensed milk.

Why is my Dulce de Leche grainy?

Overcooking can cause this. Aim for the perfect caramel hue and consistency.

Can I freeze Dulce de Leche?

Yes, it can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

How can I use Dulce de Leche?

It's perfect as a spread, in desserts, or as a filling.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, it contains no meat products.

Related

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

  • Two coffee Éclair with chocolate on a cutting board.
    How to Make the Best Coffee Eclair at Home
  • Glazed Honey Crullers on a cooling rack.
    How to Make Crispy and Sweet Glazed Honey Crullers
  • a white plate topped with a slice of cheesecake.
    How to Make the Perfect Cheesecake Every Time
  • two white plates topped with slices of Double Chocolate Cheesecake.
    How to Make Double Chocolate Cheesecake with Oreo Crust
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A mason jar getting filled with Dulce cream. In the background on the left, there is a can of Sweetened condensed milk and a white table cloth.

How to Make the Perfect Dulce de Leche for Your Desserts

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Dive into the creamy world of Dulce de Leche, an easy-to-make Latin American delight, perfect for elevating your desserts.

  • Total Time: 1h40
  • Yield: About 2 cups

Ingredients

2 cans (600ml) Sweetened Condensed Milk

Instructions

Prepare the Mold:

  1. Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a Pyrex pie mold.
  2. Cover securely with aluminum foil.

Setting Up for Baking:

  1. Place the pie mold inside a larger pot.

Water Bath:

  1. Fill the pot with water until it reaches half the height of the pie mold.

Baking:

  1. Put the set up in a preheated oven at 425F.
  2. Bake for approximately 1h30, checking the color periodically.

Cooling:

  1. Remove from the oven.
  2. Allow to cool to room temperature.

Storing or Serving:

  1. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator for later use.
  • Author: Sandrine Pearson
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1h30
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Latin American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Food safety

  • Ensure the aluminum foil covers the pie mold tightly.
  • Remember to always refrigerate if not using immediately.

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Hi there, I'm Sandrine!

I'm a professionally-trained pastry chef, and here at Whipped, I share unique dessert recipes and baking tips to help you bake with confidence. If you looking for me, I'm always in the kitchen (even in my dreams!)

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