Easy Homemade Dulce De Leche Recipe

Dulce De Leche Recipe Is A Thick, Sweet Sauce Made From Slowly Heating Sweetened Milk.

It Has A Deep Caramel Flavor, But Unlike Traditional Caramel Made From Just Sugar And Butter, Dulce De Leche Brings This Creamy, Almost Toffee-Like Richness That’s Hard To Beat.

The First Time I Made Dulce De Leche At Home, I Was Totally Blown Away. I Thought To Myself, “Wait… THAT’S It?!” No Fancy Equipment, No Candy Thermometers, And No Stress.

Just A Can Of Sweetened Condensed Milk, A Little Patience, And Boom — Rich, Creamy, Caramel-Like Goodness.

This Dulce De Leche Recipe Is My Go-To When I Want To Add A Silky, Sweet Layer To Desserts Or Even Just Swirl It Into My Coffee (Don’t Knock It Till You Try It!).

It’s Perfect For Drizzling On Cakes, Spooning Over Ice Cream, Or, Let’s Be Honest, Eating Straight From The Jar.

If You’re Into Those Preppy Kitchen-Style Dessert Moments But Want Something You Can Actually Pull Off On A Weeknight — This One’s For You.

How To Make Dulce De Leche Recipe?

Recipe Overview

This easy dulce de leche recipe uses just one ingredient — sweetened condensed milk — and turns it into pure magic.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
• Cuisine: Latin American
• Course: Dessert / Sauce
• Difficulty: Easy
• Yield: About 1 batch
• Calories: ~130 per tablespoon

Equipment You’ll Need

• Deep pot or Dutch oven
• Mason jars or heatproof containers
• Aluminum foil (if using oven method)
• Baking dish (for water bath if using oven)
• Can opener (if needed)
• Spoon for stirring

Ingredients

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

Ingredient Notes

1. Sweetened condensed milk: This is the star. Make sure it’s sweetened — evaporated milk won’t work here.

2. You can use any brand, but I usually go with Eagle Brand or Carnation.

3. Optional: a pinch of salt or splash of vanilla extract after cooking for added depth.

Instructions

There are a few ways to make dulce de leche, but I’m giving you the oven and stovetop methods — both easy, both delicious.

Method 1: Oven-Baked Dulce De Leche

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a shallow glass baking dish or pie plate.

3. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil.

4. Place that dish inside a larger baking pan and fill the outer pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the inner dish.

5. Bake for 2 to 2.5 hours, checking every 45 minutes to add more water if needed.

6. When it’s thick and golden brown, give it a good whisk to smooth out the texture.

Tip: The longer you cook it, the deeper and richer the flavor.

Method 2: Stovetop Can Method (No Opening Required)

1. Remove the label from the can.

2. Place the unopened can in a large pot and cover with water by at least 2 inches.

3. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours.

4. Keep the can fully submerged — top up the water as needed.

5. Remove the can with tongs and let it cool completely before opening.

Tip: Do NOT open the can while it’s hot. Trust me, the steam can be intense.

What’s The Flavor Of Dulce De Leche?

It’s creamy, buttery, and rich with a toasty, caramel flavor. Think sweetened condensed milk meets caramel sauce — but thicker and more spoonable.

What Can I Use Dulce De Leche In?

Oh, the possibilities. Cupcakes, cheesecakes, brownies, ice cream swirls, shortbread sandwich cookies — even as a dip for apple slices. It’s an MVP ingredient for anyone who loves desserts.

Is There A Difference Between Caramel And Dulce De Leche?

Yes. Caramel is made from sugar and butter; dulce de leche is made from milk and sugar, giving it a creamier texture and deeper flavor.

Nutrition

• Calories: 130
• Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Sugar: 21g
• Protein: 2g

Tips

1. Add a pinch of salt or vanilla after cooking to enhance the flavor.

2. Want a thinner texture? Stir in a little warm milk or cream.

3. Use coconut sweetened condensed milk for a dairy-free version.

4. Store in a clean jar in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

5. Reheat gently in the microwave or warm water bath before using.

Expert Tips

1. Too runny? You probably didn’t cook it long enough. Return it to the oven or stovetop for more time.

2. Too thick? Stir in a splash of milk.

3. Lumpy? Whisk while it’s warm to smooth it out.

4. Always let stovetop cans cool fully before opening — this prevents burns and mess.

Serving Suggestions

1. Swirl into brownies before baking

2. Drizzle over vanilla ice cream

3. Layer between cake or cupcakes

4. Stir into hot coffee for a caramel treat

5. Spread on toast or pancakes (yes, really!)

FAQ

Final Thought

This homemade dulce de leche recipe is the definition of easy comfort food. Whether you’re looking to wow your guests with a layer cake filling or just want something sweet to keep on hand for dessert emergencies, it’s a must-try.

Let me know in the comments how yours turns out or tag me @allcooksrecipe. I LOVE seeing your creations!