Dulce de Leche

Dulce de Leche

Dulce de Leche is a luscious, caramel-like spread made by slowly cooking milk and sugar until richly golden and thickened. This traditional sweet treat is perfect for drizzling over desserts or simply enjoying by the spoonful.

Dessert

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

90 min

Servings

8

Dulce de Leche has its roots deeply embedded in Latin American cuisine, where it is cherished for its creamy texture and indulgent sweetness. The name translates to "sweet milk," and the preparation involves gently heating milk, sugar, and a pinch of baking soda to create a velvety caramel sauce. This cooking method transforms simple ingredients into a magically thick and flavorful delight. This version of Dulce de Leche employs a gentle simmer over low heat, requiring patient stirring to prevent scorching. The baking soda aids in breaking down the milk proteins, contributing to the sauce’s characteristic smoothness and deeper caramel color. A touch of vanilla extract added at the end adds a subtle aromatic richness, enhancing the overall flavor. Serve your homemade Dulce de Leche drizzled over pancakes, ice cream, or use as a luscious filling for cakes and pastries. It also pairs beautifully with fresh fruits or a cup of strong coffee, making it a versatile and irresistible addition to any dessert repertoire.

Ingredients

  • 1 litre Milk
  • 300 g Sugar
  • 0.25 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: Begin by pouring 1 litre of milk, 300 g of sugar, and 0.25 teaspoon of baking soda into a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Place the pot over low heat, stirring the mixture constantly to blend and prevent the milk from sticking or burning, which is crucial for achieving a silky texture. Thicken: Maintain a gentle simmer and continue stirring frequently. Over the course of 1 to 2 hours, the mixture will gradually thicken and transform into a beautiful caramel color. Patience is key here—this slow cooking process develops the rich, sweet flavors characteristic of Dulce de Leche. Flavor: Once the thickened mixture has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This final touch adds a warm, fragrant depth to your sweet creation. Cool: Allow the Dulce de Leche to cool at room temperature before transferring it to a clean jar. As it cools, it will firm up further, achieving the perfect spreadable consistency. Pro Tips: - Continuously stir while keeping the heat low to avoid scorching the milk, which can impart a bitter taste. - Using a heavy-bottomed pot helps distribute heat more evenly and prevents hot spots. - The pinch of baking soda plays an important role in helping the milk caramelize smoothly by slightly raising the pH. - If the mixture thickens too much before caramelizing, add a splash of milk to loosen it up and continue cooking. - Store the Dulce de Leche in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Quick Info

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
90 min
Total Time
100 min
Servings
8

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