Dulce de leche is an essential ingredient in baking like ours Super Easy Banoffee Pie AND Chocoflan, where it is poured on top to give the desserts a final sweetness. And while you can buy it at many grocery stores, it's really easy to make your own. If you have a can of sweetened condensed milk, you're already halfway there.
What is dulce de leche?
Dulce de leche, popular in Latin America, is a glossy, creamy, caramel-like spread made by cooking milk and sugar together, or, more commonly, simply heating sweetened condensed milk as a shortcut. Over time, sweetened condensed milk turns from a milky beige to a deep golden brown as the sugars in the milk caramelize, which also deepens its flavor. It also thickens from a viscous consistency, pouring into a more stable and spreadable texture. The result is a caramel-like sauce, perfect for pouring over pie and swirling brownies.
Photography by Rick Holbrook; Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne
How to make dulce de leche
There are two main methods you can use to make dulce de leche: Boil a can of sweetened condensed milk in water on your stove or bake it in a water bath in your oven. Both methods produce equally caramelized and delicious sauce; It's just a matter of which method works best for you.
Homemade dulce de leche: cooking method
Place a sealed can of sweetened condensed milk filled with water one to two inches above the can. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. The label will fall off as it boils; if you're saving a can for later, you can write directly on the can so you remember what it is! Simmer for 2 to 3 hours, topping up water as needed to keep the can completely covered.
This method is useful if you prefer to make several cans of dulce de leche at once, as you can boil several cans in the pot at the same time. If you're going to spend three hours making a can, you can get more mileage out of it and fit in another can or two if your crockpot can accommodate it, as it can last up to a month in the fridge when sealed. You will be grateful in the future!
Homemade dulce de leche: baking method
This method, used in our recipe for Cola de Mono Alfajores, is made entirely in the oven. Pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk into a glass or ceramic pie pan or pie dish, cover tightly with aluminum foil, then place in a larger baking pan half-filled with water. Bake at 425°F for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Check the water levels every half hour or so and top up as needed to maintain the original water level. Once it has thickened and turned a deep golden colour, remove the pan from the baking dish, stir briefly and allow to cool before using.
If you have the desired thickness or color you are looking for in your dulce de leche, this method is preferable to the boiling method, as you can look under the paper and gauge if it needs more time in the oven.
Can I make vegan dulce de leche?
Yes! Sweetened condensed coconut milk is a great dairy-free substitute for making vegan dulce de leche, using the same methods above. If you use the baking method, the consistency may seem thinner and waterier than you expect, but once cooled and refrigerated, it will thicken into a spreadable paste.
Ready to bake with homemade dulce de leche? Use it in Super Easy Banoffee Pie, ChocoflanAND Cola de Mono Alfajores. Or eat it with a spoon!
Cover picture (Super Easy Banoffee Pie) by Rick Holbrook; food styling by Kaitlin Wayne.
