Homemade Dulce de Leche

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🍯 Homemade Dulce de Leche (2-Ingredient Recipe)

Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hr–3 hrs (depending on method)

⭐ Ingredients (2 Ways)

Option 1 — Classic 2-Ingredient Dulce de Leche

  • 1 can (400 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 pinch of baking soda (helps deepen color & prevent scorching)

Option 2 — 1-Ingredient Dulce de Leche

  • 1 can (400 g) sweetened condensed milk
    (No extra ingredients needed!)

🍽️ METHOD 1: Stove-Top Water Bath (Most Popular)

1. Prep

  • Remove label from the can of condensed milk.
  • Place unopened can on its side in a large pot.
  • Cover completely with water (at least 1–2 inches above the can).

2. Simmer

  • Bring water to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
  • Simmer:
    • 2 hours → light dulce de leche
    • 3 hours → deep, thick, caramel dulce de leche
  • IMPORTANT: Keep the can fully submerged at all times.
    Add hot water as needed.

3. Cool Completely

  • Turn off heat.
  • Let the can cool fully before opening (very important).
  • Open and stir your smooth, golden dulce de leche!

🍽️ METHOD 2: Oven Method (Easiest & Safest)

1. Prep

  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Pour 1 can condensed milk into a shallow baking dish.
  • Add a pinch of baking soda (optional for richer color).
  • Cover tightly with foil.

2. Water Bath

  • Place the dish into a larger pan.
  • Pour hot water around it halfway up the sides.

3. Bake

  • Bake 1½–2 hours, whisking every 30 minutes
    until it becomes thick, smooth, and caramel-colored.

🍽️ METHOD 3: Instant Pot Dulce de Leche (Fastest)

1. Prep

  • Place unopened can on trivet inside Instant Pot.
  • Add water halfway up the can.

2. Pressure Cook

  • Cook on High Pressure for 35–40 minutes
    for medium–dark dulce de leche.

3. Cool

  • Allow natural release.
  • Cool can fully before opening.

🍯 How to Use Dulce de Leche

  • Spread on toast or crepes
  • Fill cakes, cupcakes, or pastries
  • Stir into coffee
  • Spoon over ice cream
  • Swirl into brownies
  • Dip apples or fruit

⭐ Tips

  • NEVER open the can while it’s hot.
  • Darker cooking = thicker dulce de leche.
  • Add a pinch of salt for “salted caramel” style.
  • Add vanilla after cooking for extra flavor.

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