Our full recipe guide on how to make Dulce de Leche one of the most popular desserts in Latin America.
Dulce de leche is a beloved Latin American sweet treat, known for its creamy, caramel-like flavor.
Dulce de leche is made by slowly simmering milk and sugar until they become beautifully thick and rich. Here’s how to make authentic dulce de leche, helpful tips and calorie information.
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
Two of our favorite travel insurance: Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review and the comparison Heymondo vs Genki and if you look for accommodation with Booking
How to Make Dulce de Leche
Dulce de Leche Recipe Ingredients
4 cups of milk (whole milk works best)
1 1/4 cups of granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Get the best deals for your home and kitchen needs
Step By Step How to Make Dulce de Leche
- Combine Ingredients
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the milk, sugar, and baking soda. The baking soda helps prevent the milk from curdling and enhances the caramelization. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Simmer
Once the sugar dissolves, bring the mixture to a low simmer. It is important not to let it boil vigorously as that can cause the mixture to spill over or burn. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting where you can maintain a gentle simmer.
- Stir Regularly
Continue to cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon. Scrape the bottom and sides of the pot to prevent the milk from sticking and burning. As it cooks, the mixture will gradually thicken and darken in color. This process can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours depending on the size and heat distribution of your pot.
- Test for Doneness
To test if the dulce de leche is ready, drop a small amount onto a cold plate. If it spreads slowly and has a thick consistency, it’s done. Another way to test is by dragging your spoon across the bottom of the pot. If the mixture separates and takes a few seconds to come back together, it’s ready.
- Add Vanilla and Cool
Once the dulce de leche is thick and golden brown, remove from heat. If using, stir in the vanilla extract.
Pour the mixture into a heatproof container and let it cool to room temperature. It will thicken further upon cooling.
- Store
Store the dulce de leche in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to a month.
Tips To Make Dulce de Leche
Keep a close eye on the mixture, especially as it thickens, to prevent burning. Frequent stirring is essential to ensure even cooking and to keep the mixture from scorching on the bottom.
Use the best quality milk and sugar you can find as the flavor will concentrate. The recipe can be scaled up or down. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
How Many Calories Have Dulce de Leche
Dulce de leche is quite calorie-dense due to its sugar and milk content. Approximately 2 tablespoons (about 40 grams) of dulce de leche contain around 120 calories.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.