Dulce de Leche (Argentine Milk Caramel)
Local name: Dulce de leche
In short: Whole milk and sugar simmered slowly with a pinch of baking soda and vanilla until thick, golden and spoonable. A pantry staple for sweets. It takes about 2 h 50 min in total and makes 24 servings.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 2 h 45 min
- Total
- 2 h 50 min
- Servings
- 24
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 120 kcal
Dulce de leche, literally milk sweet, is Argentina's favorite spread. It fills alfajores, goes on toast and pancakes, and tops flan and ice cream. Making it at home takes patience rather than skill: milk and sugar simmer for a couple of hours until the mixture turns golden brown and thick enough to coat a spoon. A little baking soda keeps the milk from curdling and deepens the color. Stir often near the end, and it keeps for weeks in the fridge.
Instructions
- Combine the milk, sugar and salt in a wide, heavy pot. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Take the pot off the heat and stir in the baking soda. The milk will foam up, so use a large pot. Wait for the foam to settle.
- Return the pot to medium-low heat and simmer uncovered for 1 1/2 hours, stirring every 10 minutes and scraping the bottom. The mixture slowly turns pale gold.
- As it reduces and thickens, stir more often, about every 3 minutes, and lower the heat if it begins to catch. This stage takes 45 to 60 minutes and the color deepens to caramel.
- To test, drop a spoonful on a cold plate. It is ready when it holds a trail after you draw a finger through it.
- Stir in the vanilla and let the dulce de leche cool for 15 minutes. Pour it into clean jars. It thickens further as it cools.
Tips
- A wide, heavy pot gives more surface for evaporation and cuts the cooking time. Keep the heat moderate to avoid scorching.
- If you find lumps or crystals, whisk in a splash of warm milk, or blend with an immersion blender. If it is too stiff once chilled, loosen it with a little milk.
Questions and answers
How long does homemade dulce de leche keep?
Up to 3 weeks in a clean, sealed jar in the fridge. Warm the jar in hot water for a few minutes if you want it spreadable.
Can I make dulce de leche from sweetened condensed milk?
Yes. Pour a can into a pie dish, cover with foil and bake in a water bath at 175°C (350°F) for about 1 hour 15 minutes until golden. Do not boil an unopened can, as it can burst.
Why did my dulce de leche curdle?
The heat was too high, or the baking soda was left out. The soda reduces acidity so the milk proteins do not clump. Keep the simmer gentle and stir often.
How long does it take to make Dulce de Leche (Argentine Milk Caramel)?
About 2 h 50 min in total: 5 min of preparation and 2 h 45 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Dulce de Leche (Argentine Milk Caramel)?
About 120 kcal per serving, with 3 g of protein, 22 g of carbohydrates and 3 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 120 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 22 g |
| Sodium | 75 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
