Dulce de leche

Dulce de Leche

Dulce de leche is a rich, sweet caramel-like spread made from sweetened condensed milk. It’s used in many Latin American desserts and is perfect for drizzling over cakes, ice cream, pancakes, or simply eating by the spoonful. You can make it at home easily with just a few ingredients and a bit of patience!

Ingredients:

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (optional, helps with smoothness and color)

• Pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sweetened Condensed Milk:

   • If using a can of sweetened condensed milk, you can either make dulce de leche on the stovetop or in the oven. Here’s the stovetop method:

2. Stovetop Method (Quick & Easy):

   • Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a saucepan and place it over low to medium heat. Stir in the baking soda and a pinch of salt if desired (this helps with smoothness and flavor).

   • Cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes. As it cooks, the milk will gradually thicken and turn into a golden caramel color. Make sure to stir frequently to prevent it from burning.

   • If it thickens too much, you can add a little milk to achieve your desired consistency.

3. Alternative: Oven Method (Hands-Off Option):

   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

   • Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a pie dish or oven-safe dish.

   • Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in a roasting pan.

   • Fill the roasting pan with water until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the pie dish (creating a water bath).

   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.

   • After about 2 hours, the milk will have turned into thick, golden dulce de leche. Remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.

4. Cool and Store:

   • Once your dulce de leche is done, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before using.

   • Transfer it to a jar or airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 weeks.

Tips:

• Consistency: If you want a thicker dulce de leche, continue cooking for longer. For a more pourable consistency, stop cooking a bit earlier.

• Flavor Add-ins: You can infuse your dulce de leche with vanilla or cinnamon for extra flavor.

• Smoothness: If you notice it’s a bit grainy, you can blend it in a food processor or with a hand blender to make it silky smooth.

This homemade Dulce de Leche is perfect for spreading on toast, using in desserts, or simply enjoying as a sweet treat.