Indulge in Sweet Bliss with Dulce De Leche Recipe
My dear fellow food enthusiasts, I am pleased as punch to introduce to you a recipe that is sure to delight your taste buds and win over your heart. I present to you the quintessentially Latin American delight, Dulce de Leche. Do you have a sweet tooth? Well, then, this recipe is the stuff of your dreams! The depth of its sweet flavor and its sticky texture are truly unparalleled in the world of desserts.
But you may be wondering what on earth Dulce de Leche is? It can be described as a thick, rich caramel sauce made from slowly simmering milk with sugar until it becomes a luxurious texture that resembles fudge or caramel. And the best part? It only requires one ingredient – sweetened condensed milk! No fuss or frills, just simply easy to make homemade Dulce de Leche. This perfect sauce has been loved for generations in countries like Argentina, Uruguay, Dominican Republic, Cuba and many others.
So why not get out of your comfort zone and try something new? Believe me when I say there’s no other dessert quite like Dulce de Leche. So, preheat your oven or get ready for the stovetop – this recipe is sure to be a hit at your next gathering or even enjoyed alone as an after-dinner treat. Trust me when I say that once you try it, you’ll definitely crave more of this Argentinian treasure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Dear readers,
Allow me to convince you that this dulce de leche recipe is the perfect dessert for those who love rich, creamy, and indulgent treats.
Firstly, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Dulce de leche can be used in so many ways- as a cake filling, topping for ice cream, or even as a spread on toast! It is a must-have ingredient in many recipes like Tres Leches Cake from Argentina, Pionono from Spain, and Churros from Latin America. The possibilities are endless!
Secondly, this recipe uses only one ingredient: sweetened condensed milk. That’s right – it’s THAT easy! Just simmer the milk and sugar together until it turns thick and caramel-y brown. That’s all it takes to create a dessert that tastes like it took hours to make.
Thirdly, making homemade dulce de leche is economical. You can make a whole batch of this at home for much less than what it would cost to buy in stores. Plus, knowing that you made every bit of your dessert from scratch just adds to the satisfaction you’ll feel when digging into your first bite!
Lastly, this recipe is perfect for those who might be looking for vegan alternatives. You don’t need any dairy for this recipe – all you need is a can of sweetened condensed coconut milk to pull off an equally delicious dulce de leche.
In conclusion, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try for anyone who loves sweet desserts that are both easy to make and versatile enough to use in multiple dishes. So grab a can of sweetened condensed milk (or coconut milk) and give this recipe a try – I promise you won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Before jumping into making the sweetest dulce de leche, it’s essential to start with the right ingredients. When making homemade dulce de leche, you need only one ingredient: sweetened condensed milk. Depending on your preference and recipe variation, you can add different flavors such as vanilla or saffron. To make this satisfying treat or use it in different desserts, you’ll need the following:
- 2 cans of sweetened condensed milk
- A pinch of saffron or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
That’s it! These two are all that it takes to start simmering milk to create the thick and luscious caramel sauce called Dulce de Leche!
The Recipe How-To
Now, it’s time for the fun part! Follow these easy steps to make the perfect Dulce De Leche:
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Remove the label from the can of sweetened condensed milk and cover tightly with foil.
- Place the covered can in a baking dish and fill with hot water until the can is submerged.
- Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and let the can cool to room temperature.
- Open the can to find thick, rich Dulce De Leche!
Alternatively, if you have an Instant Pot, you can make Dulce De Leche quickly and easily using this method:
- Fill your Instant Pot with water up to the two-thirds mark of the insert pot.
- Add one unopened can of sweetened condensed milk to Instant Pot insert pot.
- Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a natural release to open valve.
- Once safe for opening, carefully lift out of hot water bath with tongs or mitts and allow to cool.
There you have it! The easiest way to make delicious homemade Dulce De Leche in under an hour and a half (or under 30 minutes with an Instant Pot). Use it in your favorite dessert recipes, like Tres Leches cake or spread it on toast for a sweet treat.
Substitutions and Variations
There are a few variations and substitutions for this delectable Dulce de Leche recipe, so you don’t have to stick to the traditional one. Here are some suggestions that might pique your interest.
– Vegan: If you’re following a vegan diet, you can still indulge in the sweet taste of Dulce de Leche. You can substitute sweetened condensed milk with coconut milk and sugar. The process is the same; simmering the milk and sugar together until it turns into caramel sauce.
– Chocolate: For all the chocolate lovers out there, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the mixture, and you’ll get an incredibly rich chocolatey Dulce de Leche.
– Saffron Pistachio: If you want to experiment with unique flavors, add some saffron threads and chopped pistachios to your Dulce de Leche mixture after it’s thickened. This combination is divine!
– Tres Leches Cake: You can use your homemade Dulce de Leche for Tres Leches Cake, which is a popular dessert in Latin America. A tres leches cake typically consists of sponge cake soaked in three types of milk; evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream. Spread a thick layer of Dulce de Leche between the layers of cake to bring it to another level!
– Churros Dip: Dip your churros or any other fried goodies, such as donuts or fritters into warm homemade Dulce de Leche sauce for a heavenly experience.
These are just some of the variations that you can make with your homemade Dulce de Leche. I hope these suggestions inspire you to experiment with new flavors while keeping it authentic and traditional.
Serving and Pairing
Dulce de Leche is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of dishes to enhance their flavor. This rich and velvety sauce is commonly used as a topping for ice cream, cakes, churros, pies, bread, and more. Here are some serving and pairing ideas to make the most out of your Dulce de Leche:
– Drizzle over vanilla bean ice cream: The combination of sweet and creamy ice cream with the thick, rich caramel sauce made from Dulce de Leche provides a mouth-watering indulgence that is hard to resist.
– Spread over warm bread: Toasted bread with a slather of Dulce de Leche is the perfect way to start your day or enjoy as an afternoon snack.
– Use as a filling for cake: For an authentic Argentine touch to your classic sponge cake, use Dulce de Leche as the filling between the layers in place of frosting.
– Serve with Churros: The crispy and sweet Mexican churros pair perfectly with the sweet and sticky texture of the Dulce de Leche sauce.
– Add to coffee or hot chocolate: For a decadent twist on your morning cup of coffee or hot chocolate, stir in some Dulce de Leche to enjoy an extra burst of sweetness.
– Pair with Pionono: Pionono is an Argentinean pastry filled with dulce de leche that is rolled into a cylinder. This treat pairs exceptionally well with fresh berries on top.
Whether you’re using it as a topping or incorporating it into your favorite dessert recipe, Dulce de Leche adds an explosion of flavor that’s sure to please anyone who loves sweets.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re making Dulce de Leche, there’s a good chance that you’ll have leftovers or possibly even get ahead for next time. The sauce can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge for up to two weeks. If you store it while still warm, this will result in a looser sauce which is perfect if you are planning to use it as an ice cream topping.
To reheat the sauce, simply place it on the stove over low heat and stir occasionally until it is warm enough to serve. Alternatively, if you want to use it as a sauce for baking, you can reheat it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
Another option is freezing Dulce de Leche as well. You can either store in the sauce form or pour into ice trays and freeze it into cubes. If storing in sauce form, thaw it overnight before reheating for best results.
If you are planning on using your Dulce de Leche to create another recipe such as tres leches cake or adding it to coffee drinks like cafe con leche again we recommend warming over low heat before using. Some recipes may require that the Dulce de leche be made several hours or even days in advance of dish preparation so this storage technique is perfect for those instances. Having this homemade caramel sauce on hand will make meal planning and entertaining guests that much easier!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making dulce de leche, there are a few tricks of the trade that can help ensure that it turns out perfectly every time. Here are some tips for achieving sweet, caramel perfection:
1. Don’t use expired ingredients: One of the key ingredients in this recipe is sweetened condensed milk. Before you start cooking, always check the expiration date on the can to make sure it’s not past its prime.
2. Use a heavy-bottomed pot: This will help distribute the heat evenly and prevent scorching or burning.
3. Keep an eye on the heat: You want the milk and sugar to come to a slow boil before reducing the heat to low. Stir frequently to avoid sticking and burning.
4. Be patient: Dulce de leche can take some time to make — up to 4 hours on low heat — but patience will be rewarded with a thick, rich caramel sauce.
5. Try an instant pot version: If you’re short on time, try making dulce de leche in your pressure cooker or instant pot for quicker results.
6. Use it as a filling: Dulce de leche makes a delicious filling for cakes, cookies, pies and more! Try using it as a filling for Argentinean piononos or topping tres leches cake.
7. Store it properly: Once made, dulce de leche can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
With these tips in mind, making dulce de leche should be a breeze! Enjoy your homemade caramel sauce in desserts or even just with a spoon straight out of the jar.
FAQ
As you explore the world of dulce de leche, you may come across some questions. Here, I have gathered a few common queries and my best recommendations. Whether you’re craving something sweet to top off a cake or are curious about substitutions for ingredients, read on!
Is dulce de leche just sweetened condensed milk?
To create the indulgent Dulce de Leche sauce, all you need is one ingredient: sweetened condensed milk. This rich and creamy caramel-like sauce is perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to a wide range of desserts and snacks.
What is the difference between caramel and dulce de leche?
Both caramel and dulce de leche are deliciously sweet and similar in appearance, but their recipes differ quite a bit. Caramel is created by heating a mixture of sugar and water until it caramelizes, while dulce de leche is made by simmering a mixture of milk and sugar at a low temperature until it transforms into a creamy, caramel-colored concoction.
How to make smooth dulce de leche?
Sometimes dulce de leche can be too thick, which can happen when it’s cooked for too long and too much liquid evaporates. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t worry! You can easily fix it by adding a little bit of cream or milk to the dulce de leche in a food processor or blender. Start with just 1/2 teaspoon, as a little goes a long way, and blend until it reaches the desired consistency.
What two basic ingredients does dulce de leche contain?
One can create Dulce de leche by combining milk and sugar, with the option of adding vanilla and salt to enhance its flavor.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, making dulce de leche at home is an easy and rewarding experience. The thick, rich caramel sauce made with just one ingredient, sweetened condensed milk, can be used in countless recipes from cakes to ice creams to churros. With the tips and tricks provided in this article, you can make homemade dulce de leche that is just as delicious as the store-bought version (if not better!). So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you for it.
Dulce De Leche Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (14 ounce) can condensed milk (NOT EVAPORATED)
- aluminum foil
Instructions
- OVEN METHOD:
- Pour 1 can condensed milk into 9 inch pie pan.
- Cover with aluminum foil.
- Put in large pan, roaster pan.
- Fill large pan with boiling water.
- Bake at 425°F for 1 hour or until thick and caramel colored.
- Beat until smooth.
- MICROWAVE METHOD: Pour 1 can condensed milk into 2 quart glass measuring cup.
- Cook on 50% power for 4 minutes (stir every 2 minutes until smooth) Then cook on 30% power for 20-25 minutes or until thick and caramel colored.
- Stir every 4 minutes for first 15 minutes, then every 2 minutes during the last 6-10 minutes.
- Put in refrigerator covered.
- Can be eaten over ice cream, with fruit, cake, cookies or with a spoon.
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Dora
Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.