Delicious Dulce De Leche Sauce: A Perfect Topping!

As you indulge in a decadent dessert, there’s nothing more heavenly than the smooth, creamy texture of Dulce de Leche. Made from condensed milk and sugar, this rich caramel sauce is a staple of Latin American cuisine. Its versatility lends itself well to a variety of desserts such as ice cream, cakes, and pastries.

As a chef proud of my Brazilian roots, I love infusing my dishes with both my cultural heritage and my love for American cuisine. This recipe for homemade Dulce de Leche sauce is perfect for anyone looking to incorporate this scrumptious ingredient into their desserts or just enjoy by the spoonful. The best part? It’s easy to make with only one ingredient, sweetened condensed milk!

Whether you’re sitting down for a family dinner or entertaining guests, Dulce de Leche sauce made from scratch adds an indulgent touch to any dessert. So without further ado, let’s dive into this easy and delicious Dulce de Leche recipe that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Dulce De Leche Sauce
Dulce De Leche Sauce

Do you have a sweet tooth and a love for caramel? Then this homemade dulce de leche sauce recipe is perfect for you! Made with just one ingredient – sweetened condensed milk – this sauce is easy to make and absolutely delicious.

The beauty of this dulce de leche sauce lies in its simplicity. With just one ingredient, you can create a thick, rich caramel that can be used to elevate any dessert recipe. Whether you’re drizzling it over ice cream or using it as a frosting for cakes, this dulce de leche sauce will bring a depth of flavor that cannot be matched by a store-bought version.

Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can use it to make a variety of desserts, from tres leches cake to caramel filled cookies. Plus, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try making it in a pressure cooker or slow cooker to save time and effort.

But perhaps the best thing about this dulce de leche sauce is its taste. It’s hard to resist the creamy sweetness of the condensed milk, combined with the deep flavor of caramel that comes from slowly simmering the milk with sugar until it transforms into a thick and velvety sauce.

So why settle for store-bought caramel sauces when you can make your own easily at home? This dulce de leche sauce recipe is easy, versatile, and simply delicious. You won’t regret trying it out!

Ingredient List

 Pour generously over ice cream or pancakes for an indulgent treat
Pour generously over ice cream or pancakes for an indulgent treat

Here are the ingredients you will need for this easy Dulce De Leche Sauce recipe:

Basic Ingredients:

  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ cup dark brown sugar
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ½ tsp baking soda

Optional Ingredients:

  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • pinch of sea salt

Most of these ingredients you may already have in your pantry. The star ingredient is the sweetened condensed milk, which when cooked slowly, caramelizes and transforms into a creamy and thick Dulce de Leche. The baking soda helps to create a smoother texture by reducing acidity. A pinch of salt elevates the flavor profile, while vanilla extract gives an extra touch of complexity to the sauce. Overall, this is an accessible recipe with basic ingredients that will effortlessly satisfy your cravings for rich caramel sauce.

The Recipe How-To

 Drizzle over a warm apple crisp for a comforting fall dessert
Drizzle over a warm apple crisp for a comforting fall dessert

The process of making Dulce De Leche sauce is surprisingly easy, considering its unparalleled taste. I like to imagine this delicate sauce as the “slow dance” of my kitchen; it deserves patience and attention, but the end result will make you swing and sway like a tango dancer.

Below are the simple steps for making homemade Dulce de Leche without a pressure cooker or a slow cooker.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cans of sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup of dark brown sugar
  • Pinch of baking soda

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 425ºF (220ºC).

  2. In a large bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk and dark brown sugar thoroughly.

  3. Add a pinch of baking soda to the mixture (it will prevent crystallization).

  4. Pour the mixture into a large enough baking dish or ovenproof pot to hold all the ingredients with some room left so that it does not overflow while cooking.

  5. Cover your baking dish with foil or a tight-fitting lid.

  6. Set your dish (covered) within a slightly larger roasting pan or deep baking dish.

  7. Fill the larger dish one-third full with boiling water.

  8. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 90 minutes.

  9. Check every 30 minutes and stir gently with a whisk until Dulce de Leche turns thick, mashed potato-like consistency (Make sure no lumps remain).

  10. Remove the Dulce de Leche from the oven, remove foil/lid, and whisk it briefly again. It would be liquidy at this point, but don’t worry; it will thicken further as it cools.

  11. Once cooled completely, refrigerate for up to two weeks in an air-tight container.

Now that you have this divine Dulce de Leche sauce in your hands, you can use it as a dessert sauce by drizzling over ice cream, or as a dipping sauce for churros, fresh fruits, or adding it to your tres leches cake.

Substitutions and Variations

 Add a dollop to your morning latte for a sweet pick-me-up
Add a dollop to your morning latte for a sweet pick-me-up

When it comes to making dulce de leche sauce, there are a few variations and substitutions you can make to customize the flavor to your liking. One of the easiest ways to make the sauce is by using a can of sweetened condensed milk, which is slowly cooked until thick and caramel-like. However, if you are looking for alternative methods or ingredients, there are some options to consider.

Firstly, you can try using dark brown sugar instead of white granulated sugar to make the caramel sauce. This will give the sauce a deeper, richer flavor and a darker color. To make this version, simply melt the brown sugar with butter over medium heat until smooth, then add cream and cook for another minute or two until thickened.

If you don’t have sweetened condensed milk on hand, you can use evaporated milk as a substitute. Both types of milk are made by removing water from regular milk and adding sugar to create a thick and sweet consistency. You will need to add more sugar and cook the milk for longer periods until it thickens.

Lastly, if you’re looking for something unique, try adding some spices such as vanilla extract, cinnamon or nutmeg while cooking the sauce. These add-ins enhance the flavor profile of dulce de leche without overpowering the caramel taste typical of the sauce.

The possibilities are endless with dulce de leche sauce recipes, but whatever variation or substitution you choose, be sure to experiment with small batches first before making larger quantities. With patience and creativity in the kitchen, your dessert sauces can become conversation pieces at your next family gathering or hostess event!

Serving and Pairing

 Use as a dip for fresh fruit or pretzels at your next party
Use as a dip for fresh fruit or pretzels at your next party

As delightful as it is on its own, Dulce de Leche sauce can be paired with a vast range of desserts and breakfast dishes. This sweet and indulgent sauce is perfect for adding a creamy layer of warmth to your desserts, like apple pie, chocolate cake, or homemade waffles.

But why limit yourself to just desserts when this sauce can be used for so much more? Drizzle it over ice cream, pancakes, or yogurt for a delicious twist each time you indulge in them. In Latin America, Dulce de Leche sauce is commonly paired with Tres Leches Cake – a traditional sponge cake soaked in three different types of milk. The richness of the caramel-like sauce complements the lightness of the cake perfectly.

Looking for an unconventional way to use your Dulce de Leche sauce? Use it as a dip for fresh fruit! Cut up some apples, pears, or bananas and let your guests have fun dipping them into creamily thick Dulce de Leche sauce.

When serving Dulce de Leche sauce, make sure the temperature is just right by slightly warming it before drizzling over your dish; this will create the perfect contrast between cold and warm elements in your dessert or breakfast dish. Add an extra pinch of salt to balance any excessive sweetness of the sauce.

Trust me when I say: your taste buds will be transported to paradise once you add this versatile and scrumptious sauce to your menu!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

 Swirl into brownie batter for a decadent twist
Swirl into brownie batter for a decadent twist

Once you make this dulce de leche sauce, you’ll be tempted to cover everything in sight. Luckily, it stores easily and reheats like a charm.

To make ahead, let the sauce cool to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in a microwave-safe dish for 20-30 seconds at a time, stirring occasionally until desired temperature is reached.

If you want to save yourself some hassle later on, consider making a big batch and freezing it in smaller portions. Simply transfer cooled sauce to an airtight freezer-safe container and store for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

When reheating dulce de leche sauce, be careful not to burn it. This rich caramel can scorch easily when overheated. To avoid this, heat slowly and stir frequently.

This versatile little number pairs perfectly with dessert recipes like tres leches cake or as a topping on ice cream. But don’t let its dessert status fool you – this sauce is also fantastic on pancakes, waffles or toast!

Tips for Perfect Results

 Spread over toast for a unique and delicious breakfast option
Spread over toast for a unique and delicious breakfast option

Creating the perfect Dulce de Leche sauce is all about patience and timing. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results:

1. Use high-quality sweetened condensed milk – this will impact the overall flavor and texture of the sauce.

2. When cooking the Dulce de Leche sauce, be sure to use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent scorching.

3. Stir frequently during the simmering process to ensure that the sugar dissolves evenly and doesn’t burn.

4. Be careful not to overcook the Dulce de Leche sauce because it can become too thick or grainy.

5. If your Dulce de Leche sauce is too thick, simply add a bit of milk to thin it out until you reach the desired consistency.

6. Don’t rush the process, allow ample time for simmering and cooling before serving or storing.

7. For added depth of flavor, sprinkle a pinch of salt into the mixture before cooking.

8. When reheating, use low heat and stir occasionally to prevent burning or curdling.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a perfect Dulce de Leche sauce every time that pairs perfectly with desserts like ice cream, cakes or as a drizzle on Tres Leches Cake. Enjoy!

FAQ

As we wrap up this recipe article, I want to take some time to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Dulce De Leche Sauce recipe. Don’t worry if you are new to making homemade dulce de leche sauce, as we have got you covered. These answers will help you overcome some of the most common hurdles when it comes to preparing this delicious dessert sauce.

What is dulce de leche sauce made of?

While caramel sauce is created by heating sugar until it turns brown and then adding in cream and butter, dulce de leche is made by slowly cooking sugar and milk together until it becomes thick and develops a luscious golden hue. In fact, by using goat’s milk instead of cow’s milk, you can create cajeta – a dulce de leche-like sweet treat.

Is dulce de leche the same as caramel sauce?

Although caramel and dulce de leche might share some resemblances in appearance and flavor, their methods of preparation are quite distinct. Caramel requires a simmering process of water and sugar until the sugar caramelizes, whereas dulce de leche involves a slow simmering of milk and sugar until a creamy, caramelized substance forms.

What two basic ingredients does dulce de leche contain?

A luscious caramel-like sauce known as dulce de leche can be created simply by combining milk and sugar together. Additional ingredients such as vanilla and salt may also be incorporated for added flavor if preferred.

Does condensed milk turn into dulce de leche?

To create a luscious caramel sauce known as dulce de leche, all you need is sweetened condensed milk.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this dulce de leche sauce recipe is a must-try for any dessert lover or amateur chef. With only one ingredient and simple steps, you can make a thick, rich caramel sauce that will elevate any dessert to the next level. Whether you’re using it as a topping for ice cream, drizzling over a tres leches cake, or incorporating it into your favorite dessert recipe, this sauce is sure to please.

The versatility of this sauce, along with its easy preparation and minimal ingredient list, make it an excellent addition to any dessert repertoire. Additionally, the variety of substitutions and variations allow for customization to personal taste preferences and dietary restrictions.

Furthermore, the convenience of being able to make this sauce ahead of time and store it for later use makes it a great time-saving option for entertaining guests or meal planning.

So if you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to sweeten up your desserts, then give this dulce de leche sauce recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Dulce De Leche Sauce

Dulce De Leche Sauce Recipe

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Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Course Dessert sauce
Cuisine Argentinian
Servings 1 cups
Calories 1606.6 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup whipping cream
  • 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

Instructions
 

  • Combine whipping cream and brown sugar in heavy medium saucepan.
  • Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
  • Boil until mixture is reduced to 1 cup, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in sweetened condensed milk.
  • (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Rewarm over medium-low heat just until warm and pourable.).

Add Your Own Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 611gCalories: 1606.6kcalCarbohydrates: 228.1gProtein: 12.7gFat: 76gSaturated Fat: 47.4gCholesterol: 283.6mgSodium: 278mgSugar: 221.4g
Keyword < 15 Mins, Easy, Low Protein, Mexican, Sauces
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Dora

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.