Sweet and Savory: Slow Cooker Dulce de Leche
Welcome to my kitchen, where I specialize in creating the most delicious concoctions of both Brazilian and American cuisine. Today, I am excited to share with you my recipe for Slow Cooker Dulce De Leche. This recipe is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth looking for an easy and hassle-free dessert that will have everyone licking their plates clean.
Dulce de leche, which translates to “sweet milk,” is a caramel-like sauce made from condensed milk and sugar. It is one of the staples of Latin American cuisine and adds a unique flavor to any dish it’s paired with. With this recipe, you’ll be able to make dulce de leche using just one ingredient – sweetened condensed milk!
Using a slow cooker, you can turn regular sweetened condensed milk into a smooth sauce with a rich caramel flavor. This easy-to-follow recipe takes about 3 hours on high or 9 hours on low in the slow cooker. Once finished, you’ll have a jar full of delicious dulce de leche that can be used in a variety of ways.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a quick and easy dessert option, this Slow Cooker Dulce De Leche recipe is perfect for any occasion. So gather your ingredients and let’s start cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fellow food lovers, if you are looking for a recipe that is not only delicious but also easy to make, you have come to the right place. I present to you the slow cooker dulce de leche recipe! This sweet and smooth sauce is made with just one ingredient – sweetened condensed milk. Here are some reasons why this recipe will enchant your taste buds and become a staple in your kitchen.
Firstly, the slow cooker makes this recipe incredibly simple! There’s no need to worry about babysitting a pot on the stove or constantly stirring to prevent burning. The slow cooker does all of the work for you while you can relax, engage in other activities or run errands. Just fill the slow cooker with water, place your cans of sweetened condensed milk inside (after removing their labels) and let them cook low and slow for 9 hours. It’s that easy!
Secondly, the end result is utterly divine! The sweetened condensed milk turns into a caramel-like sauce that looks and tastes like it took hours to make. Dipping apple slices or crackers into this silky smooth sauce makes for an irresistible snack. Pouring it over ice cream or cakes elevates any dessert from ordinary to exceptional. Beyond desserts, dulce de leche adds a special touch to breakfast, coffee or even cocktails.
Lastly, this recipe is extremely versatile! Once you learn how to make dulce de leche in a slow cooker, there are so many ways to use it. You can store it in mason jars or cover the cans and refrigerate up to two weeks for later use. If you want more variety, consider alternating between evaporated milk or using a pressure cooker instead of slow cooking method.
In summary, this dulce de leche recipe is the definition of less is more – one ingredient, three hours on low heat and easy hosting potential for guests. It’s significant benefits aren’t limited to ease of preparation, people-first-pleaser taste, and open-ended uses. You’ll want to make it over and over again!
Ingredient List
Let’s start with what you need to make Slow Cooker Dulce De Leche at home. Dulce de leche is a caramel-like sauce made from condensed milk sugar, and the best part is that it only requires one ingredient! For this recipe, you will need 2 cans sweetened condensed milk. You can use any brand of sweetened condensed milk you prefer. Just make sure to remove the labels from the cans before using them in the recipe.
Additionally, you will need water to cover the cans during the cooking process. If you are using a slow cooker or crockpot to cook the dulce de leche, make sure to fill it with enough water to cover the cans entirely. Alternatively, if you are cooking dulce de leche on the stovetop or in the oven, adjust the amount of water as needed.
Here’s a summary of what you’ll need:
- 2 cans Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Water (enough to cover the cans)
The Recipe How-To
Now that we know a bit about Dulce de Leche, let’s put our slow cooker to use and make some ourselves. This method is incredibly easy and only requires one ingredient: sweetened condensed milk.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans sweetened condensed milk
Instructions:
- Remove labels from your sweetened condensed milk cans.
- Fill your slow cooker with enough water to cover the cans completely.
- Place the cans in the slow cooker and cook on low heat for around 9 hours. Do not attempt to open the cans until they have cooled.
- Once cool, open the cans and enjoy your homemade Dulce de Leche!
I like to put mine in mason jars as it seals perfectly and makes it easy to store or gift. The result of cooking condensed milk slowly over 3 hours is a smooth sauce that is almost indistinguishable from caramel. The ‘cooked condensed milk’ turns into Dulce de Leche – a thick, creamy and smooth sauce easy that is perfect for drizzling over any dessert!
Tips:
- Make sure that the can(s) are completely covered with water, otherwise it may ruin the dulce de leche.
- You can use a pressure cooker to make Dulce de Leche faster.
- Another way to make Dulce de Leche in a slow cooker is to empty the contents of the sweetened condensed milk into mason jars or another heat-safe container; cover them with lid tightly or aluminium foil; then, place them in the crock pot filled halfway with hot water for ~8-9 hours.
With these simple instructions, you can make your own homemade Dulce de Leche in no time!
Substitutions and Variations
There are many ways to make this delicious Slow Cooker Dulce De Leche Recipe your own. Here are some substitutions and variations to try:
– Evaporated Milk: If you can’t find sweetened condensed milk or prefer a lighter taste, try using evaporated milk instead. You can add sugar to taste or use a sugar substitute of your choice.
– Microwave: In a hurry? You can make dulce de leche in the microwave by pouring sweetened condensed milk into a microwave-safe bowl, covering it with plastic wrap, and microwaving for short intervals until it’s thick and caramel-like.
– Pressure Cooker: If you have a pressure cooker, you can make dulce de leche even faster! Simply pour sweetened condensed milk into a mason jar, place it on a trivet in the pressure cooker, add water to cover the jar, and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.
– Flavors: You can add different flavors to your dulce de leche by mixing in spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, adding vanilla extract or coffee, or even stirring in chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
– Desserts: Dulce de leche is a great ingredient in many desserts. Try adding it to brownies, cheesecake, ice cream sundaes, or spreading it on toast.
Remember that these substitutions and variations might affect the texture or taste of your dulce de leche, so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the perfect recipe for you.
Serving and Pairing
Once your Slow Cooker Dulce De Leche is ready, you are in for a decadent treat! This caramel-like sauce made with just one ingredient is a versatile topping that can be used to elevate a wide range of desserts and baked goods. You can use it as a dipping sauce for fresh fruits or as a drizzle on ice cream, cakes, pies, and pastries.
For serving, I suggest transferring the Dulce De Leche into small mason jars or ramekins for an aesthetic presentation that will impress your guests. Ensure they are clean and free of any labels. If you’re not serving it immediately, cover the jars tightly with lids or cling wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
If you’re feeling extra indulgent, warm up some Dulce De Leche in the microwave or over low heat on the stove before pouring it over your dessert. The warm sauce will ooze onto your dessert and create an irresistible explosion of flavors.
When it comes to pairing, the possibilities are endless! You can pair it with creamy desserts like cheesecake or flan to give them a rich flavor. For bolder pairings, try this recipe with chocolate cake or espresso-based desserts like tiramisu. Alternatively, pour some alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or latte and stir for a creamy caramel flavor.
Overall, Slow Cooker Dulce De Leche is an excellent finishing touch to any dessert repertoire. Its velvety texture and smooth sweetness provide the perfect balance when paired with the right dessert. Try experimenting with different pairings to find your perfect match!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once the dulce de leche is ready, you have some options for storing it. You can transfer it to airtight containers, or keep it in the jars used to cook it. If you plan on storing it in the jars, make sure to remove the labels first. Once filled, place them in the fridge, and they’ll stay good for up to a month.
You can also store the dulce de leche in a mason jar, which is perfect if you want to give them as gifts. If you plan on using mason jars, make sure they’re sterilized before filling them.
To reheat dulce de leche, place it in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it for a few seconds at a time until it’s warm enough for your liking. Alternatively, you can place an unopened can of dulce de leche in boiling water for 2-3 hours to warm it up.
The beauty of slow cooker dulce de leche is that you can make it ahead of time and have it on hand when needed. It’s perfect for making caramel flan or drizzling over ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Remember that once opened, dulce de leche should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and consumed within two weeks.
Tips for Perfect Results
As a chef specializing in both Brazilian and American cuisine, I’ve spent countless hours perfecting my recipes, including this slow cooker dulce de leche recipe. Over time, I have gained valuable insights and learned tips that can make all the difference when making this caramel-like sauce with just one ingredient: sweetened condensed milk.
Here are some tips to help you achieve perfect results every time:
– Use high-quality sweetened condensed milk: The quality of the sweetened condensed milk will directly affect the final outcome of your dulce de leche. Do not compromise on it.
– Don’t rush the process: It might be tempting to increase the cooking time to make the dulce de leche faster, but this is not recommended. It’s crucial to give it enough time to cook slowly and release its full flavor.
– Fill your slow cooker/crockpot properly: Cover all cans with water and fill up until ¾ height of crockpot.
– Monitor water level regularly: Check the water level every 1-2 hours and add boiling water as needed to keep the cans covered.
– Plan ahead: When you plan on making dulce de leche, it’s a good idea to remove labels from cans in advance. Do it using Goo Gone or any adhesive remover.
– Experiment with variations: If you want a slightly lighter version of dulce de leche, try using evaporated milk instead of sweetened condensed milk. You can also add a pinch of salt for a unique savory note.
By following these tips, you’ll create a smooth, rich sauce that is easy to prepare and perfect for a variety of desserts or as an accompaniment to your morning coffee. Don’t forget that you can store dulce de leche in mason jars inside the fridge for almost a month!
FAQ
Now that you know how to make Slow Cooker Dulce De Leche, it’s time for a quick FAQ section to address any questions or concerns you may have about this recipe. Here, I will provide answers to some frequently asked questions to help you achieve perfect results every time. So let’s get started!
What’s the difference between caramel sauce and dulce de leche?
Although caramel and dulce de leche have a similar appearance and taste, their methods of creation are quite distinct. Caramel is produced by boiling sugar and water together until it becomes caramelized, whereas dulce de leche is created by simmering milk and sugar at a slow pace until it transforms into a creamy caramel-like substance.
Can you cook dulce de leche too long?
Sometimes, dulce de leche can become clumpy, which I think is caused by overcooking the edges. However, don’t worry too much about it as it won’t affect the taste if you’re just planning to drizzle it over ice cream. But if you want a silky-smooth texture, there’s a simple solution.
Can you make dulce de leche without a pressure cooker?
Creating dulce de leche requires varying levels of skill and time commitment depending on the method. Boiling an unopened can of sweetened condensed milk is a simple and efficient way to make it. This method can be done using the stovetop, Crock Pot, or Instant Pot.
How long does it take for condensed milk to turn into dulce de leche?
To make dulce de leche, place a can of condensed milk in a pot and let it cook for 2 to 3 hours. The longer it cooks, the darker and thicker the caramel will be. If you prefer a lighter caramel, cook it for 2 hours, and for a darker one, cook it for 3 hours. While cooking, make sure to keep the can covered with water and check the water level occasionally.
Is dulce de leche just sweetened condensed milk?
A decadent caramel sauce known as dulce de leche can be prepared using a single ingredient, which is sweetened condensed milk.
Is dulce de leche the same as cooked condensed milk?
Dulce de leche is a mouth-watering sauce made from a combination of milk and sugar that is heated and caramelized. It has a thick and gooey texture, a rich brown color, and a unique taste that sets it apart from other confections.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Slow Cooker Dulce De Leche recipe is incredibly easy to make with just one ingredient and produces a delicious caramel-like sauce. It’s perfect for any dessert or as a topping for pancakes or waffles.
Not only is this recipe easy and delicious, but it can also be customized to fit your preferences. You can adjust the cook time to make it thicker or thinner and experiment with different flavorings such as adding vanilla or cinnamon.
I highly recommend trying out this Slow Cooker Dulce De Leche recipe for yourself. Not only will you impress your friends and family with your culinary skills, but you’ll satisfy your sweet tooth too. Lastly, I advise you to use caution with the hot caramel-like sauce and let it cool before serving.
So fire up that slow cooker or crock pot and get ready for a mouthwatering dessert that will have everyone asking for more!
Slow Cooker Dulce De Leche Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk, unopened (not evaporated!)
- 1 gallon water
Instructions
- Wash and remove the labels from your cans of sweetened condensed milk. Make sure the cans are undented and unopened.
- Stand your cans up in the slow cooker and pour water in to cover cans fully.
- Cook on low for at least 8 hours (I've gone up to 12 hours once when I forgot about the cans, results were still good). You could probably do this on high for 4-5 hours but I haven't tried it.
- Allow to cool fully before opening the can. Store in refrigerator.
- If you open the can and find that it's not golden enough (highly unlikely), scoop out contents into a saucepan and simmer on low until desired color.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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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.