Recipe

Dulce de Leche

The Sweet Elixir of Argentina

4.6 out of 5

In the rich tapestry of Argentinian cuisine, dulce de leche holds a special place. This beloved caramel-like treat is a staple in many Argentinian households, adding a touch of sweetness to desserts and even breakfasts. With its velvety texture and indulgent flavor, dulce de leche is a true delight that captures the essence of Argentinian culinary traditions.

Dessert› Dulce de leche

Cuisine of the Americas› South American cuisine› Argentinian cuisine

Preparation time

10 minutes

Cooking time

2-3 hours

Total time

2-3 hours and 10 minutes

Yields

This recipe makes approximately 2 cups of dulce de leche

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Nut-free, Soy-free, Egg-free

Allergens

Milk

Not suitable for

Vegan, Dairy-free, Paleo, Keto, Low-carb

Ingredients

2 liters (8 cups) whole milk 2 liters (8 cups) whole milk
400 grams (2 cups) granulated sugar 400 grams (2 cups) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking soda
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise (optional) 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise (optional)

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 160 calories / 670 KJ per serving (1 tablespoon)
Fat: 5g total, 3g saturated fat
Carbohydrates: 27g total, 27g sugars
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 0g
Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1.
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, and baking soda.
2.
If using, scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean and add them to the saucepan, along with the split bean.
3.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar has dissolved.
4.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 3 hours or until it thickens and turns a rich caramel color.
5.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and discard the vanilla bean.
6.
Let the dulce de leche cool to room temperature before transferring it to a jar or airtight container.
7.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Milk — Use whole milk for the creamiest and richest dulce de leche.

Tips & Tricks

Stir the mixture frequently during the first hour of cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
For a deeper flavor, you can add a pinch of salt to the mixture.
If you prefer a thicker consistency, cook the dulce de leche for an additional 30 minutes.

Serving advice

Dulce de leche can be enjoyed in various ways. Spread it on toast, pancakes, or waffles for a decadent breakfast. Use it as a filling for cakes, cookies, or pastries. Drizzle it over ice cream or fresh fruit for a delightful dessert. The possibilities are endless!

Presentation advice

When serving dulce de leche, consider presenting it in a small dish or jar with a spoon for easy access. You can also garnish it with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra touch of elegance.