Caramelized Milk Cajeta or Dulce De Leche
Indulge your sweet tooth with this irresistibly creamy Caramelized Milk Cajeta, also known as Dulce de Leche, a staple in Latin-inspired desserts. Made with just four simple ingredients—whole milk, granulated sugar, baking soda, and a hint of optional vanilla—this recipe transforms pantry staples into a dreamy caramel-like sauce with luxurious depth of flavor. Slow-simmered to perfection, it develops a rich, golden hue and a thick, velvety texture ideal for drizzling over pancakes, dipping fruit, or spreading on toast. With only 5 minutes of prep and a hands-on cooking process that allows you to watch the magic unfold, this homemade cajeta is a labor of love worth every stir. Perfect for gifting or savoring yourself, this versatile treat is a must-try for caramel lovers.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups Whole milk
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 0.5 teaspoons Baking soda
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, pour in the whole milk and add the granulated sugar. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture just to a boil, stirring occasionally.
Once the milk mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and carefully stir in the baking soda. The mixture may foam up briefly, so watch it closely to prevent overflow.
Continue to cook the mixture at a gentle simmer, stirring often with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Scrape the bottom of the pot as needed.
Over the next 60–90 minutes, the mixture will thicken and darken to a deep caramel color. Be patient and keep stirring frequently, especially as it thickens more toward the end.
When the cajeta is rich, creamy, and coats the back of a spoon, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, if desired.
Allow the cajeta to cool slightly before transferring it to a clean jar or container. It will thicken further as it cools.
Store the cajeta in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. Reheat gently if needed before using.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1369 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.3 g | 40% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.2 g | 91% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 117 mg | 39% | |
| Sodium | 1001 mg | 44% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 245.7 g | 89% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 247.4 g | ||
| Protein | 31.9 g | 64% | |
| Vitamin D | 10.7 mcg | 54% | |
| Calcium | 1200 mg | 92% | |
| Iron | 0.0 mg | 0% | |
| Potassium | 1470 mg | 31% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
