Indulge in the rich, velvety sweetness of homemade Dulce de Leche Sauce, a classic caramel-like confection made with just one simple ingredient—sweetened condensed milk. This foolproof recipe combines minimal effort with maximum flavor, simmering an unopened can of condensed milk in water for hours to transform it into a golden, silky treat. Perfect for drizzling over ice cream, spreading on toast, or adding a luxurious touch to desserts, this sauce is a pantry-friendly gem that’s as irresistible as it is versatile. With tips to customize the texture and a shelf life of up to two weeks, this homemade dulce de leche promises to be the star of your sweet creations.
Remove the label from the unopened can of sweetened condensed milk.
Place the can in a large, deep saucepan and fill the pan with water. Ensure that the water level is at least 2 inches (5 cm) above the can to prevent it from exposing during cooking.
Bring the water to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to a low simmer.
Simmer the can for 2 to 3 hours, depending on your desired consistency. For a lighter caramel, simmer for 2 hours. For a thicker, darker caramel, simmer for up to 3 hours.
Check the water level every 20-30 minutes and add more boiling water as needed to keep the can fully submerged at all times.
Carefully turn off the heat after cooking, and allow the water and can to cool fully to room temperature before handling. This can take 1-2 hours.
Once cooled, open the can with a can opener, and stir the dulce de leche for a smooth consistency.
Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Bring to room temperature or warm gently before serving.
Calories |
1271 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 34.5 g | 44% | |
| Saturated Fat | 21.7 g | 108% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 135 mg | 45% | |
| Sodium | 532 mg | 23% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 215.4 g | 78% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 215.4 g | ||
| Protein | 31.3 g | 63% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 1182 mg | 91% | |
| Iron | 0.8 mg | 4% | |
| Potassium | 1469 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.