Sweetened Condensed Milk
Homemade Dulce de Leche: A Sweet Caramel Spread
Master the art of making dulce de leche with this easy, foolproof recipe that yields a thick, creamy, and intensely flavored spread. No more constant stove monitoring or sugar scorching! This versatile delight can be used as an ice cream topper, fruit dip, or even as a delicious Alfajores filling.
This tantalizing treat was featured as part of our Argentine Grilling menu.
- Serves: 1 cup
- Difficulty: Easy-peasy
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes
- Active Time: Around 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- A pinch (1/4 teaspoon) of fine salt
Procedure:
- Crank up the oven to 425°F and slide a rack into the center.
- Pop the milk into a pie plate, season with salt, cover the plate tightly with aluminum foil, and nestle it in a roasting pan.
- Pour enough hot tap water into the roasting pan to reach halfway up the sides of the pie plate, then slide the roasting pan into the oven.
- After an hour, remove the roasting pan, unwrap the pie plate, and gently whisk the mixture until smooth. Cover it back up and return it to the water in the roasting pan. Continue baking until the dulce de leche turns a deep golden brown, similar to peanut butter – around 1 1/2 hours more.
- Take it out of the oven and transfer the pie plate to a wire rack. When cool enough to handle, uncover the dulce de leche and whisk it until smooth. Let it come to room temperature before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tip:
- Experiment with longer simmer times to achieve a thicker and darker dulce de leche.
Fun Fact:
- Making dulce de leche in a water bath is a technique rooted in practicality, as it allows individuals to produce a rich, caramel-like sauce without the need for constant attention.
This Argentine-inspired recipe for Dulce de Leche not only provides nutrition but also serves as a sweet addition to various dishes, such as ice cream, fruit dips, or Alfajores filling. Following the instructions carefully, you'll find yourself caramelizing a can of sweetened condensed milk in just 2 hours and 45 minutes, with the end result being a thick, golden-brown spread reminiscent of peanut butter. The use of a water bath in this process demonstrates the practicality and ease of making dulce de leche at home, without the need for constant monitoring.
