Dulce De Leche with Condensed Milk

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I will share my treasured recipe for creating Dulce de leche with condensed milk. Yes, that’s right—with just one can of this sweet staple, you’ll be on your way to concocting a batch of your very own Dulce de leche.

How to make Dulce De Leche with Condensed Milk

Dulce de leche with condensed milk is a rich, sweet treat made by combining condensed milk with sugar and slowly cooking it to create a thick, caramel-like spread. The name “dulce de leche” is Spanish for “sweet milk,” and the addition of condensed milk intensifies the flavor and texture of the traditional dulce de leche.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (14 ounces) of sweetened condensed milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This method offers a uniform and gentle cooking process, ideal for achieving the perfect caramelization.
2. Prepare Pan and Water Bath: Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a shallow baking dish—an 8—or 9-inch pie plate works well for this. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place this dish into a larger baking pan and fill the outer pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the dish containing the milk. This water bath is crucial as it ensures even heat distribution, preventing the milk from scorching.
3. Bake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for about 1-1.5 hours. The key to perfect Dulce de Leche is low and slow cooking; it’s done when it achieves a beautifully rich golden color. Always check the water level occasionally, adding more hot water as needed to maintain the water bath.
4. Whisk and Cool: Once the desired color and consistency are reached, carefully remove the dish from the oven and the water bath. Whisk the Dulce de Leche until smooth. It will thicken as it cools. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a jar or container.
5. Store: Your homemade Dulce de leche should be stored in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to a month.

Tips for Perfect Dulce De Leche with condensed milk:

• Stirring: Though not mandatory for the oven method, stirring the mixture a few times throughout the baking process can promote an even consistency and color.
• Water Bath: During baking, keep a keen eye on the water bath’s level. This is essential to prevent the dish from drying out, which could affect the Dulce de Leche’s texture.
• Patience is Key: The transformation from condensed milk to Dulce de Leche could take longer, depending on your oven and the depth of the baking dish used. Patience will reward you with the perfect texture and flavor.
• Cooling: Let the Dulce de Leche cool in the pan you baked it in; it will thicken further as it cools. If whisked while still warm, it should smooth out any lumps.
• Uses: Your homemade Dulce de Leche can serve many roles: a spread for toast, a sweetener for coffee, a filling for cakes and bonbons, or just a delightful treat by the spoonful.

What to serve with

Dulce de Leche, with its creamy, caramel-like flavor, is a versatile treat that pairs wonderfully with myriad desserts and snacks.

For Breakfast

• Pancakes and Waffles: Swirl some Dulce de Leche on top of freshly made pancakes or waffles for a sweet start to your day. The rich caramel flavor adds a decadent touch to these breakfast classics.
• Oatmeal or Porridge: Stir a spoonful into your morning oatmeal or porridge for a comforting and flavorful breakfast.

As a Dessert

• Ice Cream: Top off scoops of vanilla ice cream with a generous drizzle of Dulce de Leche for an instant dessert upgrade. You can also mix it into homemade ice cream before freezing.
• Cheesecake: Swirl it into your cheesecake batter before baking, or drizzle it over the top for a beautiful and delicious finish.
• Brownies and Blondies: Before baking, add a layer of Dulce de leche to your brownie or blondie batter, or simply dollop and swirl it on top for a gooey, caramelized treat.
• Fruit: Dip slices of apples, bananas, or strawberries into Dulce de Leche for a simple yet delightful dessert.

For Snacking and Sharing

• Toast or Bread: Spread it over toast, croissants, or fresh bread for a sweet snack. You can also add a layer of Dulce de Leche to your morning bagel or English muffin.
• Cookies and Crackers: Serve it as a dip with salty crackers or crispy cookies. It pairs exceptionally well with shortbread, chocolate cookies, or graham crackers.
• S’mores: For a caramel twist on this campfire classic, replace the chocolate in your next s’mores assembly with a thick layer of Dulce de leche.

Drinks

• Coffee and Hot Chocolate: Stir a spoonful into your morning coffee or hot chocolate for an instant flavor boost. It melts beautifully, creating a smooth, sweet, and creamy beverage.

Special Occasions

• Cakes and Pies: Use Dulce de Leche as a filling or topping for cakes and pies. It works especially well in layered cakes, as a topping for apple pie, or even in place of traditional frosting.
• Puff Pastry and Crepes: Fill puff pastry turnovers or crepes with Dulce de Leche and serve them as elegant desserts or brunch items.

Final Thoughts

Creating Dulce de leche with condensed milk is not just about following a recipe—it’s about experiencing the transformation of a simple ingredient into a sublime treat. 

More Milk Recipes:

• Homemade So Delicious Coconut Milk Recipe
• Rose Milk Tea Recipe
• Brown Sugar Milk Tea Recipe