Search locations or food
OR
Sign up

Authentic Dulce de leche Recipe Argentina, South America

JUMP TO RECIPE

We strongly advise you to read the cooking tips before jumping to the recipe though

Introduction & history

This South American caramel spread has developed a cult following in recent years, and it can be found as an ingredient in numerous different recipes, from desserts like cheesecake and crepes to salty snacks such as popcorn. It can also be found in many traditional desserts from Argentina and Uruguay. There are several different ways to make this sauce, and the main difference between them is how long they take. Equally good dulce de leche can be made either from scratch or using shortcuts, so don't hesitate to cook up a batch of your own if you don't have much time on your hands. Traditionally, dulce de leche is made with only two ingredients — milk and sugar  which are boiled for seven hours with constant stirring. Additionally, a splash of vanilla can be added to any dulce de leche recipe, as it makes a perfect complement to the flavor of caramelized sugar, while baking soda is often added as it shortens the cooking time.

Main ingredients

Serve With

Wafer

Obleas

South America

4.2

Rate It

Cooking tips

  • storing and usage

    The leftover dulce de leche will keep for a couple of weeks if refrigerated. Argentinians will use it as a filling for pancakes, spread it over bread, or use it as an ingredient in various desserts; the options are limitless.
  • ingredients

    Always use full-fat milk, and avoid half or low fat for this recipe. Use the best vanilla you can find, as it is the only flavoring in this sauce.
  • quick & easy preparation method

    The easiest way to make dulce de leche is just using a can of sweetened condensed milk. First, peel off the label and place the can in a large pot. Fill the pot with water until it covers the can by 2 inches (5 cm). Simmer on low to medium heat for two to three hours, depending on how thick you like it to be. Then, remove the can and let cool to room temperature. Once the can is cool enough to handle,... Read more

Recipe variations

Dulce de Leche

PREP 5min

COOK 2h

RESTING 3h

READY IN 5h 5min

4.9

Rate It

The recipe for a classic dulce de leche from milk and sugar, takes a long cooking time to caramelize, including a lot of attention, and stirring. 

Ingredients

10 Servings

4 cups (1 L) full-fat milk

1 ¼ cups (250g) sugar

1/4 tsp baking soda

1 tsp vanilla

Preparation

Step 1/3

Add the milk, sugar, and baking soda to a large cooking pan, and stir to combine.

Step 2/3

Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered, occasionally stirring, until caramelized and thickened. This will take anywhere from one to two hours. Near the end, stir the mixture constantly to avoid burning and sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Step 3/3

Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and transfer to jar or bowl to cool. Store in the refrigerator.

Rating And Comments

Rate It

Wanna try?

Add To List

Other authentic recipes