Rich, creamy, and irresistibly sweet—dulce de leche is a classic Latin treat made by slowly heating sweetened milk until it caramelizes. Whether used as a spread, dessert topping, or filling, this smooth caramel-like sauce adds depth and sweetness to any dish. The best part? You can make it at home with just one ingredient!
Ingredients :
- 4¼ cups (1 liter) whole milk
- 1½ cups (300 g) sugar
- ½ vanilla bean (split and scraped)
- ½ tsp baking soda
Preparation: How to Prepare Dulce de Leche :
To make dulce de leche, begin by slicing the vanilla bean lengthwise and scraping out the seeds. Place a thick-bottomed or non-stick saucepan over low heat, pour in the milk, and add the sugar. Stir gently with a wooden spoon, then add both the vanilla bean and its seeds to the mixture.
Add the ½ teaspoon of baking soda and stir well. Continue heating until the milk comes to a gentle boil, then stir again. Let it cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and develops a rich, golden-brown color.
Remove the vanilla bean and keep cooking over medium heat until the dulce de leche reaches a thick, caramel-like consistency. The longer it cooks, the firmer it becomes. Once ready, transfer to a bowl and serve with ice cream, semifreddo, or use it in Argentine alfajores. If it hardens after cooling, gently reheat to soften.
Creamy, rich, and incredibly versatile, homemade dulce de leche is a sweet treat worth mastering. With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you can create a delicious caramel-like sauce perfect for spreading, dipping, or baking into your favorite desserts. Whether served with alfajores or spooned over ice cream, this Latin classic never fails to impress.
