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A white ceramic bowl with milk caramel sauce on a white speckled ceramic plate on a grey marble surface. A spoon holds a scoop of dulce de leche. A light blue linen napkin peeks into the bottom of the photo.
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Dulce de Leche

Three methods for making your own creamy, sweet and deliciously thick dulce de leche (milk caramel). Use as an ingredient in other recipes, stir into coffee, use as a filling in cakes or cookies, or simply enjoy straight from the can with a spoon. Straightforward instructions for the pressure cooker, slow cooker or stovetop.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Argentine, Latin American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Cool time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 14 ounces from 1 can (up to 4 at a time)
Author Kathleen Culver

Ingredients

  • 1 can (396 grams, 14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk full fat (up to 4 cans at a time)
  • water for boiling

Instructions

Prepare the Cans

  • Remove the paper label from the can(s). For best results, also scrub off any sticky glue residue to avoid a mess in your pot.
  • Choose your cooking method.

Pressure Cooker Instructions

  • Place up to 4 cans in the pressure cooker insert. Fill with water to the max fill line.
  • Lock the lid and cook on high pressure for 35-40 minutes.
  • Let the pressure release naturally.

Slow Cooker Instructions

  • Place up to 4 cans in the slow cooker insert. Fill with water to cover the cans by 1-2 inches.
  • Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours.

Stovetop Instructions

  • Choose a 3 or 6 quart saucepan (2.8 - 5.6 L) that will hold the number of cans you wish to cook.
  • Place cans on their side in a large saucepan. Cover with 2 inches of water.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 3-4 hours.
  • Do not leave unattended. Check every 30 minutes to ensure the cans remain submerged, adding more boiling water if needed.

Cool and Store

  • Carefully remove the hot cans from the water with tongs, or wait until water is cool to remove. You can speed cooling by placing cans into cold water if desired.
  • ⚠️ SAFETY WARNING: DO NOT OPEN HOT CANS. Let the cans cool completely before opening. Opening a hot can under pressure can cause serious injury.
  • Once opened, transfer to an airtight container and store in refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Notes

For paler, thinner dulce de leche, cook for the shorter amount of time.
For darker, thicker dulce de leche (as seen in recipe photos) cook for the longer amount of time.
If it comes out darker or lighter than you'd like, make a note to adjust the time a little longer or shorter the next time you make it!