Dulce de Leche Fondue is a rich and creamy dessert dip made with luscious caramelized milk, perfect for dipping fruits, cookies, and treats. This easy and decadent fondue brings a sweet, silky twist to classic chocolate fondue, making it a show-stopping dessert for parties, gatherings, or a cozy night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly rich and creamy with caramel flavors
- Easy to make with just a few ingredients
- Perfect for dipping fruits, cookies, marshmallows, and more
- A fun and interactive dessert for sharing
- Great for holidays, parties, or a romantic dessert
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 can (14 ounces) dulce de leche (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup whole milk (or more as needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional, for salted caramel flavor)
For Dipping:
- Sliced fruits (strawberries, bananas, apples, pineapples)
- Marshmallows
- Cookies (shortbread, graham crackers, vanilla wafers)
- Pretzels
- Pound cake or angel food cake cubes
Directions

- Prepare the Fondue:
- In a medium saucepan, combine dulce de leche, heavy cream, and milk.
- Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and warm.
- Add Flavorings:
- Stir in vanilla extract and sea salt, if using.
- Continue to cook until the fondue is smooth and heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Adjust Consistency:
- If the fondue is too thick, add more milk a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Transfer to Fondue Pot:
- Pour the warm dulce de leche mixture into a fondue pot or heatproof serving bowl.
- Keep warm over a low flame or a tea light if using a fondue pot.
- Serve:
- Arrange dipping items on a platter and serve with fondue forks or skewers.
- Enjoy dipping fruits, cookies, and treats into the creamy dulce de leche fondue.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Dulce de Leche Fondue: Add 1/2 cup of melted chocolate or chocolate chips for a caramel-chocolate blend.
- Cinnamon Spice Fondue: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Coconut Dulce de Leche Fondue: Stir in 1/4 cup coconut milk and a sprinkle of shredded coconut.
- Boozy Twist: Add a tablespoon of rum, bourbon, or Irish cream liqueur for an adult version.
- Salted Caramel Fondue: Increase the sea salt to 1/2 teaspoon for a delicious salted caramel taste.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftover fondue in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to reach a smooth consistency.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the dairy content may cause the fondue to become grainy when thawed.
FAQs
1. Can I make dulce de leche from scratch?
Yes, simmer a can of sweetened condensed milk in a water bath for 2-3 hours until it turns a rich caramel color. Let it cool completely before opening.
2. What if my fondue is too thick?
Simply add more milk or cream, a tablespoon at a time, while stirring until it thins to the desired consistency.
3. How do I keep the fondue warm?
Use a fondue pot with a low heat source or a small slow cooker on the warm setting.
4. Can I use this fondue as a sauce for desserts?
Yes, drizzle it over ice cream, cakes, pancakes, or waffles for a sweet caramel treat.
5. Can I make this fondue without dairy?
Use coconut cream or almond milk in place of heavy cream and whole milk for a dairy-free version.
6. How do I prevent the fondue from burning?
Cook over low heat and stir constantly to avoid scorching the dulce de leche.
7. What can I do if the fondue separates?
Whisk in a splash of cream or milk vigorously to bring the mixture back together.
8. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the fondue and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.
9. Can I add flavors like coffee or caramel extract?
Yes, a teaspoon of coffee extract or caramel extract enhances the flavor beautifully.
10. What fruits go well with dulce de leche fondue?
Strawberries, apples, bananas, pineapples, and grapes are excellent choices.
Conclusion
Dulce de Leche Fondue is a decadent and delightful dessert that brings rich, creamy caramel flavors to your table. Perfect for dipping a variety of fruits, cookies, and treats, this fondue offers a fun and interactive experience for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a holiday, or enjoying a romantic dessert, this dulce de leche fondue will be a hit with everyone!
PrintDulce de Leche Fondue Recipe
This Dulce de Leche Fondue is a rich, creamy dessert dip made with sweet caramelized milk and a touch of cream. Perfect for dipping fruits, cookies, or marshmallows for a fun and indulgent treat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) dulce de leche
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts, chocolate chips
- Dippers: sliced apples, strawberries, bananas, marshmallows, pound cake cubes, pretzels
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the dulce de leche and heavy cream.
- Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt. Stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a fondue pot or small slow cooker to keep warm.
- Serve with a variety of dippers and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the consistency with a bit more cream if needed.
- Can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving.
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat slowly on the stove or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (fondue only)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg