Dulce de Leche is a rich, creamy caramel-like sauce made by slowly heating sweetened milk until it thickens and deepens in color. Using sweetened condensed milk makes the process even easier, transforming a single pantry staple into a smooth, luscious treat that’s perfect for drizzling, spreading, or simply enjoying by the spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One Ingredient, Big Flavor: All you need is sweetened condensed milk to make magic.
- No Fuss Cooking: Simple methods that require minimal hands-on time.
- Versatile Use: Great for desserts, breakfast, or straight from the spoon.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Stores well and gets even better with time.
- Budget-Friendly: Much cheaper than buying pre-made dulce de leche.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
Directions

Stovetop Method (In Can)
- Remove Label: Take the label off the can of sweetened condensed milk.
- Submerge in Water: Place the unopened can on its side in a large saucepan. Cover completely with water, at least 2 inches above the top of the can.
- Simmer: Bring the water to a gentle boil, then lower heat and simmer:
- 2 hours for a lighter, pourable dulce de leche
- 3 hours for a thick, spreadable texture
Keep the can fully submerged the entire time. Add boiling water as needed.
- Cool Completely: Turn off the heat. Let the can cool completely to room temperature before opening.
- Open and Enjoy: Stir until smooth and use as desired.
Oven Method
- Preheat Oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Pour Condensed Milk into a shallow baking dish. Cover tightly with foil.
- Place in Water Bath: Set the dish in a larger baking pan and add hot water to halfway up the sides.
- Bake for 1½ to 2 hours, checking occasionally and adding more water if needed.
- Whisk Until Smooth: Once it reaches a caramel color and thickens, whisk smooth and let cool.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 1¼ cups
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2–3 hours (depending on method)
- Cooling Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: About 4–5 hours
Variations
- Salted Dulce de Leche: Stir in a pinch of sea salt once cooled.
- Vanilla Infused: Add a splash of vanilla extract after cooking.
- Spiced Dulce de Leche: Add a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
- Chocolate Dulce de Leche: Stir in a spoonful of cocoa powder or melted dark chocolate.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and stir before using.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave in short intervals or in a saucepan over low heat until pourable.
FAQs
What is dulce de leche?
Dulce de leche is a sweet, caramel-like sauce made by slowly heating sweetened milk until it thickens and turns golden brown.
Can I make it without condensed milk?
Yes, but it takes longer. Traditionally, it’s made by simmering milk and sugar over several hours.
Is it safe to boil a can?
Yes—as long as the can is always fully submerged and allowed to cool before opening.
What if I open the can too soon?
It may spurt hot liquid—always let it cool completely to avoid injury.
Can I use low-fat condensed milk?
You can, but the texture and flavor may not be as rich or creamy.
Is there a faster method?
Using a pressure cooker can speed things up—cook the sealed can for 35–40 minutes under high pressure.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes! Place the can in a slow cooker, cover with water, and cook on low for 8–10 hours.
How do I make it pourable?
Use the 2-hour simmer method or stir in a little milk to thin out the consistency.
Can I add flavors?
Yes—stir in vanilla, sea salt, spices, or even espresso for different variations.
What can I use it for?
Spread it on toast, spoon it over ice cream, fill pastries, swirl into brownies, or eat it by the spoonful!
Conclusion
Making Dulce de Leche with condensed milk is incredibly easy and yields a rich, decadent treat that’s endlessly versatile. Whether you simmer it on the stovetop or bake it in the oven, this caramel-like sauce adds a luxurious touch to any dessert—or is just as delicious on its own. Try it once, and it’ll become a staple in your kitchen!
PrintDulce de Leche with Condensed Milk
Dulce de Leche made with condensed milk is a sweet, creamy caramel-like sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over desserts, spreading on toast, or using as a filling. It’s made by slowly heating sweetened condensed milk until it transforms into a rich golden treat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 1/4 cups 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a shallow baking dish (like a pie plate).
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Place the covered dish in a larger roasting pan and fill the outer pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the inner dish.
- Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, or until the milk has thickened and turned a deep golden color. Check water level occasionally and refill as needed.
- Remove from oven, uncover, and whisk until smooth. Let cool before using or storing.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- For a stove-top version, simmer an unopened can of condensed milk in water for 2–3 hours, keeping the can fully submerged at all times.
- Use as a filling for cakes, cookies, or pastries, or drizzle over pancakes, ice cream, or churros.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 1.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg