Introduction

Dulce de leche is a beloved caramel-like treat that has won the hearts of many dessert lovers around the world. This rich, sweet sauce boasts a creamy texture and unique flavor that can elevate any dessert. Thankfully, making dulce de leche at home has never been easier, especially when using a slow cooker. With just one ingredient and minimal effort, you can create this indulgent sauce that will impress your family and friends.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

Sweetened condensed milk – 1 can (14 ounces)

Prep Time

The prep time for this recipe is approximately 5 minutes.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 8 hours on low
Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
Yield: About 1 cup of dulce de leche

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Gather Ingredients

Make sure you have sweetened condensed milk as your only ingredient for the recipe.

Prepare the Slow Cooker

Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a clean, dry jar that is suitable for slow cooking.

Fill the Slow Cooker

Place the jar in the slow cooker and fill the cooker with water until it covers the jar about 2/3 of the way.

Cook on Low

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 8 hours.

Check the Consistency

After 8 hours, check the consistency of the dulce de leche. If it’s not thick enough, continue cooking for an additional 1-2 hours, checking periodically.

Cool Down

Once the desired consistency is achieved, carefully remove the jar from the slow cooker. Allow it to cool to room temperature.

Store Properly

Once cooled, store the dulce de leche in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

Consistent Monitoring

Keep an eye on the water level in the slow cooker throughout the cooking process to ensure the jar remains submerged.

Jar Selection

Use a glass jar with a tight-sealing lid to prevent water from entering during the cooking time.

Serving Suggestions

Dulce de leche can be used as a topping for desserts, spread on toast, or swirled into ice cream.

Cook techniques

Slow Cooking

Using a slow cooker allows for a gentle cooking process that transforms sweetened condensed milk into a rich, caramel-like sauce without the need for constant supervision.

Water Bath Method

Submerging the can of sweetened condensed milk in water ensures even cooking and prevents the can from overheating, reducing the risk of it bursting.

Monitoring Liquid Levels

It’s essential to check the water level in the slow cooker periodically, adding more water if necessary to keep the can fully submerged.

Cooling Process

After cooking, it’s crucial to let the can cool completely before opening it to prevent any hot caramel from splattering and causing burns.

Storing Leftovers

Once prepared, dulce de leche can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, allowing for easy use in various desserts.

FAQ

Can I use evaporated milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?

No, sweetened condensed milk is necessary for achieving the desired sweetness and thickness of dulce de leche.

How long does it take to make dulce de leche in a slow cooker?

It typically takes about 8 hours on low heat to transform sweetened condensed milk into dulce de leche.

What should I do if the can is not submerged in water?

You should add more water to the slow cooker to keep the can fully submerged to prevent overheating.

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make dulce de leche on the stovetop using a similar water bath method, but it requires more attention to avoid boiling over.

Is it safe to cook the can directly in the slow cooker?

Yes, cooking the can in a slow cooker is safe as long as you ensure it remains submerged in water throughout the cooking process.

Conclusion

Creating dulce de leche in a slow cooker is an incredibly simple and rewarding process. With just one ingredient, you can achieve a rich and creamy caramel sauce that enhances a variety of dishes. This method not only saves time but also allows for a hands-off cooking experience, ensuring perfect results every time.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Use as a topping for ice cream

Dulce de leche makes a fantastic topping for vanilla ice cream, adding a rich, caramel flavor that is simply irresistible.

Incorporate into coffee or lattes

Add a spoonful of dulce de leche to your morning coffee or latte for a sweet twist that will elevate your caffeine fix.

Spread on toast or pancakes

Spread a layer of dulce de leche on warm toast or pancakes for a delicious breakfast treat.

Fill pastries or cakes

Use dulce de leche as a filling for cakes and pastries, adding a moist and flavorful layer to your baked goods.

Blend into yogurt or smoothies

Mix dulce de leche into yogurt or smoothies for a sweet and creamy addition that enhances the flavor profile.

Combine with chocolate desserts

Pair dulce de leche with chocolate desserts like brownies or chocolate cake for a rich and decadent experience.