Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cooked Condensed Milk is a simple yet indulgent treat. It turns a can of sweetened condensed milk into something rich, velvety, and caramelized, transforming desserts with minimal effort. This homemade version of Dulce de Leche is not only better than store-bought versions, but it’s also incredibly easy to make with just one ingredient. Whether you use it as a topping, filling, or in baking recipes, the smooth, sweet flavor will take your dessert to the next level.
Ingredients
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1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
Directions
Traditional Stovetop Method:
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Prepare the can: Remove the label from the can of sweetened condensed milk. Place the can in a saucepan, and fill the pan with water so that the can is completely submerged. The water level should be at least 2 inches above the top of the can.
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Simmer the milk: Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, ensuring that the water is kept at a simmer, not a full boil. Let the can cook in the simmering water for 2 to 3 hours, making sure to check the water level periodically, adding more water if needed to keep the can fully submerged.
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Check the consistency: After 2 to 3 hours, carefully remove the can from the pot using tongs. Let it cool for a few minutes. The condensed milk should have thickened and turned a golden caramel color. If you want a thicker, darker version of Dulce de Leche, you can cook it for up to 4 hours.
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Cool and open the can: Allow the can to cool completely before opening. Be very careful when opening the can, as it can be under pressure, and there is the potential for hot milk to splatter.
Slow Cooker Method (For an Easy Hands-Off Approach):
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Prepare the can: Remove the label from the can of sweetened condensed milk. Place the can in the bottom of your slow cooker.
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Submerge the can: Fill the slow cooker with enough water to completely cover the can, ensuring the water level is at least 2 inches above the can.
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Cook on low: Cover the slow cooker and cook the condensed milk on low for 8 hours, checking the water level occasionally and adding more if necessary. The longer you cook it, the thicker and darker the Dulce de Leche will be.
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Cool the can: After 8 hours, carefully remove the can from the slow cooker (again using tongs), and allow it to cool completely before opening.
Oven Method:
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Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Prepare the baking dish: Pour the sweetened condensed milk into an oven-safe dish (a pie dish works well) and cover tightly with aluminum foil.
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Bake the milk: Place the covered dish in a larger baking pan and fill the larger pan with water until it comes halfway up the side of the dish with the condensed milk.
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Bake: Bake for 1 to 1.5 hours, checking every 30 minutes and adding water to the outer pan as needed. Stir the condensed milk after the first hour and continue baking until it thickens and becomes golden brown.
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Cool and use: Once done, allow the Dulce de Leche to cool before using. It will thicken more as it cools.
Stovetop (Quick Caramelization Method):
If you prefer a quicker method, you can caramelize the condensed milk directly on the stovetop (though this method requires more attention):
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Combine milk and sugar: In a saucepan, pour the sweetened condensed milk and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar (optional) to enhance the caramel flavor.
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Cook over low heat: Stir constantly to prevent the milk from burning, simmering until the mixture thickens and turns golden brown. This will take 20-30 minutes.
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Cool and store: Let it cool and transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge and use within 2 weeks.
Using Cooked Condensed Milk (Dulce de Leche):
Once you’ve made your cooked condensed milk, there are many ways to enjoy it! Here are a few ideas:
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As a topping: Drizzle it over ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or toast for a delicious sweet treat.
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In desserts: Use it as a filling for cakes, cupcakes, or pies. It’s great in cheesecakes, layered cakes, and even brownies.
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In coffee: Stir into coffee or hot chocolate for a rich, sweet flavor.
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With fruit: Dip apple or pear slices into Dulce de Leche for a simple, sweet snack.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: Makes about 1 cup of Dulce de Leche
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Prep Time: 5 minutes (if using stovetop or slow cooker)
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Cook Time: 2-3 hours (stovetop), 8 hours (slow cooker), or 1 hour (oven)
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Total Time: 2-8 hours (depending on the method)
Storage
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Storage: Store any leftover Dulce de Leche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It will thicken further as it cools, so you may need to reheat it gently before using.
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Freezing: Dulce de Leche can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up before using.
FAQs
Can I use this method with any kind of milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is specifically used to create Dulce de Leche, as its high sugar content helps the caramelization process. Regular milk or unsweetened condensed milk won’t work the same way.
Can I make Dulce de Leche without a can?
Yes, you can make Dulce de Leche by simmering sweetened condensed milk in a pot on the stove. It will take about 1-1.5 hours of constant stirring to get the caramelized consistency.
How thick should Dulce de Leche be?
The consistency of Dulce de Leche can vary depending on how long you cook it. For a pouring consistency, cook for a shorter amount of time; for a thicker, spreadable texture, cook it longer.
Can I use unsweetened condensed milk?
You can use unsweetened condensed milk, but you will need to add sugar to taste. Since sweetened condensed milk already contains a lot of sugar, unsweetened condensed milk won’t give you the same sweet, caramelized flavor.
Conclusion
Cooked Condensed Milk, or Dulce de Leche, is an easy and delicious way to turn a simple can of sweetened condensed milk into a rich, sweet treat. Whether you’re using it as a topping for desserts, a filling for cakes, or just enjoying it with fruit, this homemade version is far superior to store-bought. It’s perfect for any occasion and adds a caramel-like richness to everything it touches. With a little patience and just one ingredient, you can create this versatile, indulgent treat at home!
Cooked Condensed Milk
Cooked Condensed Milk, or Dulce de Leche, is a rich, caramelized version of sweetened condensed milk that transforms a simple ingredient into a luscious, velvety treat. Whether you’re using it as a topping, filling, or ingredient in desserts, this homemade version is quick and easy to make. With its sweet, caramel-like flavor, it’s the perfect indulgence for any dessert lover!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-8 hours
- Total Time: 2-8 hours
- Yield: 1 cup of Dulce de Leche
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed mil
Instructions
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Prepare the can: Remove the label from the can of sweetened condensed milk. Place the can in a saucepan and fill with water so that the can is fully submerged, ensuring the water level is at least 2 inches above the top of the can.
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Simmer the milk: Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, allowing the water to simmer. Cook for 2-3 hours, ensuring the can remains submerged by adding water as needed.
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Check the consistency: After 2-3 hours, carefully remove the can with tongs and allow it to cool. The condensed milk should have thickened and turned golden brown. For a darker and thicker version, cook for up to 4 hours.
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Cool and open: Let the can cool completely before opening, as it may be under pressure.
Slow Cooker Method (Hands-Off Approach):
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Prepare the can: Remove the label from the can and place it in the bottom of a slow cooker.
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Submerge the can: Fill the slow cooker with water to cover the can by at least 2 inches.
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Cook on low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours. Check the water level occasionally, adding more water if necessary.
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Cool and open: Once done, remove the can with tongs and allow it to cool completely before opening.
Oven Method:
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Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Prepare the dish: Pour sweetened condensed milk into an oven-safe dish (a pie dish works well). Cover with aluminum foil.
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Bake the milk: Place the dish in a larger pan and add water to the outer pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the condensed milk dish. Bake for 1 to 1.5 hours, checking every 30 minutes and adding water as necessary.
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Cool and use: Once the milk has thickened and become golden brown, remove from the oven and cool before using.
Stovetop (Quick Caramelization Method):
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Combine milk and sugar (optional): In a saucepan, add sweetened condensed milk and ¼ cup of granulated sugar (optional, for extra caramel flavor).
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Cook over low heat: Stir constantly to prevent burning. Simmer for 20-30 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns golden brown.
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Cool and store: Once done, cool and transfer to an airtight container for storage.
Notes
The longer you cook, the thicker and darker the Dulce de Leche will become.Be cautious when opening the can after cooking, as there may be pressure inside.