Homemade Dulce de Leche — Silky Golden Caramel
This homemade dulce de leche is the ultimate pantry magic trick: one can of sweetened condensed milk transforms into a luxuriously smooth, golden caramel with barely any effort. Perfect for spreading on toast, drizzling over ice cream, filling pastries, or simply enjoying straight from the spoon!
🛒 Ingredients
1 servings
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz / 397 g)
- Cold water (enough to fully submerge the can by at least 2 cm)
- 1 pinch of sea salt (optional, to enhance the caramel flavour)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra depth and warmth)
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Directions
- 1
Remove any paper label from the sealed can and make sure the lid is tightly closed.
- 2
Place the can upright in a pressure cooker and cover completely with cold water, at least 2 cm above the top of the can.
- 3
Seal the pressure cooker, bring to high pressure over high heat, then reduce to medium and cook for 30 minutes from the first whistle.
- 4
Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release fully and naturally — never force-open the cooker.
- 5
Carefully remove the can using tongs and let it cool completely at room temperature for at least 2 hours before opening.
- 6
Open the can to reveal a golden, velvety dulce de leche. Stir in sea salt or vanilla if using, and enjoy!
💡 Chef's Tip
Never open a warm can — internal pressure can cause the contents to eject forcefully and cause burns. For a darker, richer caramel, cook for an extra 10–15 minutes.
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