I recently shared on my Tiktok a video about making dulce de leche and I was surprised at how many people didn't realize how easy it is to make. Several people also asked if this was the same as caramel. I quickly realized I needed to write a post on my process for making dulce de leche.
What is dulce de leche?
Dulce de leche is cooked sweetened condensed milk. Different countries call it by different names like manjar, kajmak, confiture de lait or arequipe. The sweetened condensed milk is cooked until it reaches a rich caramel color with a spreadable consistency.
Is caramel and dulce de leche the same thing?
No. Several years ago, I shared my salted caramel recipe. The process for that calls for caramelizing sugar then adding cream and butter. Dulce de leche is just caramelized sweetened condensed milk. Think of the two as cousins, they're in the same family but not the same.
What can you use dulce de leche for?
As a kid, I simply spread dulce de leche on a saltine cracker and called it heaven. Now, I use this dulce de leche on tons of recipes:
- Dulce De Leche cheesecake,
- Dulce De Leche coffee cake
- Fried Apple Empanadas
- Dulce De Leche Flan
- Coconut Dulce De Leche Cake
- Dulce De Leche Coquito
Is it safe to place a sealed can inside the Instant Pot?
My family has been making dulce de leche using a sealed can for decades. These are the tips I recommend to ensure you have no issues with a sealed can
- Before cooking the condensed milk can inspect it and make sure it is not dented or have any damages.
- Always be VERY careful, make sure to cover the can with water completely. I like to make sure the can has about 2-3 inches of water over the top of the can.
- Let the can cool down completely in the water before opening.
- Don’t knock, shake, or jostle the pan containing the hot can of sweetened condensed milk. Just leave it completely alone until it reaches room temperature.
You are safe to make dulce de leche by cooking a sealed can of condensed milk as long as you follow the above mentioned tips.
If you don't feel comfortable using an instant pot, you can pour the condensed milk into a microwave safe bowl and place it in the microwave. Cook in increments of 3 minutes and be sure to stir between cooking. This method takes about 15 minutes or so.
Ingredients needed to make this instant pot caramel sauce
For this recipe you only need one ingredient
- sweetened condensed milk
FAQs for making Instant Pot Arequipe:
1. How long does it take?
- It takes about 30-40 minutes on high pressure, plus natural release.
2. Do I need to add water to the Instant Pot?
- Yes, you need water in the pot to create steam and pressure.
3. How do I store it?
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Substitutions for this cajeta recipe
Substitutions:
- Coconut milk sweetened condensed milk can be used for a dairy-free or vegan version.
- Goat’s milk instead of cow’s milk for a tangier, Cajeta-style dulce de leche.
- For a thinner consistency, add a little cream after cooking.
Variations:
- For a darker caramel flavor, pressure cook for a longer time.
- Add a pinch of sea salt for salted dulce de leche.
Storage
To store dulce de leche, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks. If you'd like to store it for longer, you can freeze dulce de leche in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before using, and gently warm it to regain its smooth texture if needed.
More recipes to try
Check out these other desserts
Instant Pot Dulce De Leche
Ingredients
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk of choice unopened can
Instructions
- Peel off the sweetened condensed milk can's wrapper completely.
- place your can in the center of your instant pot
- Add enough water to reach your instant pot's MAX fill line and close the lid.
- Set the instant pot to cook at high pressure for 30 minutes.
- Once cooking has ended, hit the quick release to allow the steam out of the instant pot. Allow the can to cool completely before removing the can from the pot.
RJ says
I've always made dulce de leche the slow way: on top of the stove in a pot of water. It takes about 3 HOURS that way. This is going to be my go-to from now on! Thank you!
Tillyjordan says
I’ve been doing dulce de leche with condensed milk for 50 years now. Still, there’s a little secret after is cooked to have a real good one. You just not take it from the can and eat it!
Guy Coburn says
I commend you for recommending to keep the can unopened. However, in the Pressure Cooker, it is NOT necessary to use so much water because the confined steam carries the heat, while stove top, the water was needed to carry the heat.
In the Pressure Cooker like an Instant Pot, use only ONE cup of water (for a 6 qt.). Easy to test -- just try it and you'll find that the Dulce de Leche comes out the same in less time and using less energy.