Slow Cooker Dulce de Leche

Name: Slow Cooker Dulce de Leche
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 480 min
Total time: 545 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 2 cans sweetened condensed milk (standard 300 ml cans); 1 towel (to line the bottom of the slow cooker)

545 min 12 servings Easy

All Recipes

Create rich and creamy dulce de leche effortlessly with your slow cooker.

Prep

5 min

Cook

480 min

Total

545 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Dulce de leche, a sweet and creamy caramel-like sauce, is a beloved treat in many parts of the world. Traditionally made by slowly cooking milk and sugar, this version uses the convenience of a slow cooker to achieve a rich and smooth result with minimal effort. Using a slow cooker not only simplifies the process but also ensures an even and consistent caramelization without the risk of burning. This method is perfect for those who want to enjoy homemade dulce de leche without standing over a hot stove.

Ingredients

Servings

Main Ingredients

Instructions

Prepare the Slow Cooker

Line the bottom of your slow cooker with a towel to protect the jars from rattling.

Pro tip: The towel helps prevent the jars from moving and breaking.

Fill Jars with Milk

Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly into two clean mason jars, leaving about 1 cm (1/2 inch) of space at the top.

Pro tip: Ensure there is no milk on the jar rims to ensure a proper seal.

Seal the Jars

Secure the jars with their lids and rings, tightening them just until they are fingertip snug.

Set Up the Slow Cooker

Place the sealed jars into the slow cooker. Fill the cooker with hot water until it reaches about 2.5 cm (1 inch) above the jar lids.

Pro tip: Use hot water to speed up the heating process.

Cook the Dulce de Leche

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Cook for 8 hours. For a darker dulce de leche, cook for an additional hour.

Pro tip: Check periodically to ensure the water level remains above the jars.

Cool the Jars

Carefully remove the jars from the slow cooker using tongs. Allow them to cool on a wire rack or a towel at room temperature for at least 1 hour before opening.

Pro tip: Cooling is essential to thicken the dulce de leche.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Ensure jars are sealed tightly to prevent water from entering.</li><li>Use a towel at the bottom of the slow cooker to prevent rattling jars.</li><li>For a darker, more caramelized flavour, cook for an additional hour.</li><li>Allow jars to cool completely before opening to avoid burns.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy your homemade dulce de leche drizzled over ice cream, spread on toast, or as a dip for fruits. It pairs wonderfully with desserts like cheesecakes and brownies. Store any leftover dulce de leche in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you wish to make it ahead, the sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to three months.