Have you ever tried dulce de leche, the creamy caramel-like delight that’s Argentina’s national pride? Every culture has its own version of a sweet treat, and Argentina’s contribution to the world of sweets is this irresistible spread made from milk and sugar, slowly cooked to perfection.
Its origins are steeped in history and legend, but one thing is certain: a simple pot of milk can create something magical. In this article, I’ll show you how to make this dulce de leche step by step at home. Shall we get started?
Dulce de leche, which translates to “milk sweet,” is made from milk, sugar, and vanilla. The process involves simmering these ingredients over low heat for hours, allowing the milk to slowly caramelize and turn into a smooth spread. The key to its irresistible texture and flavor lies in the slow cooking, which gives it a rich, deep caramel taste without bitterness.
In Argentina, dulce de leche is not just a dessert. You’ll find it slathered on toast, swirled into ice cream, sandwiched between alfajores (two soft cookies), or simply eaten straight from the jar. It’s as common in Argentine kitchens as jam or Nutella is in other parts of the world, making it a go-to treat for everything from breakfast to dessert.
The origins of dulce de leche are debated, but one of the most popular stories dates back to 1829. It’s said that during a peace meeting between political rivals, a maid accidentally left milk and sugar cooking on the stove for too long.
When she returned, she found the mixture had thickened and caramelized into what we now call dulce de leche. We don’t know whether this story is fact or fiction, but what’s certain is that dulce de leche has long been a protagonist in Argentine recipes, loved by everyone and used whenever possible.
Similar milk-based confections exist in other countries—like France’s confiture de lait or Mexico’s cajeta—suggesting that the desire to preserve milk with sugar was a practical solution long before it became a delight.
Though store-bought dulce de leche is widely available in Argentina, it is rare in other places. Here’s how you can create your own batch of this silky caramel delight with just a few simple ingredients.
One of the best things about dulce de leche is its versatility. You’ll find many variations in Argentina, from the thick, creamy version spread on cakes to a thinner, more syrup-like consistency used for drizzling over pancakes or ice cream.
No discussion of dulce de leche is complete without mentioning alfajores. These sandwich cookies are the crown jewel of Argentine pastries, and their star ingredient is, of course, dulce de leche. Two soft, crumbly cookies are generously filled with the caramel spread and often rolled in coconut or coated in chocolate (and eaten while drinking mate!).
Alfajores are the most famous treat throughout Argentina, sold in bakeries, grocery stores, and even gas stations. But homemade alfajores, with freshly made dulce de leche, are a treat like no other. Would you like me to share the recipe? Let me know in the comments section.
While dulce de leche is, of course, Argentine, its fame has spread far and wide. In Latin America, you’ll find variations in almost every country: Cuba has crema de leche, while Peru offers manjar blanco. Though the base ingredients are similar, each country adds its unique twist, whether by using goat’s milk, adding spices, or varying the cooking technique.
Even outside of Latin America, dulce de leche has found a home in international desserts. You’ll see it drizzled over crepes in Europe, blended into milkshakes in the U.S., or used as a filling in French pastries but with the name “caramel”.
Ready to prepare the best dulce de leche for your breakfast toast, pastries, or simply as a dessert? You can create something extraordinary with the simplest ingredients—milk and sugar.
So, the next time you have a few hours to spare and a sweet craving to satisfy, try making your own batch of dulce de leche. I’m sure you won’t regret it!
Dulce de leche can be enjoyed in countless ways, but some popular options include spreading it on toast, drizzling it over ice cream, or using it as a filling for cakes and pastries. It pairs exceptionally well with anything chocolatey or nutty, but it’s equally delightful eaten by the spoonful.
While dulce de leche and caramel share a sweet, rich flavor, they are made differently. Caramel is made by cooking sugar until it browns and adding cream or butter. In contrast, dulce de leche is made by slowly simmering milk and sugar until it thickens and caramelizes. This gives dulce de leche a smoother, creamier texture than caramel.
Yes! One popular shortcut involves cooking a can of sweetened condensed milk in a slow cooker. Simply submerge the unopened can in water and let it simmer on low for 6-8 hours. Once cooled, the condensed milk will have transformed into dulce de leche. Just always keep the can covered with water to avoid mishaps.
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