Dulce de leche

Dulce de Leche - A Flavorful Delicacy for Caramel Lovers

Total Preparation Time: 2 hours
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Baking Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of Servings: 1 jar of dulce de leche

Dulce de leche, a milk caramel cream, is a delight that has enchanted the taste buds of many throughout history. This sweet and creamy preparation is ideal for use as a filling for cakes, cookies, or even simply spread on a slice of toasted bread, bringing a touch of happiness to every day. In this guide, we will explore how to prepare this delicacy at home using a simple and safe method, with no risk of explosion.

Necessary Ingredients:

- 1 can of sweetened condensed milk (approximately 400 g)
- 1 heat-resistant glass dish
- 1 larger baking tray (that can fit the glass dish)
- water
- aluminum foil

Ingredient Tips:

Condensed Milk: Make sure to use sweetened condensed milk, as this will be the sweet base of the recipe. You can find condensed milk in most supermarkets, but you can also make it at home by boiling milk and adding sugar, although this method requires more time and attention.

Glass Dish: It is essential to use a glass dish, as it withstands high temperatures and will help achieve even caramelization of the condensed milk.

Aluminum Foil: Ensure that the foil tightly covers the glass dish to prevent water evaporation and maintain the necessary humidity for caramelization.

Step by Step for Perfect Dulce de Leche:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by setting the oven to 220°C. Preheating is essential for achieving even caramelization.

2. Prepare the dish: Pour the contents of the can of condensed milk into the glass dish. Make sure to transfer all the milk so that you don’t lose any of the resulting sweetness.

3. Covering: Cover the glass dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it is securely fastened. This step is crucial to prevent evaporation of the milk during the baking process.

4. Preparing the water: Fill the larger baking tray with water so that it reaches halfway up the glass dish. This will act as a bain-marie, helping to bake evenly.

5. Placing in the oven: Place the baking tray with water and the glass dish in the center of the preheated oven. Let it bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. You can check occasionally, but avoid opening the oven door too often, as this can affect the temperature.

6. Cooling: After the baking time has elapsed, carefully remove the tray from the oven (use gloves, as it will be very hot). Allow the glass dish to cool to room temperature. Then, remove the aluminum foil.

7. Mixing: Use a hand mixer or blender to turn the dulce de leche into a smooth cream. This step will make the texture silkier and more enjoyable.

8. Storing: Transfer the dulce de leche to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It can be used for up to 2 weeks.

Tips and Variations:

- If you prefer a vanilla-flavored dulce de leche, add a vanilla bean to the condensed milk before baking.
- You can experiment with other flavors, such as cinnamon or coffee, by adding them to the condensed milk.
- For a less sweet version, you can mix dulce de leche with cream or Greek yogurt, creating a less concentrated and easier-to-use cream for various desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can the can of condensed milk explode if boiled?
Yes, there is a risk of the condensed milk exploding if boiled directly in the can. That’s why our oven method is much safer.

2. Can I use another type of milk?
While sweetened condensed milk is the ideal ingredient, you can also try evaporated milk, but the result will be different in terms of sweetness and consistency.

3. What can I do with dulce de leche?
It can be used as a filling for cookies, cakes, pancakes, ice cream, or simply spread on toasted bread.

Nutrition and Calories:

Dulce de leche is high in calories, with approximately 320 calories per serving (100 g). It is a good source of carbohydrates and fats, but it is also very sweet, so moderate consumption is essential.

Now that you’ve learned how to prepare this delicious dulce de leche, don’t hesitate to experiment and integrate it into various recipes! Each bite will bring a smile to your face and those of your loved ones! Enjoy!