Doce de Leite (Milk Caramel)

A luscious, smooth caramel spread made from simmered milk and sugar—Doce de Leite is a beloved treat across Latin America, perfect for spreading, dipping, or enjoying by the spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade Doce de Leite recipe delivers rich, creamy caramel with a hint of warmth from baking soda and optional cinnamon. It’s easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and offers a versatile finishing touch for desserts, toast, or even ice cream.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 liter (4 cups) whole milk

• 2 cups sugar

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• 1 small cinnamon stick (optional)

Directions

1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine milk, sugar, and baking soda. Add the cinnamon stick if using.

2. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring regularly until all the sugar dissolves.

3. Lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered. Stir frequently with a wooden spoon, especially as the mixture thickens and darkens.

4. Continue cooking for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until the mixture reaches a rich caramel hue and thick, creamy consistency.

5. Remove the pot from heat. Discard the cinnamon stick, and let the Doce de Leite cool before transferring it to a jar or serving.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: Approximately 2 cups of Doce de Leite

• Preparation time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 1 to 1½ hours

• Cooling time: 30 minutes

• Total time: Roughly 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours

Variations

• Vanilla touch: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract after removing from heat for warm aroma.

• Chocolate caramel: Stir in 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder at the end for a chocolatey twist.

• Spiced version: Replace the cinnamon stick with a small slice of fresh ginger or a pinch of nutmeg during cooking.

• Sweetened condensed milk shortcut: For a quicker method, use two cans of sweetened condensed milk simmered in a water bath for a similar result (watch water level closely).

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Transfer cooled Doce de Leite into a clean, airtight jar. Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks.

• Reheating: Warm gently in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring to restore smooth texture. It can also be microwaved in short bursts (10–15 seconds), stirring between intervals to prevent scorching.

FAQs

1. Why add baking soda?

Baking soda raises the pH, promoting caramelization and preventing crystallization for a smoother texture.

2. Can I skip the cinnamon stick?

Yes. The cinnamon is optional and adds a warm undertone; the caramel is delicious without it.

3. Is it sweet enough without adding extra sugar?

Yes. The 2 cups of sugar balance the natural sugars in milk, yielding a rich, but not overpoweringly sweet, caramel flavor.

4. Can I use low-fat or non-dairy milk?

Whole milk gives the best creaminess. Using low-fat or non-dairy milk may yield thinner texture or alter flavor.

5. Why stir so frequently?

Regular stirring prevents the milk from burning and helps ensure even caramelization as it thickens.

6. What’s the difference from dulce de leche made with condensed milk?

Traditional Doce de Leite simmers whole milk and sugar, offering a fresher, more nuanced flavor, while the condensed milk version is faster but richer in sweetness.

7. Can I use it in baking?

Certainly—use it as a filling for cakes, cookies, churros, or spread over brownies.

8. Why is mine grainy?

Overheating or insufficient stirring can cause graininess. Stir constantly, especially as it thickens, for a creamy result.

9. How thick should it be?

It should coat the back of a spoon thickly, similar to soft caramel or sweetened condensed milk.

10. How do I know when it’s done?

When it turns deep caramel in color and your wooden spoon, when drawn through the mixture, leaves a clear trail on the pot’s bottom.

Conclusion

This Doce de Leite recipe brings the rich, velvety essence of Latin American caramel into your kitchen. With its straightforward method and deep, satisfying flavor, it’s a delightful addition to your dessert repertoire. Enjoy it drizzled over sweets, baked goods, or simply by the spoonful!