What Is Dulce de Leche?
Dulce de leche (Spanish for “sweet milk”) is a thick, spreadable, dark brown Latin American milk dessert made by simmering milk with sugar over low heat for hours. It is considered a national dessert of Argentina and Uruguay.
The long cooking process caramelizes the sugars in the milk (lactose) and the added sugar through the Maillard reaction, producing its characteristic dark color and deep caramel-milk aroma.
Dulce de Leche Nutrition Facts
One hundred grams of dulce de leche contain about 315 kcal of energy and a very high amount of sugar; they also contain calcium from the milk. Values vary by brand and are approximate.
How to Eat Dulce de Leche
Because it is very high in sugar, dulce de leche is used in moderation as part of a balanced diet, usually in small amounts as an ingredient in desserts and baked goods.
This is general information; dulce de leche is a food, not a medical treatment.
How to Choose Dulce de Leche
Good dulce de leche is dark caramel-brown, smooth and pourable (not crystallized), with a deep, milky caramel aroma.
- It should be dark caramel-brown.
- It should be smooth, with no visible sugar crystals.
- It should have a deep, milky caramel aroma.
How to Store Dulce de Leche
Unopened dulce de leche can keep at room temperature for a while; after opening, store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for a few weeks.
Using Dulce de Leche in the Kitchen
Dulce de leche is most often used in alfajores (filled cookies), as a cake filling or ice cream sauce, and as a spread for bread; it is an essential ingredient in Latin American pastry-making.
How to Make Dulce de Leche at Home
In the traditional method, milk and sugar are mixed and simmered over low heat, stirring until thick; do not boil an unopened can of sweetened condensed milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dulce de leche the same as caramel?
No. Plain caramel is made by caramelizing only sugar with heat, while dulce de leche goes through a different process involving milk and the Maillard reaction, which gives it a distinct milky caramel character.
In which countries is dulce de leche popular?
It is considered a national dessert in Argentina and Uruguay; it is also popular in Chile, Mexico (where it is called cajeta and is generally made from goat’s milk), and other Latin American countries.
Can you find dulce de leche in Türkiye?
It is not widely available; some gourmet markets and online Latin American food retailers may carry it, and it can also be made easily at home.