Rich, silky, and deeply caramelized, this Slow Cooker Dulce de Leche is a foolproof way to make luxurious caramel sauce with almost no effort. Perfect for drizzling over cakes, pancakes, ice cream, or stirring into coffee.
📝 Description
Dulce de leche is made by gently heating sweetened condensed milk until it transforms into a thick, golden caramel. Using a slow cooker ensures even heat and eliminates the risk of scorching — just set it and forget it.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1–2 cans (14 oz / 397 g each) sweetened condensed milk
- Water (enough to fully cover cans)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Remove labels from the cans completely.
- Place the unopened cans on their sides in the slow cooker.
- Add hot water until the cans are fully submerged (at least 1 inch above).
- Cover and cook:
- LOW for 8–10 hours → light golden caramel
- LOW for 10–12 hours → deep, rich dulce de leche
- Turn off the slow cooker and let cans cool completely before opening.
- Open, stir until smooth, and transfer to a jar or container.
⚠️ Safety Tip
Never open the cans while hot. Always ensure cans remain fully submerged during cooking.
🌍 Origin & Cultural Significance
Dulce de leche originated in Latin America and is cherished in Argentina, Uruguay, and beyond. Traditionally simmered for hours on the stovetop, it symbolizes patience, tradition, and shared family desserts.
➕ Optional Flavor Variations
- Stir in a pinch of sea salt for salted caramel
- Add vanilla extract or cinnamon
- Whisk in warm cream or milk for a pourable sauce
💡 Tips for Success
- Check water level every few hours and top up if needed
- Store in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks
- Reheat gently in the microwave or over warm water
🥗 Nutritional Information (Approx. per tablespoon)
- Calories: ~60
- Fat: 1.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Sugar: 10 g
🏁 Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Caramel Sauce (Dulce de Leche) delivers bakery-quality flavor with minimal effort. A must-have recipe for dessert lovers, food bloggers, and anyone who loves rich, comforting sweetness.
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