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    Kelly Neil » Recipes » Dessert

    Instant Pot Dulce De Leche

    Published: Jul 15, 2022 · Modified: Aug 1, 2023 by Kelly Neil · Leave a Comment

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    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    With only one ingredient, one hour, zero effort, and (practically😅) no risk of explosions, Instant Pot dulce de leche is a staple in my kitchen. Try a drizzle on this apple galette or these small batch cinnamon rolls. It's edible decadence at its finest!
    Prep Time: 2 minutes mins
    Cook Time: 30 minutes mins
    Pressurizing Time: 30 minutes mins
    Swirled Instant Pot dulce de leche fills the whole frame.

    Dulce de leche is a sweet spread originating from Latin America. Made by simmering milk and sugar together until caramelized, it is traditionally cooked for hours, low and slow on the stovetop. It’s essential to note that variations of dulce de leche can be found throughout Latin America, each with its unique twist. The exact origin is hard to pinpoint, but what’s undeniable is the widespread love for this creamy caramel-like treat.

    The process of making dulce de leche is similar to making caramel but the flavor of dulce de leche is totally unique! From the very first spoonful, I knew I was hooked for life. While I don’t share the same cultural heritage, I deeply respect and appreciate the rich history and significance of this Latin American delicacy.

    I started out cooking sealed cans of sweetened condensed milk in large pots of boiling water on the stovetop (scary), then I switched to my slow cooker (delicious but takes 8 hours). These days I make Instant Pot dulce de leche! In about an hour, plus cooling time, you will have one of the most luscious, divine ingredients on the face of the earth. Try spreading it on these small-batch cinnamon rolls or these chai-spiced Rice Krispie treats. It’s also amazing drizzled on this Dutch oven apple crisp while still warm. I promise you will not regret it!

    Jump to:
    • 💞 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
    • 📋 Ingredients
    • 👩‍🍳 How To Make Instant Pot Dulce De Leche
    • 🗣 Expert Tips
    • 📝 Recipe Notes
    • 🙋‍♀️ Recipe FAQ
    • 🖨 Recipe

    💞 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    ✔️ Dulce de leche is one of the best-tasting things on the planet.
    ✔️ It’s so easy (like zero effort!) and cooks in less than an hour.
    ✔️ Did I mention it’s one of the best-tasting things on the planet?

    📋 Ingredients

    A can of Eagle brand condensed milk laying on a marble counter.

    Ingredient Notes

    • Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is not the same thing as evaporated milk so make sure to check the label before you buy. Use any brand you want.

    Ingredient Substitutions

    • There are no substitutions for this recipe.

    Use the JUMP TO RECIPE button at the top of this post, or scroll to the bottom of the post, to see the PRINTABLE recipe card with ingredient measurements and complete instructions.

    👩‍🍳 How To Make Instant Pot Dulce De Leche

    STEP 1—Remove the paper label from the can of sweetened condensed milk.

    STEP 2—Place a metal trivet in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Set the sealed can on the trivet and fill the Instant Pot with water. Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.

    Process shots one through four of how to make Instant Pot dulce de leche.

    STEP 3—When the timer goes off, use the handle of a wooden spoon to gently nudge the floating steam valve to the pressure-release venting position.

    STEP 4—Once all of the steam is released, use a pair of tongs to carefully grasp the hot can and transfer it from the hot water to a wire rack. Cool completely before opening.

    An opened can of Instant Pot dulce de leche with the lid of the can still attached and a spoonful of caramel scooped out.

    🗣 Expert Tips

    1. Only cook one can at a time to reduce the risk of explosion.
    2. Use a can opener to open the cooled can rather than using the key. It’s easier to get the dulce de leche out this way.
    3. You can cool the can inside the Instant Pot but the caramel will be much thicker and darker in color.

    📝 Recipe Notes

    • Safety First: Ensure the can is completely cooled before opening to prevent any hot splatters. It’s also a good idea to use a towel or oven mitt when handling the can immediately after cooking.
    • Storage: Once made, store the dulce de leche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It will thicken as it cools, so if you need a pourable consistency, you can gently warm it before use.
    • Variations: For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of sea salt or vanilla extract after cooking and stirring it well.
    • Serving Suggestions: Dulce de leche is versatile! Use it as a filling for cakes, drizzle over pancakes or waffles, spread on toast, or even stir into your morning coffee for a sweet twist.
    • Avoiding Crystallization: If you notice any sugar crystals forming on the surface after storage, you can reheat the dulce de leche on low heat while stirring continuously until they dissolve.

    🙋‍♀️ Recipe FAQ

    What is dulce de leche?

    A sweet dessert spread from Latin America made by simmering milk and sugar together until caramelized. Sometimes called condensed milk caramel.

    What can you use dulce de leche for?

    Use homemade dulce de leche anywhere you use caramel sauce. It’s even thick enough to be piped between cookies to make cookie sandwiches!

    How long does it take to caramelize condensed milk in a pressure cooker?

    Not including the 30 or so minutes it takes for the cooker to come to pressure, a 300ml can of sweetened condensed milk will caramelize inside an Instant Pot in 30 minutes.

    💃 Use Instant Pot Dulce De Leche With These Recipes

    • Baked stamped cookies laying side by side on a marble surface.
      Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies
    • Close up of slices of buckwheat banana bread on a cooling rack.
      Buckwheat Banana Bread
    • A bowl of apple crisp topped with ice cream in a speckled bowl.
      Dutch Oven Apple Crisp
    • A stack of snickerdoodles without cream of tartar.
      Snickerdoodles Without Cream Of Tartar

    Did you make this Instant Pot dulce de leche? Please rate the recipe and tell me how it went in the comments below. Also, stay in touch with me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to see more delicious food and recipes!

    🖨 Recipe

    Swirled dulce leche fills the whole frame.

    Instant Pot Dulce De Leche

    Author: Kelly Neil
    With only one ingredient, one hour, zero effort, and (practically😅) no risk of explosions, Instant Pot dulce de leche is a staple in my kitchen. Try a drizzle on this apple galette or these small batch cinnamon rolls. It's edible decadence at its finest!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time 2 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Pressurizing Time: 30 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine Latin American
    Servings 20 servings
    Calories 64 kcal

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot with metal trivet

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 can sweetened condensed milk, 300ml
    • 16 cups water

    Instructions
     

    • Place a metal trivet in the bottom of an Instant Pot. Remove the paper label from the can of sweetened condensed milk. Place the can, right side up, in the middle of the trivet.
    • Cover the can with water to the ⅔ max line, about 15 to 16 cups. The can must be submerged in water. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the steam valve to sealing. Press the pressure cook button and set it to high pressure/normal for 30 minutes.
    • When the timer goes off, use the end of a wooden spoon to nudge the steam valve to the venting setting. Once the steam is fully released, open the Instant Pot and carefully use a pair of tongs to transfer the hot can to a wire rack. Cool completely before opening. Use dulce de leche any place you would use caramel sauce.

    Notes

    • Safety First: Ensure the can is completely cooled before opening to prevent any hot splatters. It’s also a good idea to use a towel or oven mitt when handling the can immediately after cooking.
    • Storage: Once made, store the dulce de leche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It will thicken as it cools, so if you need a pourable consistency, you can gently warm it before use.
    • Variations: For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of sea salt or vanilla extract after cooking and stirring it well.
    • Serving Suggestions: Dulce de leche is versatile! Use it as a filling for cakes, drizzle over pancakes or waffles, spread on toast, or even stir into your morning coffee for a sweet twist.
    • Avoiding Crystallization: If you notice any sugar crystals forming on the surface after storage, you can reheat the dulce de leche on low heat while stirring continuously until they dissolve.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 15gCalories: 64kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 2gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 35mgPotassium: 73mgSugar: 11gVitamin A: 53IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 62mgIron: 0.04mg
    Did you make this recipe?Let me know on Instagram @kellyneildotcom or tag #kellyneil!

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    Hi there! 👋🏻 I'm Kelly, the food photographer and voice behind kellyneil.com. This is where you'll find my favorite Nova Scotia food and easy seasonal recipes.
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