Instant Pot Dulce De Leche: A fool-proof method to making dulce de leche in less than an hour! Perfect to use for dips, desserts, and much more.
Dulce de leche has always been a loved dessert item for me. I thought it was about time to figure out how to make my own - painlessly. I've tried several methods using my instant pot, but the one I landed on was a recipe by Cookies & Cups.
Much like that blogger, I preferred the jar method because you can see exactly what's going on. I tried the foil covered method, but I found it a bit messy and water did get into the can even thought I was super careful.
Now I finally have a relatively simple method that I know I'll be running back to again and again.
What is dulce de leche?
Many of us are familiar with dulce de leche even if we don't recognize the name. In simple terms, it's sweetened condensed milk that is cooked until the sugar is caramelized, resulting in the golden brown color. In other words, it's candied milk!
I like to think of dulce de leche as caramel's sister. Caramel is made with water and sugar and is not only thinner, but much sweeter as well. They're easy to mix up as they are very similar, but are two different things.
So if you're asking, "What's the difference between dulce de leche and caramel?", now you know!
Recommended cooking tools
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- Instant pot: if you're not on the instant pot train yet, go grab one now! They are a MUST for every kitchen, if you ask me.
- Mason jars: I've found the best method for making dulce de leche is with some good quality mason jars.
- Tongs: you'll need a quality pair to lift the mason jars out of the instant pot.
Dulce de leche ingredients
- Sweetened condensed milk: the only ingredient you need to make dulce de leche!
How to make dulce de leche
- Sterilize a glass jar and dry thoroughly.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk into the prepared jar and seal the lid.
- Place the jar onto the trivet inside of the Instant Pot and carefully fill the insert with water until it fills halfway between the milk and rim of the jar (the water should be about an inch below the rim).
- Close the lid on the instant pot and turn the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high manual pressure for 35 minutes.
- Quick release the pressure after cooking and remove the jar from the water with a strong pair of tongs. Allow the dulce de leche to cool completely before opening.
BONUS TIPS: For darker caramel, bump the cooking time to 40 minutes. If you prefer smooth caramel, run it through a food processor once it cools.
Uses for dulce de leche
There are so many uses for instant pot dulce de leche! Everything from cakes to dips to cookies and more. You could even eat this stuff with a spoon.
Some of my favorite ways to use dulce de leche are:
- Dip with strawberries and mangoes
- Ice cream topping option
- Added ingredient for brownies
- Sweetener in your morning coffee
- Filling or topping for cakes and cookies
Storing leftover dulce de leche
Storing your instant pot dulce de leche is relatively simple. It's a matter of screwing on the top and popping it in the fridge. It will last up to 2 weeks so long as it's airtight.
If you choose to reheat, you can do so in the microwave in 15-second increments, making sure to stir in between.
More dulce de leche recipes:
Try these other desserts:
Instant Pot Dulce De Leche
Equipment
- Mason Jars
Ingredients
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Sterilize a glass jar and dry thoroughly.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk into the prepared jar and seal the lid.
- Place the jar onto the trivet inside of the Instant Pot and carefully fill the insert with water until it fills halfway between the milk and rim of the jar (the water should be about an inch below the rim).
- Close the lid on the instant pot and turn the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high manual pressure for 35 minutes.
- Quick release the pressure after cooking and remove the jar from the water with a strong pair of tongs. Allow the dulce de leche to cool completely before opening.
Notes
- For darker caramel, bump the cooking time to 40 minutes.
- If you prefer smooth caramel, run it through a food processor once it cools.
Save this instant pot dulce de leche recipe for later!
