Homemade Traditional Dulce de Leche is a simple pleasure worth the wait. Its slow-cooked sweetness makes it perfect for desserts, breakfasts, or quiet moments with coffee.
If you know me, you already know how much I love Nutella. Every Italian child grows up eating bread and Nutella, just like Australian children grow up on Vegemite sandwiches, and American children enjoy peanut butter and jelly.
In Argentina, children enjoy their own special version of this comforting treat. It’s called Dulce de Leche, a creamy caramelised milk spread that’s hard to resist. I completely fell in love with it during our trip to Chile and Argentina a few months ago while exploring South America, and I knew I had to make it at home.
I’ve already shared a quicker way to make it using condensed milk (see my Easy Dulce de Leche from condensed milk recipe), but I must admit this traditional Dulce de Leche has my heart. The flavour is deeper and smoother, and unless you’re preparing a very large batch, it doesn’t take as much time or effort as you might think.
Worth Every Stir
The quicker Dulce de Leche made with condensed milk is great when you need something fast. The traditional way, however, gives a completely different result. It starts from milk and sugar cooked slowly until they turn into a smooth, golden caramel with a rich, creamy flavour. The process takes more time, but the result feels genuinely homemade and satisfying.
Across Latin America, Dulce de Leche appears in many variations. Chile enjoys Manjar, and Mexico makes Cajeta. Argentina follows the traditional preparation that inspired this recipe. The gentle cooking brings out a balance of sweetness and creaminess you can’t achieve any other way.
I love it on warm bread or flaky croissants, as a filling for cakes and biscuits, or simply by the spoonful when I crave something sweet. However you enjoy it, this Dulce de Leche is always worth every stir.
Why Traditional Dulce de Leche Is Worth the Wait
- Makes a thoughtful homemade gift for friends or family, especially when poured into small jars.
- Ingredients are pure and wholesome, made simply with no artificial additives.
- Traditional preparation keeps the authentic Argentinian flavour Dulce de Leche is known for.
Key Ingredients for Traditional Dulce de Leche
Full-Cream Milk
The base of every good Dulce de Leche. It gives body, creaminess, and a smooth texture you can’t achieve with low-fat milk. I used lactose-free milk, but regular full-cream milk works perfectly for a rich, glossy finish.
Sugar
Essential for sweetness and caramelisation. As it cooks with the milk, it deepens in colour and develops a rich, toffee-like flavour Dulce de Leche is known for.
Soda Bicarbonate
A small amount makes all the difference. It prevents the milk from curdling and helps the mixture reach a beautiful golden-brown shade as it thickens.
Find the complete list with measurements in the recipe card below.
How to Make Traditional Dulce de Leche
Step 1: In a large heavy pot, combine the milk and sugar and bring to a boil.
Step 2: Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 25 to 30 minutes.
Step 3: Add the soda bicarbonate to the simmering milk mixture and stir well.
Step 4: Continue cooking over low heat, stirring regularly, until the mixture thickens and turns a rich caramel colour. It should be slightly thicker than custard.
Step 5: Stir in the vanilla, then pour the Dulce de Leche into sterilised jars.
Step 6: Allow it to cool completely, then refrigerate.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s ready when the mixture turns a deep golden brown and coats the back of a spoon without running off too quickly. Once it cools, it will thicken to the perfect consistency.
A small pinch of bicarbonate of soda prevents the milk from curdling and helps it develop a rich golden colour. If you don’t have any, you can leave it out. Just stir more often and cook the mixture gently until thickened.
You can use low-fat milk, but full-cream milk gives the best texture and flavour. Low-fat milk creates a thinner spread, and most non-dairy options don’t caramelise as well as dairy milk.
Keep the heat low and stir regularly, especially in the final stage of cooking. A slow simmer helps the milk and sugar blend evenly and creates a silky texture without graininess.
Extra Help from the Kitchen
Warm the Milk Slightly Before Starting – Bringing the milk close to room temperature helps it combine evenly with the sugar and reduces the chance of curdling once heated.
Use a Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula – A wooden spoon or silicone spatula helps you reach the bottom and sides of the pot and keeps the mixture smooth as it thickens.
Be Patient After Adding the Soda Bicarbonate – The mixture may foam up briefly; keep stirring until it settles and the colour begins to deepen.
Avoid Over-Thickening on the Stove – Dulce de Leche continues to firm up as it cools, so remove it from the heat when it’s slightly looser than your final texture.
Variations and Twists
Infuse with Vanilla Bean – Use half a split vanilla bean while cooking instead of vanilla extract to create a deeper aroma and a more authentic flavour. Remove it once the Dulce de Leche is ready.
Make it Slightly Salted – Stir in a small pinch of sea salt at the end for a balanced sweetness and a subtle Argentinian-style twist.
Add a Hint of Coffee – Dissolve 1 teaspoon of instant coffee in a tablespoon of warm milk before mixing it in. It enhances the caramel taste and adds depth.
Use Brown Sugar for a Darker Flavour – Replace part of the white sugar with brown sugar to give your traditional Dulce de Leche a richer colour and a mild toffee-like undertone.
Storage and Shelf Life
Once cooled, transfer Dulce de Leche to sterilised glass jars with tight-fitting lids. Store it in the refrigerator and keep it chilled at all times. It stays fresh for up to 1 month.
For longer storage, freeze it in small portions using airtight containers or silicone moulds. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently before using.
Avoid leaving it at room temperature, as the milk content can spoil quickly. Always use a clean, dry spoon when serving to keep it fresh for longer.
Try These Dulce de Leche Delights
Traditional Dulce de Leche
Homemade Traditional Dulce de Leche is a simple pleasure worth the wait. Its slow-cooked sweetness makes it perfect for desserts, breakfasts, or quiet moments with coffee.
Ingredients
- 1 L – 4 cups full-fat milk – I used lactose-free milk
- 220 g – 1 cup + 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp soda bicarbonate
- 1 –2 tsp vanilla extract – optional
Instructions
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In a large heavy pot, combine the milk and sugar and bring to a boil.
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Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 25 to 30 minutes.
-
Add the soda bicarbonate to the simmering milk mixture and stir well.
-
Continue cooking over low heat, stirring regularly, until the mixture thickens and turns a rich caramel colour. It should be slightly thicker than custard.
-
Stir in the vanilla, then pour the Dulce de Leche into sterilised jars.
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Allow it to cool completely, then refrigerate.
Recipe Notes
Stop cooking your Dulce de Leche when it is still a bit runny. It will set as it cools and become thick enough to spread. If you keep cooking it too long, it will turn hard and chewy.
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