3 Easy Ways to Make Homemade Dulce de Leche
To make Homemade Dulce De Leche on the stovetop:
Place the can on its side in a large pot, or Dutch oven. If you place it right-side up, the simmering water will cause the can to bounce as it cooks. Add room temperature water, filling the pot until the water level rises at least two inches above the top of the can. It’s very important that the can is completely submerged. Ideally, the water level should never get any lower than one inch above the can as it cooks, so make sure to check on the water level every half hour and be ready to add more boiling water as needed.
Place the pot over high heat and allow it to come to a simmer. Simmer the can for two to three hours, depending on how dark you want the dulce de leche to be. When the time is up, carefully remove the can from the hot water using a pair of tongs, and allow it to cool to room temperature on a wire rack. Do not attempt to open the can while it’s still hot, as the hot dulce de leche may spit out because of the pressure inside the can. The dulce de leche will firm up as it cools, but once out of the can, it can easily be reheated in a double boiler to a spreadable or drizzle-able consistency.
To make Homemade Dulce de Leche in a Slow Cooker:
Place the sealed can/cans on its side in a Slow Cooker. Add water to Slow Cooker until sealed can of Sweetened Condensed Milk is completely covered with water. Placing the cans on their sides allows hot water to reach all sides of the cans, cooking the caramel more evenly and it takes less water.
Set Slow Cooker on “LOW” and cook for 8 to 10 hours. (Depending on how dark and thick you like your caramel.) I like my caramel thick and rich so I cooked it for 10 hours.
After cooking for the desired time, place the cans in cold water until they are room temperature. Don’t open the cans until they are room temperature.
To make Homemade Dulce de Leche in a pressure cooker:
First of all, I really like my digital pressure cooker for everyday cooking. It’s so much safer than one that is used on the stovetop and I love all the menu settings. I use it so much, and confess, this is my second digital pressure cooker. It makes cooking a snap. This is the easiest most carefree way to make Dulce de leche.
Place a wire rack in the bottom of your pressure cooker so that your cans will lay on their sides and not be touching the bottom or the sides. I add water to 2-inches above the cans, close the lid, align the pressure valve, and set the timer for 20 minutes, and walk away.
As digital pressure cookers and their settings vary, I would recommend that you refer to your manufacturer’s directions for how to set yours. I do not pick a setting, like beans, chicken, rice, etc., I just set the timer for 20 minutes and you may need to pressure for as long as 40 minutes, depending on your model.
I like to set my pot and after it’s come to pressure for the allotted time, I unplug my cooker and go to bed. When I wake up my Dulce de leche is a beautiful caramel color. You can do this in the morning just as easily, I recommend that you allow the pot to release pressure naturally and cool down before you open the lid.
We're Alison and Renée, and we're so glad you've joined us! Our kitchens are our happy place, where we're whipping up memories. Get comfy and check things out. We hope you find inspiring dishes and ways to better your life. Feeling optimistic, trying new things and sharing with those we love brings joy in all we do. It's time to cook, create and celebrate. CHEERS! 
