Instant Pot Dulce de Leche
One can of sweetened condensed milk, an Instant Pot, and no stirring. Pressure cooking caramelizes the milk into thick, spreadable dulce de leche in 30 minutes of cook time. Plan on a few extra hours for the can to cool completely before you open it.
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 60kcal
Equipment
- 1 Instant Pot
- Trivet
Ingredients
- 14 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Can: Remove the label from the can of sweetened condensed milk. Ensure the can is undented and sealed properly.14 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk
- Set Up the Instant Pot: Place the trivet or steaming rack at the bottom of the Instant Pot. Position the can on its side on the trivet.
- Add Water: Fill the Instant Pot with water until the can is fully submerged, ensuring it does not exceed the maximum fill line.
- Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.
- Natural Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally. This may take approximately 15–20 minutes.
- Cool Down: Once the pressure has fully released, carefully remove the can using tongs. Let it cool to room temperature before opening.
Notes
Use sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated. Same size can, same shelf, no sugar in evaporated milk, so it won't thicken or brown. Reduced-fat and reduced-sugar cans won't set properly either.
No pull-tab lids. The scored ring is the weakest part of the can. Use a solid sealed can, or pour the milk into a wide-mouth mason jar with the lid finger-tight and cook that instead.
Check the can before it goes in. No dents, bulges, or rust, especially on the seams.
The can must stay fully submerged the whole time. Cover it by an inch or two and stay under the max fill line.
Add 20 to 30 minutes for the pot to come to pressure before the timer starts.
Cook time controls texture. Roughly 15 to 20 minutes for pourable, 30 for spreadable, 40 to 45 for firm enough to fill cookies. Judge by colour, not the clock. You want a deep golden brown.
Use natural release. It keeps browning on the way down and gives you a deeper colour. Quick release runs lighter.
Cool completely in the water before opening. A few hours, undisturbed. The contents are hotter than boiling water and thick enough to stick to skin. Don't lift it out early or pry at the lid.
Lumps are normal. Whisk once it's at room temperature and they'll break down in about a minute.
Nutrition
Calories: 60kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1.5g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 25mg
