Dulce de Leche is a rich, caramel-like treat that is wonderfully simple to make with minimal effort. This easy dessert recipe creates a smooth, sweet spread perfect for enjoying in many ways.
Made using sweetened condensed milk and water, this recipe is ideal when you want a fuss-free homemade treat. It’s perfect for adding a touch of indulgence to your favourite desserts or enjoying on its own.
Originally published December 8, 2024. Updated March 18, 2026.
Why Make Dulce De Leche At Home
I have been wanting to share this method for making your own caramel for a long time, with the onset of the festive season now is the time! You can of course purchase Dulce de Leche in stores already made but if you are like me, you like making things yourself and the end result is delicious and oh so easy!
Important Safety Notes Before You Begin
Please see the notes below and in the recipe card for safety precautions before you proceed with this homemade recipe. If in doubt feel free to skip this one and purchase store made or make your own from scratch!
Cans say DO NOT HEAT IN CAN, you are using your own discretion if you wish to make this recipe.
If you wish to make this recipe be aware to never open the cans when they are still hot, they can explode.
Cook only on LOW for 8 hours, do not cook on high.
Safety issues are caused by the water level going below the cans and cooked at a high heat or pressure, cooking low and slow is much safer but take care.
Do not bump or turn or jostle the cans while they heat.
How To Make Dulce De Leche In The Slow Cooker
All you need are one or two cans of sweetened condensed milk and a slow cooker, then a little time to slowly heat it to create the most delectable caramel that you can use in so many ways.
There are many ways to make this caramel, some do it on the stove top, others over a high heat in the slow cooker but I have found the best and safest way is for me to do it for 8-10 hours in my slow cooker on LOW.
The method is lovely and easy, simply remove the labels from your cans of sweetened condensed milk, place them on their sides in your slow cooker.
Then cover in water, at least 4-5cm above the cans to ensure they are well covered in water for the duration of the cooking process.
I have a six litre slow cooker so I filled mine almost to the brim, then I popped the slow cooker on low and set a timer on my phone for 8 hours.
Have a slow cooker question? I’ve gathered the most common ones in my Slow Cooker FAQ if you’d like to learn a little more.
Cooling Dulce De Leche Safely Before Opening
Once cooked, turn off the slow cooker and leave it overnight to cool to room temperature. You must never open a hot can of Dulce de Leche made this way as it has a tendency to explode! So cool it down slowly in the water it was heated in is the safest bet.
How To Store Dulce De Leche
Best practice is to transfer the Dulce de Leche to a clean dry airtight container or jar as soon as it has cooled, store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Is It Safe To Heat Condensed Milk In The Can?
You may have heard talk online referring to the inside of the can leaching chemicals into the condensed milk. However most cans these days are not lined with BPA, plastic or other chemicals, any issues are more likely related to cans with acidic foods such as tomatoes.
With this low and slow cooking technique compared to high pressure heating it is also less likely to cause any issues.
If these issues are a concern for you, then I recommend you purchase ready made dulce de leche, it is delicious or make your own from scratch!
Slow Cooker Dulce de Leche Recipe
The full ingredient list and step-by-step instructions are in the recipe card below.
Slow Cooker Dulce de Leche from Condensed Milk
Dulce de Leche is a smooth, caramel-like dessert made from sweetened condensed milk and water, creating a rich and indulgent treat with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1-2 Cans Sweetened Condensed Milk*
- 6 Litres Water*
Instructions
- Peel the labels from your cans of sweetened condensed milk
- Lay the cans on their sides in the bottom of your slow cooker and cover completely in water, cover with at least 4-5cm of water above the height of the cans, I fill my slow cooker to nearly full.
- Never let them water level drop, this should not occur with slow cooking but keep an eye on it
- Cover with the lid, set the slow cooker to LOW for 8 hours, do not turn or bump the cans during this time and only cook on LOW.
- Once the 8 hours has been completed, turn off the slow cooker and leave the lid on and allow the water to naturally cool for at least 8 hours or overnight. NEVER open these cans while they are hot, they may explode.
- Remove the cans once they are room temperature and completely dry them.
- It is now safe to open your cans and transfer the contents to an airtight container or jar and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Enjoy in so many ways! On a dessert, drizzled over ice cream, or use it in a Banoffee pie or trifle and more.
Notes
Safety Precautions
- Cans say DO NOT HEAT IN CAN, you are using your own discretion if you wish to make this recipe
- If you wish to make this recipe be aware to never open the cans when they are still hot, they can explode.
- Cook only on LOW for 8 hours, do not cook on high
- Safety issues are caused by the water level going below the cans and cooked at a high heat or pressure, cooking low and slow is much safer but take care.
- Do not bump or turn or jostle the cans while they heat.
- Once they have cooled transfer to an airtight container or jar straight away and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Use the best quality Sweetened Condensed Milk for best results
Is it safe to use the can to heat the condensed milk?
You may have heard talk online referring to the inside of the can leaching chemicals into the condensed milk.
However most cans these days are not lined with BPA, plastic or other chemicals, any issues are more likely related to cans with acidic foods such as tomatoes.
With this low and slow cooking technique compared to high pressure heating it is also less likely to cause any issues.
If these issues are a concern for you, then I recommend you purchase ready made dulce le leche, it is delicious or make your own from scratch!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Sodium: 10mg
This nutrition calculation for Just Slow Cooker Recipes has been automated, please use your discretion with the calculation and use your own if unsure.
More Desserts To Try In Your Slow Cooker
Slow cooker desserts are a fun and easy way to make warm, comforting sweet treats with very little effort. From self-saucing puddings to fruit desserts and rich delicious treats, these recipes are designed to cook gently while you get on with your day.
I have a Chocolate Self Saucing Pudding and a Butterscotch Self Saucing Pudding.
Check out my other Slow Cooker Desserts here.
I’d Love To Hear Your Thoughts
I hope you love this Dulce de Leche as much as we do. It’s such a simple and delicious treat, perfect for adding a rich caramel touch to your favourite desserts. If you’re not comfortable making this one due to the safety precautions, it’s absolutely fine to use store-bought instead.
If you try it, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you in the comments below.
Also, if you enjoy this recipe, please leave a ⭐ rating in the recipe card above. Your feedback helps other readers and really supports my recipes.
Thank you so much for visiting and taking the time to try this recipe. I hope you find plenty of slow cooker inspiration here on my blog.
If you’d like to see more of my latest recipes and kitchen adventures, be sure to follow along on Pinterest.
Happy cooking!
Anna
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