Caramelized Milk Cajeta or Dulce De Leche
Indulge your sweet tooth with this irresistibly creamy Caramelized Milk Cajeta, also known as Dulce de Leche, a staple in Latin-inspired desserts. Made with just four simple ingredients—whole milk, granulated sugar, baking soda, and a hint of optional vanilla—this recipe transforms pantry staples into a dreamy caramel-like sauce with luxurious depth of flavor. Slow-simmered to perfection, it develops a rich, golden hue and a thick, velvety texture ideal for drizzling over pancakes, dipping fruit, or spreading on toast. With only 5 minutes of prep and a hands-on cooking process that allows you to watch the magic unfold, this homemade cajeta is a labor of love worth every stir. Perfect for gifting or savoring yourself, this versatile treat is a must-try for caramel lovers.
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Ingredients
- 4 cups Whole milk
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 0.5 teaspoons Baking soda
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (optional)
Directions
Step 1
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, pour in the whole milk and add the granulated sugar. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar.
Step 2
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture just to a boil, stirring occasionally.
Step 3
Once the milk mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and carefully stir in the baking soda. The mixture may foam up briefly, so watch it closely to prevent overflow.
Step 4
Continue to cook the mixture at a gentle simmer, stirring often with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Scrape the bottom of the pot as needed.
Step 5
Over the next 60–90 minutes, the mixture will thicken and darken to a deep caramel color. Be patient and keep stirring frequently, especially as it thickens more toward the end.
Step 6
When the cajeta is rich, creamy, and coats the back of a spoon, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, if desired.
Step 7
Allow the cajeta to cool slightly before transferring it to a clean jar or container. It will thicken further as it cools.
Step 8
Store the cajeta in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. Reheat gently if needed before using.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1182.5g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1369.3 |
| Total Fat 31.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 18.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 1.1g | |
| Cholesterol 117.1mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1001.4mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 245.7g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 247.4g | |
| Protein 31.9g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 429.4IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1200.5mg | 0% |
| Iron 0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1470mg | 0% |
Source of Calories