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    Home / Dessert / Dulce de Leche Uruguayo

    Dulce de Leche Uruguayo

    The national treasure: milk and sugar simmered slowly until they turn into a thick, glossy, caramel-hued spread that Uruguayans put on everything.

    ⏱ 5 minPrep time
    🔥 2 hrsCook time
    🍽 12Servings
    🏷 DessertCategory
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    Dulce de Leche Uruguayo

    Both Argentina and Uruguay claim to have invented dulce de leche — a legend says a maid forgot a pot of sweetened milk on the fire — but Uruguayans are sure it happened on their side of the river. This slow-simmered version is the one to make at home: it fills the kitchen with a toasty, milky, caramel perfume that no jar can match.

    One pot, two hours, a pot of liquid gold

    The finished dulce de leche is thick enough to hold its shape, glossy as satin, and intensely milky with deep notes of toasted caramel. A little baking soda breaks down the milk’s sugars, which is the trick that gives it that unmistakable, slightly chewy caramel depth.

    Uruguayan recipes →

    Step by stepInstructions

    1. Stir the milk, sugar, vanilla, baking soda, and salt together in a heavy, wide saucepan until the sugar dissolves.
    2. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then immediately reduce to the lowest simmer that still bubbles.
    3. Simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, whisking every 10 minutes, until the mixture is thick, glossy, and a deep caramel color.
    4. As it thickens, whisk more often and scrape the sides and bottom so nothing scorches.
    5. Test the consistency: a spoonful should coat the spoon thickly and hold a line when you drag a finger through it.
    6. Pour into a clean jar, cool completely, and refrigerate; it will thicken a little more as it chills.

    💡 Chef tips & storage

    Use a wide pan so the milk evaporates faster, and lower the heat as it thickens — the last 20 minutes are when it scorches. Keeps 2 weeks refrigerated in a sealed jar.

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    Recipe details

    Prep5 min
    Cook2 hrs
    Servings12
    CategoryDessert
    PublishedAugust 17, 2026
    Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

    Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

    Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →

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