Doce De Leite
A classic Brazilian sweet spread, made by slowly simmering milk and sugar until it becomes a rich, thick caramel. Perfect as a dessert filling, a topping for toast and fruit, or simply enjoyed by the spoonful.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 2 hr 20 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 397 kcal
Allergen information: may contain milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
- 1,000 mlwhole milk
- 250 ggranulated sugar
- 0.25 tspbaking soda
- 1 tspvanilla extract(optional)
Equipment
jar · spatula · whisk · heavy-bottomed pot
The method
Step by step
- 1
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, combine the whole milk and granulated sugar.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Using a pot that is much larger than the volume of milk will help prevent it from boiling over.
- 2
Place the pot over medium heat and whisk until the sugar has completely dissolved.
About 3 min
- 3
Stir in the baking soda, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. It may foam up initially.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: The baking soda helps prevent the milk from curdling and contributes to the final color.
- 4
Immediately reduce the heat to low to maintain a very slow, gentle simmer.
About 1 min
- 5
Simmer for approximately 90 minutes, stirring with a spatula every 10-15 minutes to scrape the bottom and sides of the pot.
About 1 hr 30 min
Cook’s note: During the last 30 minutes, as the mixture thickens and darkens, you will need to stir more frequently to prevent it from scorching.
- 6
The doce de leite is ready when it has turned a deep caramel color and is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Cook’s note: To test for doneness, you can place a small drop on a cold plate; it should hold its shape.
- 7
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, if you are using it.
About 1 min
- 8
Let the doce de leite cool in the pot for at least 30 minutes before transferring it to a clean jar. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: Be careful as the mixture is extremely hot.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 397.4kcal
- Protein
- 8g
- Carbs
- 74.3g
- Fat
- 8.3g
- Sugar
- 74.3g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator.
Enjoy cold, or warm gently in a small saucepan over low heat until softened.
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