Slow Cooker Dulce de Leche

Slow Cooker Dulce de Leche is probably the easiest homemade dulce de leche method there is. It does take much longer than the Instant Pot version, but the tradeoff is that you can mostly leave it alone while it cooks. I like this method when I’m already home doing other things and don’t feel like dealing with pressure cooking.

The texture comes out thick, smooth, and rich, especially after a full 8 hours on high. It’s great for cakes, cupcakes, macarons, cheesecakes, and anywhere you want a thick dulce de leche that holds its shape well.

Before we get into it, let’s quickly talk about the question everyone always has: is it safe to cook condensed milk in the can in a slow cooker?

I’ve been making dulce de leche this way for years. The important part is making sure the can stays fully submerged in water the entire time, using a can that isn’t dented or damaged, and allowing it to cool completely before opening.

If you don’t feel comfortable with this method, you can always make dulce de leche using the oven method instead. I also have an entire dedicated guide to all the methods. Check it out here!

Why I Like This Method

There are several ways to make dulce de leche at home, and each one gives slightly different results.

Here’s why I still like the slow cooker version:

• Very little hands-on work
• Thick, smooth texture
• Easy to make ahead
• Great for fillings and frostings
• You can cook multiple cans at once depending on your slow cooker size

What You Need

You only need a few things:

• Sweetened condensed milk
• A slow cooker or crockpot
• Water

That’s it. I usually use Eagle Brand or La Lechera condensed milk, but any standard 14-ounce can should work.

I also find this method less stressful than stovetop cooking because I’m not constantly checking a simmering pot.

How to Make Slow Cooker Dulce de Leche

The full recipe card is below, but here’s exactly how I make it.

s it safe to cook a can of sweetened condensed milk to make dulce de leche?

I have been making dulce de leche by cooking a can of sweetened condensed milk for many years now.

Ways to Use Dulce de Leche

Some of my favorite ways to use dulce de leche are in layered cakes, cookies, pastries, and creamy desserts. It adds a rich caramel flavor and silky texture that works with everything from chocolate to fruit. Here are a few of the recipes and desserts I make with it most often:

• Alfajores – Classic South American sandwich cookies filled with dulce de leche and rolled in coconut or powdered sugar.
• Dulce de Leche Cake – Soft cake layers paired with dulce de leche frosting or filling for an ultra rich caramel dessert.
• Dulce de Leche Cheesecake – Swirled into cheesecake batter or layered on top for a creamy caramel flavor.
• Cupcakes – Perfect for filling vanilla or chocolate cupcakes and pairing with buttercream frosting.
• Macaron Fillings – One of my favorite macaron fillings because it’s smooth, rich, and pairs beautifully with chocolate, coffee, banana, or cinnamon shells, or just make Dulce de Leche Macarons.
• Brownies – Swirled into brownie batter for pockets of gooey caramel throughout.
• Cookies – Great stuffed inside cookies or sandwiched between two buttery cookies.
• Donuts – A delicious filling for homemade brioche or cake donuts.

It’s also incredibly good straight from the fridge with sliced bananas or apples for an easy snack or dessert.

FAQ

More Dulce de Leche Recipes

If you liked this recipe, check out the other ways you can make Dulce de Leche. You can use an oven, on the stove, and an Instant Pot! If you’re looking for ways to use the dulce de leche, try Salted Dulce de Leche Cupcakes, Dulce de Leche Apple Cake, or Dulce de Leche Bars.