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    Home » Recipes

    Instant Pot Dulce De Leche

    Published: Nov 10, 2021 · Modified: Jun 2, 2022 by Emily · This post may contain affiliate links · 38 Comments

    You can make decadent and delicious Homemade Instant Pot Dulce de Leche in a little over an hour. Just set it and forget it and you will be rewarded with the best caramel sauce you have ever tasted! Use this dulce de leche for desserts, coffee drinks, cocktails, and more!

    a jar of instant pot salted caramel on a cooling rack
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

    Once you make this Instant Pot Dulce de Leche, you are going to want it on hand at all times. It's incredibly easy to make and delicious on ice cream, in coffee, and more! If you made a traditional dulce de leche on the stovetop it could take close to 2 hours with constant supervision! You can make the same thing in your pressure cooker in just over an hour.

    I added salt to my dulce de leche to get a salted caramel effect. This is completely optional and either way you decide to make it, it will be delicious! This recipe is adapted from my friend's recipe over at Sula and Spice!

    Please make sure you unseal and open the can completely before cooking in a pressure cooker.

    What is Dulce De Leche?

    The Spanish translation of dulce de leche is “candy of milk” or “sweet of milk”. And, according to Wikipedia, "Dulce de leche, also known as caramelized milk or milk jam in English, is a confection from Latin America prepared by slowly heating sugar and milk over a period of several hours".

    Are Dulce de Leche and Caramel the same thing?

    Technically, no. The main difference between the two is that dulce de leche is made from milk and sugar or condensed milk. Caramel is made from sugar and water and usually butter and/or heavy cream. However, Dulce de leche and caramel are very similar in color, texture, and taste and I use them interchangeably in this post.

    salted dulce de leche dripping off a whisk into a jar

    How to Make Dulce de Leche in the Instant Pot

    1. Remove the label from the can and then open the can (trust me, it's easier to remove the label first). **DO NOT LEAVE THE LID ON!** It's very dangerous to cook a sealed can in a pressure cooker.
    2. Cover the can with aluminum foil, securing it as tightly as possible.
    3. Place a trivet in the bottom of the Instant Pot and then place the foil-wrapped can on top.
    4. Carefully pour water into the Instant Pot along the side (don't pour on top of the can). The water needs to be halfway up the side of the can.
    5. Lock the lid in place and close the steam valve. Pressure cook on HIGH for 40 minutes. Once the cycle is complete, quick-release the steam.
    6. Carefully remove the can from the pot. It will be very hot and this is where the canning jar lifter will come in handy if you have one. Place the can on a cooling rack, carefully remove the foil, and allow it to cool down for 20 minutes.
    7. Stir the contents of the can with a spoon. Use a hand towel to hold the hot can. The caramel will be lumpy at first, keep stirring. Add the vanilla extract and salt (if making salted) and continue to stir until you have a smooth consistency. Transfer to a sealable container like a glass jar.
    steps for how to make instant pot caramel

    Important Tips

    • DO NOT LEAVE THE LID ON THE CAN! It's very dangerous to cook a sealed can in a pressure cooker.
    • You can cook more than one can at once! Up to three cans will fit in a 6 qt Instant Pot! The cooking time will remain the same.
    • You can enjoy the dulce de leche immediately or store it in a sealed container in the fridge until you are ready to use it. The caramel will last for up to two weeks sealed in the fridge. The caramel will not harden but it will thicken when cold. Set it on the counter to warm up or zap it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds in a microwave-safe container.
    • Always read the instruction manual that came with your Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker and follow all safety guidelines.
    a can of sweetened condensed milk that been transformed into dulce de leche in an Instant Pot

    Tools Needed to Make Instant Pot Caramel

    Of course, you will need an Instant Pot. If you don't have one yet, you need to get one! They are a game-changer in the kitchen! I didn't think I needed one (and I LOVE to cook) but once I had one in my kitchen, I can never go back to not having one. If you are still not sure, check out my list of Instant Pot Recipes to see what this gadget can do! And if you have a different brand of pressure cooker, that will work just as well.

    Buy on Amazon!

    This is the gadget you see in my photo, it's a canning jar lifter and it's a great tool to have, even if you don't do any canning. This one is heavy duty and will help keep your hands from getting on anything hot that needs to be lifted out.

    Buy on Amazon!

    Your Instant Pot or pressure cooker may have come with a trivet. But if it didn't, here is the one I use made by Instant Pot. It has handles for lifting (works great if you don't have a can lifter), and doesn't lift things off the bottom of the pot too much so you don't have to fill the pot with too much water in this case.

    Buy on Amazon!

    More Homemade Sauce and Syrup Recipes You Might Like

    • Enchilada Sauce from Dried Chiles
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    salted caramel dripping off a whisk

    Instant Pot Dulce De Leche

    Make homemade Dulce de Leche in your Instant Pot or pressure cooker! This is the easiest caramel sauce you will ever make.
    5 from 22 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes
    Cooling Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
    Servings: 14 ounces
    Calories: 123kcal
    Author: EmilyFabulous

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
    • trivet
    • canning jar lifter (optional)

    Ingredients

    • 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces)
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    Optional Ingredient to Make Salted Caramel Sauce

    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

    Instructions

    • Remove the label from the can and then open the can (trust me, it's easier to remove the label first). DO NOT LEAVE THE LID ON THE CAN! It's very dangerous to cook a sealed can in a pressure cooker.
      1 can sweetened condensed milk
    • Cover the can with tin foil, securing it as tightly as possible.
      1 can sweetened condensed milk
    • Place a trivet in the bottom of the Instant Pot and then place the foil-wrapped can on top. You do not want the can directly on the metal bottom because it gets very hot.
      1 can sweetened condensed milk
    • Carefully pour water into the Instant Pot along the side (don't pour on top of the can). The water needs to be halfway up the side of the can.
      1 can sweetened condensed milk
    • Lock the lid in place and close the steam valve. Pressure cook on HIGH for 40 minutes. Once the cycle is complete, quick-release the steam.
      1 can sweetened condensed milk
    • Carefully remove the can from the pot. It will be very hot and this is where the canning jar lifter will come in handy if you have one. Place the can on a cooling rack, remove the foil, and allow it to cool down for 20 minutes.
      1 can sweetened condensed milk
    • Stir the contents of the can with a spoon. Use a hand towel to hold the hot can. The caramel will be lumpy at first, keep stirring. Add the vanilla extract and salt (if making the salted version) and continue to stir until you have a smooth consistency. Transfer to a sealable container like a glass jar.
      1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • You can enjoy the dulce de leche immediately or store it in a sealed container in the fridge until you are ready to use it. The caramel will last for up to two weeks sealed in the fridge. The caramel will not harden but it will thicken when cold. Set it on the counter to warm up or zap it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds in a microwave-safe container.

    Video

    Notes

    • DO NOT LEAVE THE LID ON THE CAN! It's very dangerous to cook a sealed can in a pressure cooker
    • Always read the instruction manual that came with your Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker and follow all safety guidelines.
    • You can cook more than one can at once! Up to three cans will fit in a 6 qt Instant Pot! The cooking time will remain the same.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1ounce | Calories: 123kcal | Carbohydrates: 20.8g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3.3g | Saturated Fat: 2.1g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 85mg | Potassium: 142mg | Sugar: 20.8g | Calcium: 109mg

    Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.

    instant pot dulce de leche

    Did you Make this Caramel Sauce Recipe?

    If you get a chance to make this Instant Pot Dulce de Leche, don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below. You can also tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me a photo of your homemade caramel sauce!

    If you want even more delicious and easy recipes, follow me on Pinterest and sign up for my email list so you never miss a recipe!

    Always read the instruction manual that came with your Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker and follow all safety guidelines.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mama Maggie's Kitchen says

      November 21, 2021 at 10:56 pm

      5 stars
      It looks incredibly mouthwatering. I wish this was in front of me.

      Reply
      • Emily says

        November 23, 2021 at 6:40 am

        Thanks, Maggie!! 😊

        Reply
    2. Cindy Mom, the Lunch Lady says

      November 21, 2021 at 8:40 pm

      5 stars
      I have never made my own dulce de leche. I love how simple it is to make in the instant pot!

      Reply
      • Emily says

        November 23, 2021 at 6:40 am

        Instant pots are the best! You will love this one 🙂

        Reply
    3. Jeannie says

      November 21, 2021 at 12:52 am

      5 stars
      this is so great to drizzle on everything! good gift idea too.

      Reply
      • Emily says

        November 21, 2021 at 4:32 am

        Oh yes, great idea to give as a gift!!

        Reply
    4. Swathi says

      November 20, 2021 at 11:15 pm

      5 stars
      I like this instant pot version of dulce de leche.

      Reply
      • Emily says

        November 21, 2021 at 4:32 am

        Thanks, Swathi!

        Reply
    5. Shilpa says

      November 20, 2021 at 8:35 pm

      5 stars
      Wow this is awesome. I love how you made it in an IP!

      Reply
      • Emily says

        November 21, 2021 at 4:33 am

        Thank you!! 😊

        Reply
    6. Lindsay Howerton-Hastings says

      November 20, 2021 at 7:26 pm

      5 stars
      Love how easy this method is!

      Reply
    7. Sue says

      November 20, 2021 at 6:20 pm

      5 stars
      I love that you took a caramel sauce and made a salted caramel version!

      Reply
      • Emily says

        November 21, 2021 at 4:33 am

        Yes! It’s delicious both ways 😁

        Reply
    8. Dawn Conklin says

      November 20, 2021 at 5:06 pm

      5 stars
      It's amazing what we can cook in the Instant Pot! This is the easiest way to make dulce de leche and it was so delicious.

      Reply
      • Emily says

        November 25, 2021 at 2:21 am

        Yes! I totally agree!!

        Reply
    9. Rosanna says

      November 20, 2021 at 4:19 pm

      5 stars
      Set it and forget it! Haha loved that, and this literally was so easy thank you SO much for the recipe it was such a time saver

      Reply
      • Emily says

        November 25, 2021 at 2:21 am

        You are so welcome! I'm glad you found it easy!

        Reply
    10. Jamie says

      November 20, 2021 at 11:50 am

      5 stars
      I love how delicious and easy this is to make!

      Reply
    11. Amy says

      November 20, 2021 at 3:34 am

      5 stars
      What a easy and fast recipe! Would never have thought to do it in the instant pot!

      Reply
      • Emily says

        November 20, 2021 at 3:51 am

        I agree, it so awesome what one gadget can do!

        Reply
    12. Kristina says

      November 19, 2021 at 11:32 pm

      5 stars
      Wow, what a cool thing to do in the IP. I never realized it was so easy to dulce de leche.

      Reply
    13. Oscar says

      November 19, 2021 at 9:21 pm

      5 stars
      Looks delicious. can't wait to try this recipe.

      Reply
      • Emily says

        November 19, 2021 at 11:19 pm

        Thanks, Oscar!

        Reply
    14. Sara Welch says

      November 19, 2021 at 9:19 pm

      5 stars
      Excited to give this a try with dessert tonight; I have always loved Dulce de Leche but have never given it a try in an Instant Pot!

      Reply
      • Emily says

        November 25, 2021 at 2:21 am

        You are going to love it, I promise!

        Reply
    15. serena says

      November 19, 2021 at 9:07 pm

      5 stars
      Love this for my coffee drinks

      Reply
      • Emily says

        November 19, 2021 at 11:19 pm

        Me too! I’m so glad you like it.

        Reply
    16. Teodora Grujic says

      November 19, 2021 at 7:03 pm

      5 stars
      Oh, this sounds perfect! Can't wait to try it! Thank you for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Emily says

        November 19, 2021 at 8:26 pm

        You are so welcome, Teodora!

        Reply
    17. Andrea says

      November 19, 2021 at 6:44 pm

      5 stars
      I can't believe how easy this is to make. I love dulce de leche. With this recipe I can make it whenever I want. Yay!

      Reply
      • Emily says

        November 19, 2021 at 8:27 pm

        It still baffles me how quick and easy it is!

        Reply
    18. Angela says

      November 19, 2021 at 6:41 pm

      5 stars
      So fast and easy! I love that I can set it and walk away to do other things. Delicious!

      Reply
      • Emily says

        November 19, 2021 at 8:27 pm

        I know, right? Yay for the Instant Pot!

        Reply
    19. Jess says

      November 19, 2021 at 5:36 pm

      5 stars
      I love that you make this in the Instant Pot. Life-changing!

      Reply
      • Emily says

        November 19, 2021 at 6:24 pm

        It's so true!! Thanks, Jess!

        Reply
    20. Audrey says

      November 19, 2021 at 5:33 pm

      5 stars
      This was totally easy to make in the instapot!

      Reply
      • Emily says

        November 19, 2021 at 5:35 pm

        Instant Pots are the best, aren't they? Thanks for giving it a go!

        Reply
    21. Angela says

      November 19, 2021 at 5:16 pm

      5 stars
      Such an easy and delicious recipe.

      Reply

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