Gourmet Sea Salt Caramel Dulce de Leche
Indulge in a homemade delicacy with this Gourmet Sea Salt Caramel Dulce de Leche recipe, perfect for dessert lovers seeking a touch of elegance in their sweets. A silky, caramelized spread kissed with a hint of sea salt, this recipe is perfect for topping your favorite desserts or even as a sophisticated addition to your morning toast.
14
Servings
N/A
Calories
2
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sweetened Condensed Milk
14 ounces (canned)
Sea Salt
few flecks or to taste (none)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a deep roasting pan that can comfortably hold a pie dish or shallow baking dish.
2
2. Open a 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk and pour it into a glass or ceramic pie plate, ensuring it's evenly spread. Gently incorporate a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavor.
3
3. Seal the pie plate securely with aluminum foil to prevent any water from seeping into the milk during baking.
4
4. Place the covered pie plate inside a larger roasting pan. Carefully fill the roasting pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the pie plate, creating a water bath to gently cook the milk.
5
5. Slide the roasting pan into the preheated oven and bake the milk mixture for approximately 1 to 1¼ hours. Periodically check the water level, adding more hot water as needed to maintain depth.
6
6. Once the dulce de leche achieves a rich, golden brown hue and a thick, caramel consistency, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature.
7
7. For a smooth texture, whisk the cooled mixture until uniform. Transfer the dulce de leche to an airtight container and refrigerate until you're ready to enjoy.
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8. When serving, gently reheat in the microwave or by placing the container in a warm water bath, ensuring it stays velvety smooth.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gourmet Sea Salt Caramel Dulce de Leche?
It is a homemade, silky, caramelized spread enhanced with a hint of sea salt, ideal for desserts or toast.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
Only two ingredients are needed: sweetened condensed milk and sea salt.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
How long does the dulce de leche need to bake?
The mixture should bake for approximately 1 to 1.25 hours.
What size container of milk is used?
The recipe calls for one 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk.
What type of dish should the milk be poured into?
Use a glass or ceramic pie plate or a shallow baking dish.
Why do I need a roasting pan for this recipe?
The roasting pan is used to create a water bath, which gently cooks the milk.
How much water should be added to the roasting pan?
Fill the pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the pie plate.
Why is aluminum foil necessary?
Foil seals the dish to prevent water from the bath from seeping into the milk during the baking process.
When should I add the sea salt?
Incorporate a pinch of sea salt into the milk before you begin the baking process.
How do I know when the dulce de leche is done?
It is ready when it achieves a rich, golden brown hue and a thick, caramel consistency.
Should I check the water level while baking?
Yes, periodically check the roasting pan and add more hot water if the level drops.
How do I achieve a smooth texture after baking?
Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then whisk it until it is uniform.
How should I store the finished product?
Transfer the dulce de leche to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator.
What are the best ways to serve dulce de leche?
It can be used as a dessert topping, a sophisticated spread for toast, or enjoyed on its own.
How can I reheat the refrigerated dulce de leche?
Gently reheat it in the microwave or by placing the container in a warm water bath.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 14 servings.
Can I use evaporated milk instead of condensed milk?
No, this recipe specifically requires sweetened condensed milk to achieve the proper caramelization.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is a simple process involving baking and whisking, though it requires patience during the oven time.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The flavor is a balance of sweet caramel notes with a sophisticated salty finish.
Does the salt need any special preparation?
No, the sea salt can be used straight from the container, either as flecks or to taste.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 425°F and prepare a deep roasting pan.
Can I use a metal pie pan?
The recipe recommends glass or ceramic for even heat distribution during the slow baking process.
Is this spread gluten-free?
The ingredients, sweetened condensed milk and sea salt, are naturally gluten-free.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but ensure your roasting pan is large enough to accommodate the dishes and water bath.
How thick should the final product be?
It should be thick enough to be used as a spread, similar to a traditional caramel sauce.
Why must the water for the bath be hot?
Hot water ensures the cooking process begins immediately and maintains a consistent temperature.
Can I use table salt instead of sea salt?
While possible, sea salt provides the 'gourmet' flecks and flavor profile intended for this recipe.
Does the dulce de leche need to be whisked while hot?
No, the instructions state to allow it to cool to room temperature before whisking for a smooth texture.
What category of food does this fall into?
It is categorized as a sweet spread, dessert topping, or homemade gourmet delicacy.