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Have you ever wanted a really thick, creamy caramel to dip your apple slices into that isn't loaded with strange ingredients? Or maybe you have been dying to make a caramel cheesecake, or alfajores (caramel filled shortbread cookies) for the holidays? Well now you can with this super easy to make Instant Pot Dulce de Leche.
For even more delicious pressure cooker recipes, check out the Instant Pot Recipes page.
All you need is a can of sweetened condensed milk, a mason jar, and some water.....
to create an amazingly delicious treat.....
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How to make Dulce de Leche in an Instant Pot Pressure Cooker:
Open a can of sweetened condensed milk and pour it into a mason jar.....
Place the lid on the jar and twist to seal. Set the jar on a trivet inside the pressure cooker and add enough water to the pot to cover the jar halfway.....
I added 9 cups of water which is showing as 7 cups?? Not sure about that one, but it works. 😉
Secure the lid and turn the pressure knob to the "Sealing" position. Press the "Manual" button and adjust the time to 30 minutes using the + and - buttons.....
When the pot beeps, allow the pressure to release naturally (mine took 45 minutes). Remove the lid.....
and VERY CAREFULLY remove the jar from the pressure cooker. Allow the caramel to cool.....
The caramel is still bubbling in the jar and the lid will not come off until it cools down enough to break the seal!
Stir the caramel with a spoon until smooth.....
and serve.....
This Instant Pot Dulce de Leche is addictive!!!
Can't I put a can of sweetened condensed milk in a pressure cooker to cook? Why do I need to use a jar?
The packaging on the can clearly says - Caution: Do Not Heat In Can. I'm sure their legal department is behind the warning since people do cook their caramel in the can on the stove, in crock pots, and even in pressure cookers. In fact my mom and I used to do it all the time when I was growing up, we used to make caramel filled candy during the holidays. But since I do not want you to sue me if something goes wrong, I am telling you to just go ahead and cook it in a jar. Besides, you need to put it in a container to store it anyway! 😉
What if I want to make Salted Caramel?
Sprinkle Kosher or sea salt over the caramel right before serving.
What else can I serve Instant Pot Dulce de Leche with?
- Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites
- Traditional Shortbread
- Add to your morning Caffè Mocha
- Drizzle over Vanilla Ice Cream
- Drizzle over Lattice Top Apple Pie
- A Spoon!!
Recipe Notes:
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- I used a 16-ounce, wide-mouth mason jar to create this recipe.
- All of my Instant Pot recipes are made using one of these 6-quart models.
- The Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk that I used contains milk and sugar, that's it.
Enjoy!!
Instant Pot Dulce de Leche
Ingredients
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk (I used Eagle Brand)
Instructions
- Open a can of sweetened condensed milk and pour it into a mason jar.
- Place the lid on the jar and twist to seal. Set the jar on a trivet inside the pressure cooker and add enough water to the pot to cover the jar halfway.
- Secure the lid and turn the pressure knob to the “Sealing” position. Press the “Manual” button and adjust the time to 30 minutes using the + and – buttons.
- When the pot beeps, allow the pressure to release naturally (mine took 45 minutes). Remove the lid and VERY CAREFULLY remove the jar from the pressure cooker. Allow the caramel to cool. (The caramel is still bubbling in the jar and the lid will not come off until it cools down enough to break the seal!)
- Stir the caramel with a spoon until smooth and serve.
Notes
- Serving size is based on 2 Tablespoons per serving with a total of 10 servings per can.
- The time it takes for the pressure cooker to build pressure is not included in the cooking time. Times vary based on content temperature, water temperature, elevation, etc.
Cilka says
I really want to try this recipe, but I am nervous I will put the lid on too tight and have an explosion! Do I have to use the lid, or can I use tin foil to cover the jar?
Lisa Johnson says
Honestly I don't think you can manually put the lid on too tight, Cilka. I have never tried to make it with foil instead of a lid but it is worth a try if it gives you peace of mind. 🙂 Let me know how it turns out!
Kathy says
Can I use a plastic container for the condensed milk or it has to be a jar?
WENDY c AVERETT says
Do you store it in the refrigerator or in a cupboard?
Lisa Johnson says
I store it in the refrigerator, Wendy.
Kim says
Can you cook more than 1 jar at a time?
Ro says
Is it ok to make several jars at a time? I have a large instant pot and fit about 4 to 5 jars at a time. Would I increase the cooking time? Thank you. I cant wait to make these for Christmas gifts.
Lisa Johnson says
I would think it would with multiple jars, Ro. I would leave the cooking time the same, they should come up to pressure and cook the same as a single jar...but I have not tried it! 🙂
Leighann Neal says
Mine is in the NPR stage as I type this, I'm so excited to try it and give it as gifts to my mom who loves dipping apples in caramel and my sister as well!
Thank you for sharing this, so easy and delicious.
Breeana says
Just made this and it came out amazing!!
Lisa Johnson says
Thank you so much Breeana. I am so glad you enjoyed it!!
Janice says
Wow this recipe is amazing! Doce de leite was so creamy and delicious. I cooked it for 40 mins and it was very golden and thick. Thanks for sharing recipe!
Lisa Johnson says
I am so happy to hear that, Janice!! I am so glad you like it. 🙂