Instant Pot Dulce de Leche Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Instant Pot Dulce de Leche is a quick, hands-off way to make this rich, creamy caramel-like sauce from sweetened condensed milk. It’s smooth, decadent, and perfect for spreading on toast, drizzling over desserts, or eating straight from the jar. No stovetop monitoring or stirring—just set it and let the pressure cooker work its magic.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
water (for the Instant Pot)
mason jar with lid or heatproof container with cover

directions

Spoon the sweetened condensed milk into a small mason jar or heatproof container and seal tightly.

Place the trivet inside the Instant Pot and add enough water to reach halfway up the jar (usually about 4–5 cups).

Set the jar on the trivet.

Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to Pressure Cook (Manual) on high for 35–40 minutes for a deep golden color.

Allow the pressure to naturally release for 15–20 minutes before opening the lid.

Carefully remove the jar (use tongs or a towel), let it cool slightly, then stir until smooth.

Let it cool completely before sealing and refrigerating.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 1¼ cups.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Pressure cook time: 35–40 minutes
Natural release and cooling: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10–15 minutes

Variations

Add a pinch of sea salt for salted dulce de leche.
Stir in vanilla extract or cinnamon after cooking for extra flavor.
Use it as a filling for cookies, cakes, or churros.
Make thinner or thicker versions by adjusting the cooking time.

storage/reheating

Store cooled dulce de leche in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or in a bowl of hot water, stirring until smooth.
Do not freeze—texture may become grainy.

FAQs

Can I use the can directly in the Instant Pot?

It’s safer to spoon the milk into a jar—cooking sealed cans under pressure is not recommended.

How do I make it thicker or darker?

Cook for 40–45 minutes for thicker, darker dulce de leche.

Can I use evaporated milk?

No, it must be sweetened condensed milk for the correct texture and sweetness.

What if I don’t have a mason jar?

Use any heatproof, tightly sealed glass jar or ramekin tightly covered with foil.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use two jars and make sure water reaches halfway up the sides of each.

Is this caramel?

It’s similar, but made by caramelizing milk and sugar—richer and creamier than classic caramel.

Is it supposed to look lumpy?

Stir well after cooling slightly—lumps will smooth out with mixing.

Can I use this for flan?

Yes, it’s perfect for flan or tres leches cake toppings.

Can kids eat this?

Yes, it’s sweet and safe for all ages.

Can I skip natural release?

No—quick release can cause splattering and temperature shock to the jar.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Dulce de Leche is a foolproof, delicious way to make this indulgent sauce with minimal effort. With its creamy texture and deep caramel flavor, it’s a versatile treat you’ll want to keep on hand for spooning, spreading, or drizzling on everything. Try it once, and you’ll never go back to store-bought.

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