Substitutes for Dulce de Leche

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Thick, caramel-like Latin American milk confection used in desserts, pastries, and as a spread.

Can't find Dulce de Leche in your kitchen? No problem! Below are 3 tested substitutes with exact ratios, perfect for baking, cooking, and everything in between.

Substitute Ratio Best For Dietary
Caramel Sauce 1:1 replacement desserts, pastries, toppings, spread
Vegetarian
Sweetened Condensed Milk (cooked) 1:1 — boil sealed can for 2-3 hours all dulce de leche applications
Vegetarian
Coconut Caramel 1:1 replacement desserts, pastries, toppings
Vegan Dairy-Free

How to Use

Thinner and less milky. Works in most applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for Dulce de Leche?
The best substitute depends on your recipe, but Caramel Sauce is a reliable choice for most applications. Use 1:1 replacement.
What's a vegan substitute for Dulce de Leche?
Coconut Caramel is an excellent vegan option. Use 1:1 replacement.
Can I use any of these substitutes interchangeably?
Most substitutes work well in their recommended use cases, but they may produce slightly different results. The notes above explain the differences and best practices.
Will the taste be affected?
Some substitutes may subtly change the flavor profile of your dish, but they'll work great in the recommended use cases. Start with the suggested ratio and adjust to your taste.

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