Bitting into a creamy caramel or dulce de leche treat may elicit fond memories of Autumn as a child or your grandma placing a caramel candy into your hand after dinner. These two specific creamy and buttery sauces add a sense of rich flavor to any treat. With their decadent buttery flavor and versatility, it is no wonder both are popular. However, have you ever wondered what the difference between dulce de leche and caramel is?
They are very similar in color and texture. Nevertheless, a few differences set them apart from one another. For starters, caramel has a very sweet and creamy flavor. The texture is buttery, and it has the ability to pour over a treat. On the other hand, dulce de Leche has a flavor that is more comparable to butterscotch. It also has a thicker consistency. Which means it doesn't have the same ability to pour like caramel. Among these important differences, there are even more! Let's take a look at what the difference between dulce de leche and caramel is below.
What is Dulce de Leche?
While dulce de leche can be made at home anywhere, its popularity reigns supreme in Latin America. The name Dulce de leche translates into “sweet made of milk,” which is exactly what this sweet treat is.
There are several different ways to make dulce de leche. However, the most basic way is by heating sweet milk on the stovetop at a simmer until it reaches the Maillard reaction and turns thick and golden.
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Dulce de leche is versatile and is fantastic with anything that begs to be sweeter. Below are some ideas to try dulce de leche on:
- Cakes
- Cupcakes
- Toast
- Pancakes
- Ice Cream
- Yogurt
- Donuts
- Churros
- Cookies
- Oatmeal
- In Coffee
- Pie
- Cheesecake
- Pudding
- Crepes
The possibilities are endless when it comes to enjoying dulce de leche and the tasty sweetness that comes with it.
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What is Caramel?
Caramel is a sweet treat made by heating sugar with water or cream. When the sugar is heated at high temperatures, the molecules within the sugar break down. This produces the deliciously creamy and delectable caramel many of us enjoy.
The process of caramelization can happen with a variety of different sugars. However, to make caramel, white sugar is the main ingredient. Often, the most basic caramel recipe will use water. However, some recipes call for cream. To make salted caramel, use salt when the caramel is close to being done. The salt brings out more sweetness that develops during the caramelization and combats the slightly bitter taste. Caramel is also very versatile and is especially popular during the Autumn season. It can pour over candies and apples in coffee or cakes. There are many different ways to enjoy the deliciousness of caramel!
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Dulce Leche vs. Caramel: 4 Differences Including Ingredients and Taste
While dulce de leche and caramel have a very similar appearance, slight differences make them uniquely their own. These distinctions include ingredients and flavor. Let's take a look below in more depth.
What Are The Ingredient Differences?
Dulce de leche and caramel both utilize sugar in their recipes. Yet, their ingredients do differ.
Dulce de leche's main ingredients are milk and sugar. On the other hand, caramel can have an assortment of ingredients. The one vital ingredient you need to make caramel is sugar. Yet, many recipes also call for water or cream and butter.
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How Does the Flavor Vary Between Dulce de Lech and Caramel?
Caramel's flavor will be dependent upon the ingredients used. However, the overall flavor of caramel is very sweet and indulgent. It is creamy and buttery.
Dulce de leche differs from caramel in its flavor. The flavor of dulce de leche is similar to butterscotch. Also, while caramel can have a bitter taste due to the caramelization, dulce de leche does not.
Differences in Cooking Methods
Another difference between dulce de leche and caramel is the cooking methods.
The goal of making dulce de leche is to reach the Maillard reaction. The Maillard reaction is a chemical reaction that happens when sugars are reduced, and meanoidins are created. In simpler terms, it is what happens when the sugar milk browns.
Dulce de leche involves simmering sugar and milk together until this happens. It will produce a very deep brown sauce that is thicker in consistency than caramel.
Caramel involves the cooking method of heating sugar until it melts. After the sugar melts, it becomes clear, indicating it's ready to cook longer without stirring. When the sugar is left alone, it will start to caramelize, becoming darker brown and thicker in consistency. Caramel can also be made with different liquids, including water, cream, or butter.
One is Pourable, and The Other is Not
Another slight but important difference between dulce de leche and caramel is in the consistency. Dulce de leche is not exactly pourable. Instead, spreading this sauce over a cookie, bread, or pie is ideal. It has a consistency similar to peanut butter.
Caramel has a thinner consistency. Caramel is usually easy to pour over a treat, such as a pie or apple. The texture is creamy. The consistency of caramel is perfect for covering desserts in the sauce. It gives the ability to pour; once refrigerated, the sauce will harden a bit, making it easier to eat.
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How to Make Dulce De Leche
To make dulce de leche, you need two simple ingredients and a lot of patience! The traditional recipe uses sugar and milk. Yet, some people choose to reduce the time it takes to make dulce de leche and use sweetened condensed milk.
The easier way to make dulce de leche is very straightforward. All you need is a pot of water, a can of sweet condensed milk, a pot, and a stovetop. First, remove the label from the can, then place the can, unopened inside a large pot.
Then, add water to the pot until the can is covered. Cook the can of sweet condensed milk on medium-high heat until the water starts to boil, then turn the heat down to medium-low. Cover and cook on low heat for two and a half hours. During this time, check the pot to ensure the can is still covered with water. If the water starts to get low, add more. Once the two and half hours have passed, remove the can from the heat and allow it to cool before opening.
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The traditional cooking method of dulce de leche varies in cooking time. Add four cups of milk and one and 1/4 cup sugar to a saucepan and cook over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves. Simmer the sugar and milk over low heat. Be sure to remove any foam from the top. The mixture needs to be continuously stirred so that it does not burn. Next, the milk will start to brown in color. Continue to stir without stopping for about two hours. You'll know that the dulce de leche is done when it reaches a deep, rich caramel color and a peanut butter-like consistency.
How to Make Caramel
To make caramel, pour one cup of granulated white sugar and 1/4 cup of water in a saucepan, ensuring the sugar is even and flat on the bottom of the saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. A clear and bubbling liquid will form after about four minutes. Allow the mixture to continue to cook for around eight minutes or a few minutes longer until it turns a dark caramel color. Do not mix it during this time. If you need to, you can swirl the pan.
Then add six tablespoons of butter to the mixture and mix with a whisk until it melts. During this time, the caramel will bubble. Remove from the heat and add half a cup of heavy cream to the mixture, mixing slowly. Then, allow the caramel sauce to sit for at least ten minutes. Enjoy while warm or place in a container for future use. When caramel cools down, it becomes thicker.
One Last Note
Both dulce de leche and caramel are delicious and sweet sauces that can add flavor and richness to a variety of desserts and treats. The versatility of both of these sauces means they can be enjoyed on pies, cakes, cookies, fruit, toast, and so much more. The slight differences between the two will set them apart, from their consistency, flavor, and how to make each one. Both dulce de leche and caramel are worth giving a try. You never know; you may find your new favorite treat!
Caramel and Dulce De Leche Treats
- {Quick and Easy} Caramel Sauce Recipe
- Easy Caramel Sauce Recipe
- How to Make Caramel Sauce
- Homemade Dulce de Leche Recipe
- How to Make Dulce de Leche
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