Cafe-Style Cardamom Dulce De Leche

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour 40 min
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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If you've ever longed for a bit of cafe magic in your own kitchen, this Cardamom Dulce De Leche recipe is your answer. It's a sweet, spiced concoction that turns ordinary desserts and breakfasts into something extraordinary. Perfect for cozy mornings or special occasions, this homemade twist adds an exotic flair to a classic favorite.

Ingredients for Cafe-Style Cardamom Dulce De Leche

Whole milk is the base, providing creaminess and richness. It’s essential for achieving the right texture. Granulated sugar sweetens the mixture and caramelizes to give that signature golden color. Baking soda prevents the milk from curdling and helps with thickening. Ground cardamom infuses the dulce de leche with a warm, aromatic flavor that elevates it from sweet to heavenly. Finally, a touch of vanilla extract rounds out the flavors, adding depth and complexity.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning.
  • If you love a stronger cardamom flavor, add a pinch more — but be cautious, it's potent!
  • Keep the heat low during cooking to avoid scorching.
  • For a smoother texture, strain through a fine mesh sieve before storing.
  • Ensure your jar is completely dry before storing the dulce de leche to prevent spoilage.

Serving Suggestions

This Cardamom Dulce De Leche is a versatile treat. Drizzle it over pancakes or waffles for a decadent breakfast. Swirl it into yogurt or oatmeal to make mornings special. It’s also fantastic as a topping for ice cream, or as a luxurious dip for fresh fruit. For a savory twist, try it on a cheese board with brie or camembert.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different milk?
Whole milk is recommended for the best texture, but you can experiment with others, keeping in mind that it may affect the thickness.
How long does it keep?
Stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator, it can last up to two weeks.
Is there a way to make it thicker?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, cook it slightly longer, but be careful not to burn it.

Cafe-Style Cardamom Dulce De Leche Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a large saucepan. Pour in the whole milk, then add the granulated sugar and baking soda. Stir all this goodness together over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. You’ll want to keep an eye on it as it warms up.

As soon as you see the mixture starting to simmer, lower the heat to keep it at a gentle bubble. This is where patience comes in. Let it cook, stirring occasionally to keep things smooth and prevent any sticking. The magic happens over about 90 minutes as it thickens and turns a beautiful golden caramel color.

Once it reaches that perfect hue, stir in the ground cardamom and vanilla extract. These final touches are quick but make all the difference. Continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes until you’re happy with the thickness. Remember, it will thicken more as it cools.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool down a bit. Then, pour your creation into a glass jar. Pop it in the refrigerator, and it’s ready to transform your meals!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Infused with warm cardamom spice for a unique twist.
  • Easy to make with just five ingredients.
  • Transforms simple dishes into gourmet delights.
  • Can be stored and enjoyed over multiple weeks.
  • A delightful homemade gift for friends and family.

Ingredients

2 cups whole milk
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cardamom
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, combine milk, sugar, and baking soda over medium heat. Stir to dissolve the sugar.
2. Once the mixture begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low and allow it to cook, stirring occasionally.
3. After about 90 minutes, the mixture will thicken and turn a golden caramel color. Stir in the ground cardamom and vanilla extract.
4. Continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes until the desired thickness is achieved. Remove from heat and cool.
5. Transfer the cooled mixture to a glass jar and store in the refrigerator.

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