Dulce de leche and caramel can seem similar to the untrained eye. Both have a similar color and texture and can make for a great addition to pretty much any dessert. However, upon closer inspection, dulce de leche and caramel have a few distinct differences and are used in a variety of different dishes.
What is Dulce De Leche?
Dulce de leche literally translates to “sweet milk”, which gives you some insight into the origins of this Spanish sweet. Dulce de leche is made by heating up condensed milk, causing the sugar that is present in the milk to turn gold and brown. You are left with a sticky and slightly runny concoction.
What is Caramel?
Caramel is a bit more simple to make than dulce de leche. Caramel is made by heating sugar until it turns golden brown. In some cases, milk and butter can be added to make caramel more creamy, but generally, it is simply heated sugar.
Can I Use Dulce De Leche and Caramel Interchangeably?
Technically, if you see dulce de leche in a recipe, you can instead use caramel, and vice-versa. However, there will be a slight variance in taste and texture, and the recipe will no longer be authentic to the specified region. That is why we always recommend differentiating between dulce de leche and caramel.
What Are Popular Desserts That Feature Dulce De Leche?
There are a number of exciting desserts that feature Dulce De Leche. At Puerto La Boca in Little Italy, we offer five desserts that feature dulce de leche:
Panqueques Con Dulce De Leche
Panqueques are the name given to delicious Argentinian crepes, smothered in tasty homemade dulce de leche sauce.
Milhojas De Dulce De Leche
Milhojas is an Argentinian pastry known for its many layers. In this dessert, the layers are filled with walnuts and dulce de leche.
Flan Con Dulce De Leche
Flan is a well-known custard, and this tasty treat is taken to the next level with a fresh coat of dulce de leche.
Alfajores De Maicena
Alfajores de Maicena is perhaps Argentina’s most famous dessert. Alfajores are a dessert in which two cookies are filled with dulce de leche, and then rolled in shredded coconut and powdered sugar.
Tiramisu
Tiramisu is a delightful combination of espresso, coffee liquor, cream cheese, cocoa, and dulce de leche.
Cocktails With Dulce De Leche
The sweet taste of dulce de leche makes it an excellent addition to coffee and cocktails. Below are two cocktails served with dulce de leche at Puerto La Boca in San Diego:
Puerto La Boca Coffee
What do you get when you combine a steaming cup of coffee with Kahlua liqueur and dulce de leche? The delicious and refreshing Puerto La Boca Coffee!
Dulce de Leche Martini
Turn your next martini into a dessert with dulce de leche! The drink is served straight up with Ketel One vodka, Kahlua, and dulce de leche.
Authentic Dulce De Leche at Puerto La Boca in San Diego
Puerto La Boca is home to authentic dulce de leche, imported straight from Argentina. Low-quality dulce de leche can be hard to differentiate from caramel, but our dulce de leche, from the brand San Ignacio, is renowned for being authentic and delicious. If you are craving something sweet, come to Puerto La Boca in San Diego for amazing desserts featuring dulce de leche.
For more information on the difference between caramel and dulce de leche or to make a reservation, Puerto La Boca today by calling (619) 234-4900.
