Learn how to make dulce de leche without condensed milk, from milk and sugar, with this this easy recipe! This stove-top dulce de leche takes some time but the steps are very simple and make the best homemade dulce de leche!
Pour the milk and sugar in a large pot (at least 4 quarts or 4 litres) and place over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture comes up to a boil.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together the water and baking soda. Stir to dissolve the baking soda.
When the milk comes to a boil, take the pot off the heat and stir in the dissolved baking soda.
Put the pot back on the burner and bring the milk back up to a boil, reduce the heat and continue to simmer the milk for about an hour, stirring occasionally, until it has caramelized and reached the desired consistency. As the mixture gets thicker, you will have to stir more and more so that it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot and burn.
Transfer to a jar and let cool to room temperature before storing in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Note that you can infuse the milk with a vanilla bean or vanilla bean paste to make vanilla-flavoured dulce de leche.