Originating from South America, dulce de leche is sweetened milk that is cooked and reduced until it reaches a similar look, consistency, and flavor of caramel.
However, because the confectionary uses milk as a base, cooking enthusiasts may be wondering if it goes bad quickly—or if it expires at all.
Dulce de leche can be stored at room temperature for one to three months if it remains airtight and sealed. Once opened, it can stay fresh in the fridge for about two weeks. In addition, dulce de leche can be frozen after use and will keep for several months as long as it is sealed correctly.
How long dulce de leche will keep depends on a few factors, such as its specific ingredients, how it’s stored, and the environment it’s stored in.
In the remainder of this article, we’ll discuss how these factors influence the sweet confectionary’s expiration date, as well as storage tips to ensure your dulce de leche lasts for as long as possible.
***IMPORTANT: Do not open the cans while they are still hot! Let them cool completely before opening. Open the cans, stir the dulce de leche, transfer it to mason jars, and store it in the fridge for up to 1 month.
Does Dulce de Leche Go Bad?
In short, yes, dulce de leche does go bad; just like any food, there are ways to keep it fresh, but it will always go bad eventually.
However, if you follow a few simple storage tips, there are ways you can elongate the amount of time it has before that point.
How Long Will Dulce de Leche Keep?
In an airtight container, dulce de leche can last for as long as one to three months when left unopened.
As previously mentioned, the exact time frame will depend on how the dulce de leche was made, and the environment it’s stored in.
Dulce de leche goes bad much faster after the airtight container has been opened.
This exposes the desert to the air, which then causes it to spoil faster due to chemical reactions.
Once opened, if you do not plan to eat it within the next day or two, it is recommended to store the dulce de leche in the fridge.
Once in the fridge, it will only be good for about two weeks at most.
Condensed Milk Expired 3 Years Ago.
FAQ
How long is dulce de leche good for after opening?
How do you store an open can of dulce de leche?
How long is La Lechera good for after opening?
How long can leche stay in the fridge?
How long does dulce de leche last?
Once opened, it can stay fresh in the fridge for about two weeks. In addition, dulce de leche can be frozen after use and will keep for several months as long as it is sealed correctly. How long dulce de leche will keep depends on a few factors, such as its specific ingredients, how it’s stored, and the environment it’s stored in.
Do you need to refrigerate a dulce de leche?
Suppose your normal home environment is usually around room temperature, which is generally regarded as being around 72°F, and your Dulce de Leche is in an unopened airtight container. In that case, there is no need to refrigerate it. You can keep it in a cool, dry place such as a pantry or kitchen cupboard.
Does dulce de leche go bad?
However, because the confectionary uses milk as a base, cooking enthusiasts may be wondering if it goes bad quickly—or if it expires at all. Dulce de leche can be stored at room temperature for one to three months if it remains airtight and sealed. Once opened, it can stay fresh in the fridge for about two weeks.
How long does it take to make dulce de leche?
Bake 50 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. For a simple dulce de leche, submerge an unopened can of sweetened condensed milk in boiling water, simmer for 3 hours (less, if you want it a thinner consistency) and cool. Pour 2-3 cups of sugar into a sealable container.