Velvety Dulce de Leche Fondue Recipe

Creamy Dulce De Leche Fondue Recipe For Sweet Dipping Fun

Sweet treats reach new heights with this decadent dulce de leche fondue that promises pure indulgence.

Creamy, rich dulce de leche creates a luxurious dipping experience for dessert enthusiasts.

Chocolate, fruits, and pastries become irresistible when coated in this smooth caramel sauce.

Each bite melts with silky warmth and deep caramelized flavor.

Hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, this fondue turns ordinary moments into delectable memories.

Gather your favorite dippers and prepare for a dessert that will dazzle every palate.

Let the sweet adventure begin and savor every delightful moment.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal

Servings: 6

Dulce de Leche Fondue: What You’ll Need

For The Base:
  • Dulce de Leche: Sweet caramel-like sauce with rich, deep flavor that forms the heart of the fondue, choose high-quality brands for best results.
  • Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious smoothness and helps create a silky texture, select fresh cream with high butterfat content.
  • Milk: Helps adjust the fondue's consistency and adds lightness, use whole milk for better richness.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the fondue, opt for pure vanilla for more authentic taste.
  • Sea Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out deeper caramel notes, use flaky sea salt for subtle crunch.
For Dipping Companions:
  • Fresh Fruits: Strawberries, banana slices, apple chunks provide refreshing contrast to sweet fondue.
  • Cookies: Shortbread, graham crackers, biscotti offer delightful crunchy texture.
  • Marshmallows: Soft, pillowy treats that melt beautifully in warm dulce de leche.
  • Pound Cake: Dense cake that absorbs fondue wonderfully, cut into bite-sized cubes.
  • Pretzels: Salty option that creates delicious sweet-salty combination.

The Gear for a Smooth Fondue Night

  • Medium Saucepan: Essential for heating and mixing dulce de leche, cream, and milk smoothly.
  • Fondue Pot or Heatproof Serving Bowl: Perfect for keeping the fondue warm and serving.
  • Wooden Spoon or Whisk: Helps stir ingredients and maintain a silky texture.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Serving Platter: Provides space for dipping items like fruits and cookies.
  • Fondue Forks or Skewers: Allows easy and fun dipping of treats into the creamy fondue.

How to Melt and Mix a Dulce de Leche Fondue

  • Craft Creamy Base

Whisk dulce de leche, heavy cream, and milk together in a medium saucepan over gentle heat. Stir continuously to create a smooth, silky mixture.

  • Enhance Flavor Profile

Incorporate vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt. Keep stirring the mixture until it becomes luxuriously smooth and thoroughly heated, about 5 minutes.

  • Perfect the Texture

Check the fondue’s consistency. If it feels too thick, splash in milk gradually, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a luscious, pourable texture.

  • Prepare Serving Station

Transfer the warm, velvety dulce de leche mixture into a fondue pot or elegant serving bowl. Maintain a gentle warmth using a low flame or tea light.

  • Create Dipping Delight

Arrange an assortment of dippable treats on a platter. Invite guests to dive into the creamy dulce de leche with fondue forks, exploring delectable combinations of fruits, cookies, and other sweet companions.

Fun Ideas to Switch Up Fondue Dipping Flavors

  • Stir the fondue constantly to prevent burning or sticking, ensuring a silky-smooth texture that glides perfectly over your dipping treats.
  • Always use medium-low heat to gently warm the dulce de leche mixture, preventing scorching and maintaining a luxurious, creamy consistency.
  • Replace heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a delicious lactose-free version that keeps the rich, caramel-like flavor intact.
  • Experiment with additional mix-ins like cinnamon, bourbon, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to create a unique twist on the classic dulce de leche fondue.
  • Prepare the fondue base up to 2 days in advance and gently reheat before serving, making party prep a breeze and allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

Ways to Serve Dulce de Leche Fondue for Guests

  • Fruit Platter Paradise: Slice strawberries, bananas, apple wedges, and pineapple chunks for a colorful and fresh dipping selection that brings tropical sweetness to your fondue experience.
  • Cookie Crunch Corner: Arrange shortbread cookies, graham crackers, ladyfingers, and biscotti for a delightful crispy contrast that adds texture and crunch when dunked into the creamy dulce de leche.
  • Sweet Indulgence Extras: Include marshmallows, pound cake cubes, waffle pieces, and pretzel sticks to create a fun mix of sweet and slightly salty options that complement the rich caramel flavor of the fondue.
  • Nutty Garnish Station: Sprinkle chopped almonds, toasted coconut flakes, and crushed pecans around the platter to add extra crunch and provide a delicious finishing touch to your dipped treats.

Storing Leftover Fondue Without the Mess

  • Transfer leftover fondue to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Gently reheat in microwave or stovetop, stirring occasionally to restore smooth consistency.
  • Wash and slice fruits like strawberries, bananas, and apples ahead of time. Store cut fruits in cold water with a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning, then pat dry before serving.
  • Enhance fondue's richness by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or sea salt when reheating. Experiment with different warm spices to create unique taste variations.
  • Prepare dulce de leche fondue base up to 2 days in advance. Keep sealed in refrigerator, then gently warm and whisk before serving to restore creamy texture and prevent separation.
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Velvety Dulce de Leche Fondue Recipe

Velvety Dulce de Leche Fondue Recipe


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4.5 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Silky dulce de leche fondue brings Argentine dessert magic to your table, creating a luxurious sweet experience. Guests will dip fresh fruits, cookies, and cake into this creamy caramel delight, discovering pure indulgence with each heavenly bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (300 g) dulce de leche
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp butter (optional, for extra silkiness)
  • 1 pinch salt
  • Pretzels
  • Pound cake cubes
  • Brownie bites
  • Marshmallows
  • Shortbread cookies
  • Biscotti
  • Wafers
  • Strawberries
  • Banana slices
  • Apple slices
  • Grapes

Instructions

  1. Fondue Preparation: Blend dulce de leche, heavy cream, and milk in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, whisking continuously until achieving a silky, uniform texture.
  2. Flavor Infusion: Incorporate vanilla extract and sea salt, allowing the mixture to simmer and meld flavors, creating a rich, aromatic base while maintaining a smooth consistency.
  3. Consistency Management: Fine-tune the fondue’s thickness by gradually introducing milk, ensuring an ideal, velvety texture that coats dipping items perfectly.
  4. Serving Setup: Transfer the warm, luscious dulce de leche mixture into a dedicated fondue pot or elegant heatproof serving vessel, maintaining a gentle warmth using a low flame or tea light to preserve its luxurious, dippable quality.
  5. Presentation and Enjoyment: Artfully arrange an array of dipping companions – such as fresh fruits, crisp cookies, and delectable treats – alongside fondue forks or skewers, inviting guests to indulge in this decadent, interactive dessert experience.

Notes

  • Maintain low, gentle heat to prevent burning or scorching the dulce de leche, which can quickly turn bitter and ruin the smooth texture.
  • Stir continuously and monitor thickness, adding milk gradually to achieve the perfect dippable consistency without becoming too runny or thick.
  • Use premium dulce de leche and fresh heavy cream for richer, more luxurious flavor that elevates the entire fondue experience.
  • Swap dairy milk with almond or coconut milk for lactose-free version, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can also enjoy this delectable dessert.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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