Dulce de Leche
Caramelised milk spread that Argentines put on everything.
About Dulce de Leche
Milk and sugar are slowly cooked until they caramelise into a thick, glossy, toffee-like spread. It fills alfajores and pastries, tops ice cream and is eaten straight from the jar.
🏛️ History & Culture
Dulce de leche's origins are debated, with both Argentina and Uruguay claiming it as their own, along with other Latin American countries. A popular legend attributes its invention to a 19th-century Argentine kitchen where a pot of milk and sugar was accidentally left to overheat, but this story is not historically verified.
In Argentina, dulce de leche is a national culinary icon, essential to alfajores, pastries, and ice cream, and is even eaten straight from the jar. Its deep caramel flavor and versatility have made it a staple of Argentine identity, though similar preparations like Mexico's cajeta and Chile's manjar show its broader regional reach.
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✅ Before you go to Argentina
Round out your trip — most travellers book these alongside their trip.
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Alfajores
Crumbly shortbread sandwich filled with dulce de leche.
Travel guides for Argentina
All travel guides →Planning a trip where Dulce de Leche is on the menu? These guides cover Argentina and beyond.
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