Dulce de leche cake is like a hug in dessert form—a soft, sweet embrace of rich caramel flavor that wraps around your taste buds. Imagine slicing into a fluffy cake, its layers revealing a luscious, creamy filling that drips with the essence of milk and sugar. Every bite transports you to a world where every day feels like a celebration, making it perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or simply because it’s Tuesday and you deserve some sweetness.
As I recall my first encounter with dulce de leche cake at a friend’s birthday party, I was smitten. The moment I took my first bite, I felt like I’d been initiated into some secret dessert society. Friends raved about it for days! This cake has become my go-to for impressing guests and indulging myself on cozy weekends. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that promises to turn any occasion into an unforgettable one!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This dulce de leche cake is incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers alike
- Its rich flavor profile will have everyone asking for seconds
- The visually stunning layers make it the centerpiece of any dessert table
- This cake is versatile—enjoy it as is or dress it up with fresh fruits or whipped cream
I once presented this masterpiece at a family gathering, and the look of joy on everyone’s faces was priceless.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Cake Flour: Use high-quality cake flour for a light, airy texture that melts in your mouth.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; remember to adjust according to your preference!
Baking Powder: This helps the cake rise beautifully; check the expiration date for freshness.
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter creates a rich flavor; let it reach room temperature before mixing.
Eggs: Fresh eggs provide structure and moisture; opt for large-sized ones.
Dulce de Leche: This creamy caramel sauce is the star of the show—homemade or store-bought works wonders.
Heavy Cream: Whipped heavy cream adds fluffiness and richness to the frosting; keep it chilled before whipping.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances all flavors; don’t skimp on quality here!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make dulce de leche cake
Prepare Your Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy—about 4 minutes should do the trick.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture while alternating with eggs—mix until just combined for best results.
Incorporate Dulce de Leche: Once your batter is ready, fold in half of the dulce de leche until well incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; we want lightness here!
Bake Your Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth out tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
Cool Down: After baking, allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks. Patience here is key—don’t rush!
Whip Up Frosting: While your cakes cool fully, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually fold in remaining dulce de leche along with vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
Assemble Your Masterpiece: Place one layer of cake on a serving plate and spread half of the dulce de leche frosting on top. Add second layer and frost generously all over the top and sides!
Serve It Up: Slice into this spectacular creation and watch as everyone’s eyes widen with delight! Serve with extra dulce de leche drizzled on top if you’re feeling fancy.
Enjoy this dulce de leche cake as an indulgent treat any day of the week. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just treating yourself (and trust me—you absolutely should), there’s nothing quite like this silky-sweet delight!
You Must Know
- This dulce de leche cake recipe is a sweet symphony of creamy, rich flavors
- The luscious caramel melds beautifully with the fluffy cake layers
- Don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to dessert for every occasion, from birthdays to casual get-togethers
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking the cake layers first while preparing the dulce de leche frosting. This ensures you have everything ready to assemble without waiting.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with flavorings like vanilla or almond extract in the cake batter for extra depth and personality.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy within three days for optimal freshness and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To avoid a dry cake, ensure you don’t overbake your layers; check for doneness early
- For an extra decadent touch, drizzle more dulce de leche on top before serving
- Always let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting
Sharing this dulce de leche cake at my friend’s birthday party was a game-changer; everyone asked for seconds and compliments flew like confetti.
FAQ
What can I use instead of dulce de leche?
You can substitute with caramel sauce or homemade caramel for similar sweetness.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake the layers a day ahead and frost just before serving for best results.
How do I fix a dry cake?
A simple syrup brushed over the layers can add moisture back into a dry cake.
Dulce de Leche Cake
Dulce de leche cake is an irresistible treat that combines rich caramel flavor with fluffy cake layers, perfect for any celebration or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth. Each slice reveals a creamy filling that elevates your dessert experience. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or indulging at home, this cake will leave everyone asking for more!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients
- 2 cups cake flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup dulce de leche (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture while alternating with eggs.
- Fold in half of the dulce de leche until well mixed. Divide batter between prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
- Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form; fold in remaining dulce de leche and vanilla extract.
- Assemble by spreading frosting between layers and covering top and sides.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For added flavor, try incorporating almond extract into the batter. To store leftovers, keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
