Dulce de leche cake is a decadent and indulgent dessert that combines the rich, caramel-like sweetness of dulce de leche with the soft, moist texture of a homemade cake. This delightful treat is perfect for any special occasion or just as a sweet ending to a meal. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients for Dulce De Leche Cake
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and texture for the cake.
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to create a moist crumb.
- 1/2 cup (100g) unsalted butter: Gives the cake a rich flavor and tender texture.
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk: Adds moisture and helps to dissolve the sugar.
- 3 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds structure.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, complementary flavor to the cake.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) dulce de leche: Adds a caramel flavor to the cake batter.
For the Dulce De Leche Frosting:
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened: Creates a creamy and smooth frosting.
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it structure.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) dulce de leche: Adds a rich caramel flavor to the frosting.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness of the frosting.
For the Garnish:
- Additional dulce de leche: For drizzling over the top of the cake.
- Chopped nuts or caramel shards (optional): For added texture and visual appeal.
How to Make Dulce De Leche Cake
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper. This will ensure that the cakes release easily after baking.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Fold in the dulce de leche until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
3. Bake the Cake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. The cakes should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Dulce De Leche Frosting:
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to avoid a cloud of sugar. Once combined, beat on high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Mix in the dulce de leche and vanilla extract until well combined. Add a pinch of salt to taste, adjusting the sweetness if necessary.
If the frosting is too thick, you can add a small amount of milk to reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
5. Assemble the Cake:
Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of dulce de leche frosting over the top.
Place the second cake layer on top and apply a crumb coat (a thin layer of frosting to seal in crumbs). Chill the cake for about 30 minutes to set the crumb coat.
After the crumb coat is set, apply a generous layer of frosting over the entire cake, smoothing the sides and top with a spatula.
Drizzle additional dulce de leche over the top of the cake and garnish with chopped nuts or caramel shards if desired.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the cake and serve. Enjoy the rich, caramel flavor and moist texture of this delectable dulce de leche cake. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.
About the Main Ingredients
Dulce De Leche:
Dulce de leche is a sweet, caramel-like sauce made by slowly heating sweetened milk. It has a rich, creamy texture and a deep caramel flavor. In this recipe, it not only flavors the cake but also serves as a key component of the frosting.
Unsalted Butter:
Unsalted butter is used to create a tender crumb in the cake and a creamy, smooth frosting. It’s important to use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt in the recipe.
All-Purpose Flour:
All-purpose flour provides the structure needed for the cake. It’s versatile and works well in many baking recipes.
Granulated Sugar:
Granulated sugar sweetens the cake and contributes to its texture. It helps to create a moist and fluffy crumb.
Baking Powder:
Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the cake rise. It’s essential for achieving a light and airy texture.
Eggs:
Eggs bind the ingredients together and provide structure. They also contribute to the moisture and richness of the cake.
This delightful dulce de leche cake is a crowd-pleaser that combines rich caramel flavor with a soft, moist crumb. With this recipe, you can easily create a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
