Learn to bake the perfect Dulce De Leche cake

Picture this: a moist, buttery cake infused with the flavors of rich dulce de leche and topped with a creamy frosting that will leave you wanting more. Sound too good to be true? It isn’t. This dulce de leche cake recipe is the perfect addition to your dessert repertoire.

As a chef specializing in Brazilian and American cuisine, I have always loved finding ways to blend flavors from both cultures. This cake is the result of that exploration – a delicious, decadent treat that combines the sweetness of dulce de leche with the classic comfort of yellow cake.

But what exactly is dulce de leche? In case you’re not familiar, it’s basically sweetened condensed milk cooked until it turns into a luscious, caramel-like spread. Used widely across Latin America as a topping, filling or stand-alone spread for bread or desserts, dulce de leche’s smooth, velvety texture and indulgent sweetness make it an excellent addition to any dessert recipe.

In this article, I will take you through each step of the process, including ingredient substitutions and variations. Finally, I will share some tips to help ensure perfect results every time. Trust me; once you try this dulce de leche cake recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Are you looking for a dessert that will wow your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied for hours? Then look no further than this delectable Dulce De Leche Cake recipe! As someone who has been cooking for years, I can confidently say that this recipe is not only easy to follow but it delivers a moist, rich and indulgent cake made with the best dulce de leche caramel.

This cake is the perfect combination of sweetness, nuttiness, and creaminess. Made with yellow cake mix, it’s super moist and has a rich buttery flavor. The delicious addition of dulce de leche cream cheese frosting takes this cake to the next level, making each bite feel like a luxurious experience.

What makes this cake even more special is how versatile it is. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just need a sweet treat after a long day, this cake is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. And if you want to switch things up, why not add some saffron or sprinkle some pistachios on top – the possibilities are endless!

Not only does this dulce de leche cake taste amazing but it’s also easy to make with ingredients readily available in most kitchens. So whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you can create something truly delicious with minimal effort.

The moment I tasted this cake, I knew I had discovered something truly magical. Trust me when I say that this cake will become the golden key to your dessert repertoire – an absolute must-have in any household. So go ahead and try out this incredible recipe; your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredient List

Before we start making this Dulce De Leche Cake Recipe, let’s gather all the ingredients that we will need. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make a rich, moist, and delicious cake that will leave everyone asking for more.

Cake Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs, separated
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup dulce de leche caramel (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping and Filling Ingredients:

• 2 cups sweetened whipped cream
• Coconut flakes and chopped pecans (optional)

Make sure to have all these ingredients before you start making this cake recipe!

The Recipe How-To

Now that we’ve introduced the dulce de leche cake recipe, conveyed why it’s worth trying and have all our ingredients ready, let’s get started on the exciting part – making the cake!

Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Cake Batter

In an electric mixer bowl, add in 1 yellow cake mix, 3 large eggs (separated), 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and 1 cup of water. Mix on medium speed until well combined.

Add The Remaining Cake Ingredients

Next, add in 1 teaspoon of baking powder and a pinch of salt to the mixture. Then gradually add in 1 1/3 cups of all-purpose flour while intermittently increasing mixing speed.

Beat The Batter Well

Once all have been thoroughly combined, increase your mixer’s speed to high and continue beating the batter for an additional two minutes ensuring air is whipped into it. This will make your cake layers extra light and fluffy!

Bake The Cake Layers

Divide the cake batter into two greased 8-inch round cake pans evenly. Place them in your preheated oven to bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of each layer. Once removed from oven, allow 5-10 minutes for cooling.

Whip Up The Dulce De Leche Frosting

While waiting for your cake layers to cool, beat together with an electric mixer- 4oz of cream cheese, 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened, and a dash of salt (1/2 tsp) until creamy.

Gradually add in 14oz dulce de leche caramel (basically sweetened condensed milk cooked until it becomes a luscious caramel) while continuing to mix on medium speed until well combined.

Finally, sprinkle in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract then beat for 1-2 minutes until a super moist buttercream is created.

Put Together The Layers

Next, place one layer of cake on your serving platter or cake stand with the flat side facing up. Spread a generous amount of frosting over it, ensuring complete coverage then freeze for 10-15 minutes to ensure the layer firms up.

Repeat the same process with the second layer of cake but this time place it over the first frosted layer with its flat side facing down.

Once that’s done, spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake completely covering all surface areas.

Decorate Your Cake

Now that we’ve got our dulce de leche frosting perfectly covering our cake layers, let’s add some pizzazz to it!

You can sprinkle on desserts such as coconut, pecans, or even opt for some fun toppings like chocolate chips or decorative sprinkles.

Serve and Enjoy!

Voila!

Substitutions and Variations

If you’re feeling creative, there are plenty of ways to make this Dulce De Leche Cake recipe your own. Here are some substitutions and variations that will give you a completely different experience with each new ingredient:

1. Vegan: If you want to make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the eggs with flax eggs and replace the butter with margarine or a non-dairy option.

2. Pumpkin: For a festive fall twist, add 1 cup of canned or pureed pumpkin to the cake mix and use a cream cheese frosting for the topping.

3. Chocolate: For all the chocolate lovers out there, mix 1/4 cup of cocoa powder into the cake mix and top with chocolate chips or drizzle chocolate dulce de leche on top.

4. Saffron: Add 1/2 teaspoon of saffron threads to the cake mix for a luxurious and exotic flavour.

5. Strawberry: Layer sliced fresh strawberries between the cake layers for a fruity twist on this classic dessert.

6. Pistachio: Incorporate 1/2 cup of finely chopped pistachios into the cake mix or sprinkle them on top for added crunch and nuttiness.

7. Tres Leches: Add 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk, 2 cups heavy whipping cream, 2 cups half and half in addition to classic dulce de leche caramel infused cake layers for an even more indulgent version of this delightful cake.

Remember, these substitutions are just ideas – don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with your favourite flavour combinations!

Serving and Pairing

Congratulations! You’ve created a remarkable Dulce De Leche Cake, an all-time favorite dessert for many. Now it’s time to savor your creation. There are many ways to serve and pair your Dulce De Leche cake recipe, but here is what I would suggest:

Serving: When you’re ready to cut the cake, make sure you do so with a sharp knife, rinsing it in hot water as necessary. In the meantime, have some dulce de leche ice cream waiting so you can scoop two scoops into each plate before adding the slice of cake to them. You can also top with some toasted coconut or chopped pecans for extra crunch.

Pairing: A slice of cake and a scoop of ice cream are always perfect cravings busters, but if you want something different, try pairing with coffee or caramel latte to balance the sweetness with its bitterness. Another great option could be saffron tea or a smooth tea blend with pistachio notes that complement the flavors well.

Variations and Substitutions: If you’re looking to mix things up or cater to someone else’s dietary needs, there are plenty of variations and substitutions available. Replace dulce de leche ice cream with caramel or chocolate ice cream for stunning results. You can also serve alongside some fresh strawberries to balance the richness of the cake.

For vegan alternatives, replacing butter with coconut oil and eggs with flax eggs work just fine without sacrificing taste. Additionally, if you’re feeling adventurous, try making a Pumpkin Dulce De Leche Cake by substituting 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree for 1 cup of water in the recipe.

Final Word: Whether you’re sharing with friends and family at a gathering or enjoying solo while watching your favorite movie series on Netflix, this Dulce De Leche Cake made up of moist butter cake layers soaked in “tres leches” — basically sweetened condensed milk cooked with evaporated milk and heavy cream — and filled with dulce de leche caramel will always create memorable moments. Enjoy!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

When it comes to dulce de leche cake, the good news is that it can be made ahead of time and stored with ease. However, before storing your cake, make sure to let it cool down to room temperature. Cover the cake in plastic wrap or an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.

When it’s time to serve or reheat your cake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to allow the frosting to soften slightly. If you want to reheat your whole cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place your cake on a baking sheet before placing it in the oven. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until the cake is warm.

The great thing about this recipe is that you can also freeze your dulce de leche cake if you’re not planning on eating it immediately. Simply wrap each slice of cake individually with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them into a Ziplock bag before putting them in the freezer.

To thaw your cake slices, simply remove them one by one from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-40 minutes before serving.

In terms of storage, dulce de leche cake can keep well in the refrigerator for up to five days. However, if you’re freezing your cake slices, they can last up to several weeks.

Remember: always handle your cake with care as it can get quite delicate when frozen. By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy a slice of deliciously moist dulce de leche cake anytime you want!

Tips for Perfect Results

An irresistible cake like Dulce De Leche Cake deserves to be made perfectly. So, I’m giving you some tips that will help you in achieving the perfect cake.

Firstly, cautious not to overmix the cake ingredients. If you mix the batter for a long time, it will create an excessive amount of gluten, which makes the cake dense and rubbery. This is because mixing generates tiny air bubbles in the batter enabling the cake to increase in volume as it cooks. So avoid excessive mixing.

Next, If you’re considering adding extra nuts or coconut flakes to the topping of the cake, carefully monitor them during the baking process. They burn easily and leaves an unpleasant burnt taste in your mouth. In case you notice your pecans are already starting to brown lightly earlier than your cake finishes baking, coat them with aluminum foil to protect them from burning.

Moreover, dulce de leche can be very delicious and tempting but let us lay off for a while because too much of everything can be dangerous too. Putting too much dulce de leche on top of the cake will keep it from soaking up milk sauce and soften uniformly.

Another tip is to refrigerate dulce de leche sauce before spreading it on top of your yellow cake mix, so the caramel stays in place while you spread it uniformly over the entire surface area, rather than spilling out from beneath at random times.

Last but not least, Make sure that once out of the oven before your three Milk sauce has been added, the yellow / golden cake mix 1 cup water 2-teaspoon vanilla 1/2 cup vegetable oil dulce de leche caramel has to be left for some time to cool down, about 10 minutes or so! Let it be till it drops down to room temperature due to being super hot when removed from the stove so it doesn’t melt in combination with Three Milk Sauce (which could lead to a disaster).

By following these tips, you can definitely achieve the perfect Dulce De Leche Cake that’ll impress your family and friends.

FAQ

As we approach the end of this resourceful article, it’s time to address the frequently asked questions about this decadent Dulce De Leche Cake recipe. Over the years, I have received several inquiries concerning substitutions, adjustments to measurements and various other concerns. Hence, in this segment, I’ll be answering some of the most common questions to ensure everyone achieves a perfect outcome. So let’s dive into it!

What is dulce de leche cake made of?

If you have yet to experience the incredible taste of dulce de leche, get ready for a delightful surprise. This luscious creation is made by cooking sweetened condensed milk until it transforms into a gooey, caramel-like concoction. While you can certainly buy it already made, I’ll show you the simple steps to create it yourself at home.

What is the difference between dulce de leche and caramel?

Although caramel and dulce de leche may appear similar in appearance and flavor, the way they are made is quite distinct. While caramel is produced by gradually boiling water and sugar until it turns into caramel, dulce de leche is prepared by reheating milk and sugar gradually until it turns into a smooth caramel-like consistency.

Is condensed milk the same as dulce de leche?

In order to create decadent dulce de leche, all that is needed is one simple ingredient: sweetened condensed milk. This single addition will result in a luxurious, thick caramel sauce that will take your taste buds to the next level.

Does dulce de leche cake need to be refrigerated?

Storing dulce de leche in a cool, dry spot such as a pantry is acceptable. Nonetheless, once you open the container, it is advisable to keep it in the fridge if you don’t intend to consume it within a couple of days.

Can I use caramel condensed milk instead of dulce de leche?

Making dulce de leche from sweetened condensed milk is incredibly easy. However, it is important to be careful and to keep the heat low during the process.

Is tres leches the same as dulce de leche?

This cake, known as Tres Leches, is made using three types of milk and has the added element of dulce de leche, resulting in a rich caramel flavor. To fully savor the delicious taste, it’s best to prepare the cake a night before serving.

Bottom Line

Fellow food lovers, if you are looking for a delicious and indulgent dessert that will leave your taste buds tingling with delight, this Dulce De Leche Cake Recipe is the perfect choice! It is an exceptional combination of creamy and moist cake layers that are soaked in a rich caramel sauce made of dulce de leche.

As someone who specializes in both Brazilian and American cuisine, I can genuinely say that this recipe is one of the best ways to showcase the beauty of dulce de leche. The ingredients in this recipe come together naturally, creating an unbelievably rich and delicious cake. This Dulce De Leche Cake Recipe has a lot to offer in terms of flavor and texture.

Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a sweet treat, this mix of coconut, pecans, and that caramel goodness from dulce de leche will make everyone happy after just one bite. You can serve it with a scoop of dulce de leche ice cream, or pair it with anything else you enjoy.

In addition, this recipe is easy to make and forgiving for substitutions or alterations. From vegan to pumpkin flavors, the possibilities are endless! And the best part? It’s great for make-ahead preparations, storage, and reheating.

Trust me when I say that making this Dulce De Leche Cake Recipe will be worth every effort as it truly delivers the perfect blend of heavenly flavors. So go ahead and give it a try – I guarantee that this recipe will become your new favorite dessert!

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