Treat Yourself to Heavenly Dulce de Leche Cupcakes Today
Esteemed readers, it brings me great pleasure to share with you today a recipe that you will surely savor with every bite – the Dulce de Leche Cupcakes! If you have a sweet tooth and are a fan of caramel flavors, this recipe is made especially for you.
Dulce de leche, a renowned dessert originating from South America, is a delicious, decadent reminder of the richness of life. The cupcakes we will create today combine this delicious milk caramelization with moist, fluffy cake to create the perfect treat for any occasion.
These cupcakes are complex in flavor yet simple to make. With pantry-friendly ingredients and straightforward steps that even a novice baker can follow, these cupcakes will be ready for baking in no time.
Join me on this indulgent journey and let’s create a batch of delightful Dulce de Leche cupcakes together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
My dear readers, I assure you that this dulce de leche cupcakes recipe will be the dessert that you’ve been dreaming of. The name itself, “dulce de leche,” is enough to make your mouth water. This rich and creamy dessert is one that deserves a special place in your heart and recipe box.
First and foremost, this recipe captures the essence of Brazilian cuisine. Dulce de leche is a staple ingredient in countless Brazilian dishes and desserts, so it’s no surprise that it’s the star of these delicious cupcakes. In every bite, you can taste the sweet and velvety caramel flavor that has made these treats a favorite among Brazilian households.
But why stop there? These cupcakes offer much more than just a taste of Brazil. With the combination of the delicate cake crumb and the creamy frosting, these treats provide an unparalleled textural experience. The moist cakes are perfectly balanced with the just-right sweetness of both the cupcakes and frosting, creating an exceptional balance of flavors.
Furthermore, this recipe offers versatility that is unparalleled. It’s perfect for any occasion or setting. Whether you’re looking for something to celebrate a special occasion or just want to indulge in something sweet after dinner, dulce de leche cupcakes have got you covered. These cupcakes pair well with coffee or tea and perfect for sharing with friends and loved ones.
In conclusion, this dulce de leche cupcakes recipe is an absolute masterpiece that you’ll fall in love with from the first bite. Its unique blend of flavors from Brazil combined with its irresistible texture make it stand out amongst other cakes and desserts. Trust me when I say that once you try these cupcakes, they will become one of your new go-to desserts for any occasion!
Ingredient List
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 4 teaspoons fleur de sel or sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup dulce de leche
Dulce de Leche Buttercream
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons light cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups confectioner’s sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dulce de leche
- Heavy cream, as needed to reach desired consistency
Note: Specific brands for sweetened condensed milk and dulce de leche are mentioned for reference only. Feel free to use any brand available in your local supermarket.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Make the Dulce de Leche
1. Preheat oven to 425F (220C). Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a baking dish and sprinkle with fleur de sel.
2. Cover the dish with foil and place it in a roasting pan filled halfway with water.
3. Bake the condensed milk for 75 minutes, making sure to add water as needed to keep the pan from drying out.
4. When the dulce de leche is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Cupcakes
1. Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a large bowl, cream together unsalted butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add in eggs one at a time, making sure to thoroughly mix after each addition.
4. Stir in vanilla extract and salted dulce de leche until well combined.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together unbleached all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
6. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk, until just combined.
7. Fill each liner about ¾ full with batter and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Remove from oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
Step 3: Make the Frosting
1. In a large bowl, beat together softened unsalted butter and light cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually sprinkle in confectioners’ sugar while continuing to beat on low speed, adding more or less as needed to reach desired consistency.
3. Mix in vanilla extract and salted dulce de leche until creamy.
4. For a chocolate version, mix in ¼ cup of melted chocolate dulce de leche.
Step 4: Assemble the Cupcakes
1. Once cupcakes are cooled, use a piping bag to pipe frosting onto each cupcake.
2. Drizzle extra dulce de leche on top of the frosting for added flavor and garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt or a caramel drizzle for added visual appeal.
3. Serve and enjoy!
These moist cupcakes are sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth or craving for something with a little bit of richness from the delightful flavor of dulce de leche. Pair them with coffee, tea or your favorite milk drink, and enjoy them for breakfast, brunch or dessert!
Substitutions and Variations
My dear readers, as an experienced chef, I understand that not everyone has access to the same ingredients, and that’s why I am delighted to suggest some possible substitutions and variations for this dulce de leche cupcake recipe. Whether it’s a dietary restriction or a preference, these modifications can add a personal touch to your cupcakes.
First of all, if you’re looking for a healthier version, you may substitute white flour with whole wheat or almond flour. However, keep in mind that the texture may differ from the original recipe.
For those who do not consume dairy products but still crave for the caramel taste of dulce de leche cupcakes, I recommend using vegan cream cheese and butter as well as coconut milk instead of buttermilk or whole milk. You may also use vegan sweetened condensed milk or make your own by boiling down plant-based milk with sugar until thickened.
If you are feeling adventurous and want to add some new flavor combinations to this classic recipe, consider swapping out the vanilla extract with almond extract or nutmeg to create an unconventional twist. Additionally, sprinkle fleur de sel instead of sea salt on top of your cupcakes for an extra burst of salty goodness.
For chocolate lovers out there, you may use chocolate cake mix instead of white cake mix and drizzle melted chocolate over your cupcakes before adding dulce de leche frosting. Another popular choice is incorporating cinnamon into the batter for churro-inspired cupcakes. Alternatively, try making banana, pear, or tres leches flavored cupcakes served with dulce de leche buttercream frosting.
I hope these substitutions and variations stimulate your creativity in the kitchen and allow you to make the most out of this exceptional recipe.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve baked these lovely dulce de leche cupcakes, it’s time to enjoy them with the right accompaniments. These cupcakes are delicious on their own, but pairing them with certain drinks can elevate your culinary experience.
For a classic pairing, serve your cupcakes with a warm cup of coffee. The robust and slightly bitter flavor profile of coffee complements the sweet and caramel-like flavor of dulce de leche. For those looking for an added indulgence, a cup of hot cocoa is a perfect fit. The sweetness and warmth of the cocoa complement the tender crumb of these cupcakes beautifully.
If you’re in the mood to experiment with something more adventurous, pair your cupcakes with a refreshing glass of Rosé wine. The acidity and fruity notes in Rosé compliment the sweetness of the cake without being overpowering.
If alcohol is not your fancy, chill a glass of milk for that creamy and refreshing taste that is perfect for anything from breakfast to dessert. A nice cold glass of milk will help balance out the richness of these cupcakes.
To take it one step further, add some fleur de sel or sea salt flakes to your cupcakes before serving. This will enhance the flavors by adding another dimension to this delectable treat.
Ultimately, these moist and flavorful dulce de leche cupcakes are versatile enough to be enjoyed at any time and occasion. Pair them with your favorite beverage or decorate them with frosting for any special event. Regardless of how you choose to serve your cupcakes, it is sure to be an irresistible delight to everyone who partakes in them!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
My delectable dulce de leche cupcakes are perfect for when you’re entertaining guests or have a special occasion coming up. But what do you do if you’re short on time and need to prepare ahead? Worry not, for these cupcakes can be made a day or two in advance.
To make-ahead, store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Frost them when you’re ready to serve them so that they look and taste fresh.
If you have leftovers, fret not. These moist cupcakes can be easily stored by wrapping them individually with plastic wrap and refrigerating them for 3-4 days. When ready to enjoy again, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
When it comes to reheating, it’s best not to microwave them as they might get dry and hard. Instead, warm them up in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will help revive their freshness and keep their texture just as soft and moist as before.
In conclusion, by following these simple tips, you can make these incredible dulce de leche cupcakes ahead of time without worrying about losing their texture or flavor. Plus, any leftovers can be easily stored and enjoyed over a few days with ease!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that we’ve covered the recipe for Dulce De Leche Cupcakes in detail, let’s chat about some tips and tricks to ensure perfect results every time you make them. Whether this is your first time making them or you’re a seasoned baker, these tips and substitutions will come in handy.
1. Start by gathering all the ingredients before beginning. It makes the preparation process easier and efficient. Also, be sure to use quality ingredients for maximum flavor.
2. In case you don’t have fleur de sel, sea salt can work as a great substitute as well.
3. The butter and cream cheese should be at room temperature before making the frosting. This allows for easy blending with other ingredients and a smooth texture.
4. Be careful not to overmix the batter as it can result in dense cupcakes.
5. If you want an even more intense dulce de leche flavor, you can increase the amount of dulce de leche used in the cupcake batter and frosting.
6. To make an even more delicious combo, you can add chocolate chips to the cupcake batter, or top them off with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
7. Don’t have buttermilk? Make your own by adding one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to one cup of whole milk.
8. When making the Dulce De Leche Buttercream, take care not to overheat it while making the dulce de leche sauce or it might become chewy.
By following these tips, you’re sure to make moist cupcakes with creamy frosting that are irresistible to eat!
FAQ
Now that you have a good grasp of the recipe, let’s take some time to address any questions you may have. Even with the most detailed instructions, it’s perfectly normal to have concerns or uncertainties about certain elements. In this section, I will cover frequently asked questions and provide helpful tips and suggestions to further assist you in creating the perfect Dulce De Leche Cupcakes.
What is the secret to moist cupcakes?
Creating perfectly light and airy cupcakes is all about the technique you use when mixing your batter. To ensure your cupcakes turn out moist and fluffy, it’s important to incorporate air bubbles that expand once they’re in the oven. On the flip side, over-mixing your batter can lead to these bubbles collapsing and ending up with a dense, unappetizing cake. To prevent this, it’s advisable to mix your ingredients on a low speed and to stop just as everything looks blended.
Is dulce de leche the same as condensed milk?
A luscious and creamy caramel sauce called Dulce de Leche can be made with just one ingredient – sweetened condensed milk.
What is the difference between caramel and dulce de leche?
Although caramel and dulce de leche may appear alike and possess comparable flavors, they actually consist of distinct ingredients and cooking methods. Caramel is produced by slowly boiling sugar and water until it caramelizes. Comparatively, dulce de leche is created by a slow simmer of milk and sugar until it becomes a smooth, caramelized cream.
How to fill caramel in cupcakes?
Alright, it’s time to add a little surprise to your cupcakes. After they’ve cooled, grab either a cupcake corer or a large piping tip. Place it in the middle of each cupcake, making sure to go halfway down, and remove the center. Then, grab a small spoon and carefully fill the hole with the heavenly goodness that is salted caramel.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these Dulce De Leche cupcakes are an absolute delight for any sweet tooth or baking enthusiast. Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but they’re also versatile and customizable to accommodate any preferences or dietary restrictions.
By following the step-by-step recipe guide and using high-quality ingredients such as unsalted butter, sweetened condensed milk, and fleur de sel, you’ll achieve moist and flavorful cupcakes that will have everyone begging for more. And with the added bonus of the salted Dulce De Leche Buttercream frosting, you’ll elevate these cupcakes to a whole new level of decadence and indulgence.
Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, these Dulce De Leche cupcakes are the perfect treat that will satisfy your cravings and exceed your expectations. So don’t hesitate to gather your ingredients, preheat your oven and get ready to indulge in the heavenly flavors of Dulce De Leche. Trust me; it’s worth every byte!
DULCE De LECHE CUPCAKES Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, ground
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup dulce de leche
- 1/3 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 tablespoon grapeseed oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 ounces light cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup dulce de leche, divided
- 1 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1 small pinch fleur de sel
Instructions
- In a large pot with boiling water, place a can of sweetened condensed milk sideways (not standing up) – make sure there are no dents on the can. Simmer on medium heat for 2:20 hours. When time is up, carefully remove the can and let it cool completely.
- Preheat oven to 350ºF. In a large bowl, add flour, baking powder, baking soda and sea salt; whisk until well combined and set aside.
- In a bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream brown sugar and butter on medium speed. Add eggs, one at the time, beating well between each addition. To this, add dulce de leche and buttermilk; process on low speed and slowly increase to medium-high for about 1 ½ minutes, stopping and cleaning the sides of the bowl.
- Add the dry ingredients to the dulce de leche mixture and process on low speed until just blended, about 45 seconds. Add oil and pure vanilla extract and process for 30 seconds; the batter should have a nice smooth texture.
- Insert cupcake liners in a muffin pan and using an ice cream scoop, fill up the cups with the batter about 2/3 full. Gently tap the pan on the counter to remove any trapped air bubbles before transferring to preheated oven; bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out with only a few crumbs. Let the cupcakes cool off in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Meanwhile, in a bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, add cream cheese and butter; process until mixed. Add 2 tablespoons dulce de leche and process until fairly well combined. Add half of the confectioners’ sugar and on low speed, process until mixed then increase to medium-high. Repeat the same steps with the other half, cleaning the sides of the bowl. It’s optional but if wanted, add a tiny pinch fleur de sel and if so, process.
- Spoon the buttercream into a piping bag with a large tip and squeeze out the mixture onto the cupcakes. Warm up 2 tablespoons dulce de leche in the microwave until just pourable and drizzle over the buttercream. If wanted, sprinkle on a few grains of fleur de sel and refrigerate for 1 hour. Makes 12 cupcakes.
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Dora
Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.