Dulce de leche cake is a rich, moist layer cake filled and frosted with smooth, golden dulce de leche—a sweet caramel-like spread made by slowly heating sweetened milk. The cake itself is buttery and soft, with a gentle crumb that soaks up the caramel flavor beautifully. Perfect for celebrations or a cozy weekend dessert, this cake is pure comfort with every bite. This recipe serves 10–12.
Ingredients
For the cake layers:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk
For the filling and frosting:
2 cups dulce de leche (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, to balance sweetness)
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for a lighter texture)
How to Make Dulce de Leche Cake
Bake the cake layers:
Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and creamy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
Add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Mix just until combined—don’t overmix.
Divide the batter evenly between the pans and smooth the tops.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on wire racks.
Make the frosting:
In a bowl, beat softened butter with dulce de leche until smooth and spreadable.
For a softer frosting, beat in a bit of heavy cream until you reach your desired texture. Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Assemble the cake:
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of dulce de leche frosting on top.
Place the second cake layer over it, then frost the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
Decorate with swirls, drips of extra dulce de leche, or a dusting of cocoa or chopped nuts.
Serving Suggestions
Chill slightly before slicing for cleaner cuts. Serve with coffee or a glass of milk. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Dulce de leche cake is full of creamy caramel flavor in every bite. It’s sweet, soft, and comforting—a cake that doesn’t need fancy extras to shine.
