Dulce de Leche Caramel Cake

Dulce de Leche Caramel Cake is an indulgent dessert that celebrates the rich, velvety sweetness of dulce de leche. With layers of moist cake filled and topped with luscious caramel cream, this dessert offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is both luxurious and unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is a dream for caramel lovers. The dulce de leche provides deep, toffee-like notes that pair beautifully with a soft, buttery sponge. It’s ideal for special occasions like birthdays or holidays, but simple enough to prepare for whenever you crave a truly decadent dessert.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cake:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Whole milk or buttermilk

For the frosting and filling:

• Dulce de leche (store-bought or homemade)
• Heavy cream
• Cream cheese or mascarpone (optional, for structure)
• Powdered sugar (optional, for sweetness balance)
• Sea salt (optional, for salted caramel version)

Optional decoration:

• Additional dulce de leche drizzle
• Crushed toffee or caramel candies
• Whipped cream

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans.
2. Make the batter: Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with milk, mixing just until combined.
4. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
5. Prepare the frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat dulce de leche with heavy cream until smooth and fluffy. Add cream cheese or powdered sugar if desired for stability.
6. Assemble the cake: Spread frosting between the layers and over the top and sides of the cake. Smooth with a spatula.
7. Decorate: Drizzle with extra dulce de leche and sprinkle with crushed caramel or toffee if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10–12 slices
• Prep time: 25 minutes
• Bake time: 30 minutes
• Assembly/cooling time: 1 hour
• Total time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate version: Add cocoa powder to the cake batter for a chocolate-caramel twist.
• Salted caramel: Add a pinch of sea salt to the frosting for a salty-sweet flavor.
• Nutty topping: Garnish with chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Layer cake: Create more layers with thinner cake rounds for a taller, show-stopping presentation.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze individual slices or the entire cake (without decorations) tightly wrapped for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheating: Not applicable; best served chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

What is dulce de leche?

Dulce de leche is a caramel-like sauce made by slowly heating sweetened condensed milk until it becomes thick and golden.

Can I use canned dulce de leche?

Yes, canned or jarred versions work well and save time.

Can I make this cake ahead?

Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

What type of cake pairs best with dulce de leche?

A soft vanilla sponge or butter cake complements the richness of the caramel beautifully.

Can I make it a layer cake?

Absolutely. You can double the recipe for more layers or slice each layer in half.

How do I keep the frosting from being too sweet?

Balance sweetness with a bit of cream cheese or a pinch of salt.

Can I use whipped cream instead of frosting?

Yes, lightly sweetened whipped cream with dulce de leche folded in makes a light topping.

What’s the best way to drizzle the caramel?

Warm the dulce de leche slightly for easier drizzling over the cake.

Can I add fruit?

Yes, sliced bananas or apples pair wonderfully with the caramel flavors.

How do I serve this cake?

Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature with coffee or milk.

Conclusion

Dulce de Leche Caramel Cake is an elegant and decadent dessert that’s sure to impress. Its creamy, caramel-infused layers and rich flavor make it a standout on any dessert table. Whether for a holiday, celebration, or just because, this cake is a delicious way to treat yourself and those you love.

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