Dulce de Leche Cake Recipe

 Dulce de Leche Cake Recipe

Dulce de Leche Cake is a decadent and luxurious dessert that combines the rich, caramel-like flavor of dulce de leche with the moistness of a perfectly baked cake. Originating from Latin America, dulce de leche is a sweet milk-based sauce that adds an irresistible richness to any dessert. This comprehensive recipe will guide you through creating a stunning Dulce de Leche Cake from scratch.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

-2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour

-1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar

-1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened

-1/2 cup of vegetable oil

-4 large eggs

-1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

-1 cup of whole milk

-1/2 cup of sour cream

-2 teaspoons of baking powder

-1/2 teaspoon of baking soda

-1/2 teaspoon of salt

For the Dulce de Leche Filling:

-2 cups of store-bought or homemade dulce de leche

For the Frosting:

-1 cup of unsalted butter, softened

-4 cups of powdered sugar

-1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

-1/2 cup of dulce de leche

-2-4 tablespoons of heavy cream (as needed)

For Garnish:

-Caramel drizzle (optional)

-Toffee bits or caramel shards (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Cake

1-Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

2-Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3-Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

4-Add Oil and Eggs: Add the vegetable oil to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed in before adding the next.

 Mix in the vanilla extract.

5-Incorporate Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the whole milk and sour cream.

6-Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk-sour cream mixture. Start and finish with the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.

 Be careful not to overmix.

7-Pour into Pans: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans, spreading it out with a spatula.

Step 2: Baking the Cake

1-Bake: 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 pressed.

2-Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Preparing the Dulce de Leche Filling

1-Heat the Dulce de Leche: If the dulce de leche is too thick to spread, heat it in a microwave-safe bowl for 15-20 seconds to soften it. Stir well to achieve a spreadable consistency.

Step 4: Preparing the Frosting

1-Cream the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.

2-Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined. Scrape the sides of the bowl as necessary.

3-Add Vanilla and Dulce de Leche: Add the vanilla extract and dulce de leche to the frosting, beating on medium speed until well incorporated.

4-Adjust Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Beat on high speed for 2-3 minutes until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.

Step 5: Assembling the Cake

1-Level the Cakes: If necessary, level the tops of the cakes with a serrated knife to ensure they are flat.

2-Layer with Filling: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of dulce de leche over the top. Repeat with the second cake layer, spreading dulce de leche over the top.

3-Add Top Layer: Place the third cake layer on top, ensuring it is level and even.

4-Crumb Coat: Apply a thin layer of the frosting over the entire cake to create a crumb coat. Chill the cake for 20-30 minutes to set the crumb coat.

5-Finish Frosting: Apply the remaining frosting in a smooth, even layer over the cake. Use a spatula or cake smoother to create a polished finish.

Step 6: Garnishing the Cake

1-Drizzle Caramel: If desired, drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.

2-Add Toffee Bits: Sprinkle toffee bits or place caramel shards on top for a decorative touch.

-Tips for Perfect Dulce de Leche Cake

-Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially butter, eggs, milk, and sour cream, are at room temperature. This helps to achieve a smooth batter and even texture.

-Homemade Dulce de Leche: For a richer flavor, consider making homemade dulce de leche by simmering sweetened condensed milk until it turns into a thick, caramel-like sauce.

-Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter only until the dry ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake.

-Cooling Time: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

-Chill the Dulce de Leche: Chilling the dulce de leche before spreading it between the cake layers can help it stay in place and not seep out.

Variations

-Chocolate Dulce de Leche Cake: Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate version of this cake.

-Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the batter or use them as a garnish for added texture and flavor.

**Salted Caramel

:** Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the dulce de leche filling layers for a sweet and salty contrast that enhances the caramel flavor.

-Serving Suggestions

-Dulce de Leche Cake is a showstopper dessert that can be served in various ways:

-With Coffee or Tea: Pair a slice of this rich cake with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.

-As Dessert: Serve the cake as a dessert at dinner parties or special occasions. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side complements the flavors perfectly.

-Celebratory Cake: Decorate the cake with additional embellishments like edible gold leaf, chocolate curls, or fresh berries for a celebration or festive occasion.

Storage and Freezing

Storing:

Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Freezing:

Freeze the Cake: Wrap the cooled, unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Thawing: To thaw, place the wrapped cake layers in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for several hours. Frost and assemble the cake once completely thawed.

The Origins of Dulce de Leche

Dulce de leche, which translates to "sweet milk" in Spanish, is a traditional Latin American confection made by slowly heating sweetened milk until it caramelizes and thickens. Its origins are often attributed to Argentina, where it is a beloved ingredient in many desserts. Dulce de leche has also become popular in other countries, including Uruguay, Brazil, and Mexico, each with its own variations and uses.

Conclusion

Dulce de Leche Cake is a luxurious and indulgent dessert that showcases the rich, caramel flavor of dulce de leche in every bite. This detailed recipe ensures you can create a moist, flavorful cake that is perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee, served as a dessert at a dinner party, or decorated for a special celebration, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy the process of baking and savor each delicious bite of this Dulce de Leche Cake.