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Indulge in the rich and creamy delight of my family’s favorite Dulce de Leche Cake recipe. A perfect blend of moist vanilla cake, luscious Dulce de Leche, and smooth vanilla frosting, this 3-layer cake is a testament to Hispanic culinary heritage. Whether using homemade or store-bought Dulce de Leche, this step-by-step guide makes baking this heavenly dessert a breeze.

If you’ve never baked a Dulce de Leche cake before, this recipe makes it easy. This Latin American-inspired masterpiece is a moist, caramel-infused delight that will captivate your taste buds with every bite.

Dulce de leche, a velvety caramel sauce derived from sweetened condensed milk, serves as the star ingredient in this cake. The slow caramelization process imparts a rich, creamy flavor that elevates this dessert to unparalleled heights of indulgence.

To save time, I used a French Vanilla cake mix. It is perfectly complemented by three layers of velvety smooth dulce de leche filling. The finishing touch is a drizzle of golden caramel that cascades down the sides, making this cake an exquisite treat for both the eyes and the palate.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving an extraordinary dessert, the sweet Dulce de Leche Cake is sure to become the highlight of any gathering. Its caramel hues, irresistible aroma, and indulgent taste will leave a lasting impression on your guests. The homemade vanilla frosting is combined with delicious dulce de leche and the result is so good, you might want to eat it by the spoonful. I wouldn’t blame you because it’s my parents’ favorite cake.

Transform dulce de leche into the star of this show-stopping centerpiece that is perfect for birthdays, family celebrations and special occasions.  I’m sure you’ll get rave reviews!

What is dulce de leche?

Dulce de leche is a luscious caramel-like sauce or spread that originates from Latin America. The name “dulce de leche” translates to “sweet milk” in Spanish, which aptly describes its main ingredients and preparation process. It is pronounced dool-seh deh leh-cheh, and not “dolce de leche” nor “dulche de leche” in case you were wondering. 

It is made by slowly heating sweetened milk until it caramelizes and transforms into a thick, creamy, and rich confection with a distinct caramel flavor. The traditional method of making dulce de leche involves cooking milk with sugar over low heat for several hours, allowing the sugars in the milk to caramelize gradually. This slow cooking process gives the sauce its signature amber color and velvety consistency. Depending on the desired level of sweetness and thickness, the cooking time can vary, resulting in lighter or darker versions of the sauce.

Dulce de leche can be used in a variety of ways, making it a versatile and beloved ingredient in many desserts and sweet treats. It can be used as a filling or topping for cakes, cookies, pastries, and ice cream. It also pairs wonderfully with fruits, chocolates, and even as a delicious spread on toast or pancakes.

Due to its popularity, dulce de leche is now enjoyed worldwide, and various countries have their own variations and names for it. For instance, in some countries in South America, it is known as “manjar” or “arequipe,” as it is called in Colombia.

Whether you buy it ready-made at the grocery store or prepare it from scratch, dulce de leche is a true delight that adds a touch of sweet indulgence to any dessert or treat. Its creamy caramel flavor makes it a favorite among those with a sweet tooth, and it continues to be cherished in culinary traditions across the globe.

Should you use store bought or homemade dulce de leche?

The choice between using store-bought or homemade Dulce de Leche for your cake depends on various factors like time, convenience, and personal preference for taste and texture. if you want to make dulce de leche at home, you can use my Instant Pot Dulce de Leche recipe here. However, to make things easier, I used two cans of my favorite store bought dulce de leche and the results were delicious. You can find dulce de leche in the baking aisle of your supermarket.

Why you will love this recipe

This Dulce de Leche Cake takes the exquisite flavor of this beloved sauce and incorporates it into a moist, fluffy cake that melts in your mouth. The key to its irresistible allure lies in the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. The cake layers are often soaked in Dulce de Leche, ensuring every bite is infused with its signature flavor. Topped with a light, creamy frosting and additional drizzles of Dulce de Leche, each slice is a testament to the richness of Hispanic dessert traditions.

Can I use this recipe for dulce de leche cupcakes?

You would need to make a few adaptations because there would not be any filling. I would use the buttercream recipe to frost the cupcakes and top with the heated dulce de leche to decorate them.

Dulce de Leche Cake Recipe

Makes 1 9 in round 3 layer cake

Bake time : 25-30 mins

Cool time : 45 mins

Decorating time : 30 mins

Prep time : 15 mins

Ingredients for Vanilla Cake

• 2 boxes French Vanilla cake mix
• 6 large eggs
• 2 C whole milk
• 1 C unsalted butter, softened
• 3 – 9 in round cake pans
• 3 – 10 in round cake board

Ingredients for Vanilla Frosting

• 2 C unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
• 5 C powdered sugar
• 6 tbsp heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 – 8oz can Dulce De Leche
• 1 disposable piping bag
• 1 large piping bag fitted with star tip

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (176 C) and spray the cake pans with non stick baking spray
• Using a standing or hand mixer, beat the cake mix, butter, milk and eggs until combined
• Divide the batter between the 3 pans and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. They should be light golden brown.
• Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool completely
• To make the vanilla frosting, using a standing mixer with whisk attachment beat the butter, powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream, and vanilla until combined, smooth and stiff peaks form 
• Scoop 2 C frosting into the piping bag
• To decorate, remove the cakes from the cake pans and place onto the cake boards
• Using a cake leveler, remove the tops from the cakes to make into a even layer
• Using one of the cake layers are the bottom, pipe a thick ring around the top of the cake twice
• Spoon about 3⁄4 C of dulce de leche into the middle of the frosting rings and smooth
• Carefully place the second cake layer on top and pipe two more rings of frosting around the edge
• Spoon another 3⁄4 C of frosting into the center of the frosting rings
• Place the last cake layer on top and using the frosting, frost entire cake and smooth with a cake smoother
• Using the remaining dulce de leche, scoop into a bowl and place into the microwave for 30 seconds to soften
• Pour the dulce de leche into the disposable piping bag
• Cut the tip off the piping bag and pipe drips along the edge of the cake
• Using leftover frosting, pipe dollops around the top of the cake. Enjoy!

More Dulce de Leche Recipes

• How to make the best alfajores or dulce de leche cookies
• Delicious Dulce De Leche Flan Recipe
• The Easiest Yogurt with Dulce de Leche Dip Recipe
• Yummy And Easy Dulce De Leche And Cream Cheese Snack

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