Dulce de Leche Cake Recipe | Moist, Sweet, and Easy to Make
Introduction
A slice of dulce de leche cake invites senses on an indulgent journey. Rich caramel sweetness meets tender crumb in every mouthful. A human expert would tell you that this cake balances sweetness and texture with gentle precision. It feels like a warm embrace. The moment you taste it you sense depth of flavor and comfort all at once. Every ingredient contributes to harmony. Every step builds that golden result. You feel pride when you serve a cake this good. Readers will find both ease and delight in the process. The flavors will linger in memory. That is the promise of this recipe.

Ingredients Needed
Below is a table listing ingredients and their approximate calorie counts per entire cake portion rather than per gram. Calorie counts are estimates for the full cake.
| Ingredient | Approximate Calories (per cake) |
|---|---|
| All purpose flour | 800 calories |
| Granulated sugar | 900 calories |
| Eggs (4 large) | 320 calories |
| Unsalted butter | 1000 calories |
| Whole milk | 150 calories |
| Baking powder | 10 calories |
| Salt (pinch) | 0 calories |
| Vanilla extract | 12 calories |
| Dulce de leche (1 cup) | 800 calories |
| Additional dulce de leche (for filling and frosting) | 800 calories |
Total estimated calories per cake around 4 thousand calories. Exact numbers vary with brand and portion.
Step by Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180 °C (350 °F). Prepare a round cake pan by greasing and lining with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl sift the flour and baking powder. Add a pinch of salt. Whisk gently until combined.
- In another bowl combine softened butter and sugar. Beat until light and fluffy. That process takes several minutes but builds airy texture.
- Add eggs one at a time into the butter sugar mix. Mix well after each egg. Add vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
- Gradually add flour mixture alternating with milk. Begin and end with flour. Stir gently until just combined. No over mixing.
- Fold in one cup of dulce de leche into the batter. Use a spatula to swirl it gently throughout. The batter will glow golden.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes. Cake is done when a skewer inserted in center comes out clean or with minimal crumbs.
- Remove cake from oven. Allow to rest in pan for ten minutes. Then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- While cake cools prepare filling and topping. Slightly warm the additional dulce de leche to soften.
- Slice cake horizontally into two or three layers. Spread a generous layer of softened dulce de leche on each layer. Stack gently.For more delicious ideas, don’t miss Mississippi Mud Cake which pairs perfectly with this recipe.
- Cover top and sides with more dulce de leche. Use spatula to smooth. Chill cake for an hour to help set. Cake is ready to serve.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe
You can adjust flavor balance. Substitute half the milk with strong brewed coffee for subtle mocha tones. Use almond milk to lighten dairy. Swap half the butter for cream cheese to add tang. Add a pinch of cinnamon or a teaspoon of orange zest for aromatic lift. Sprinkle toasted chopped nuts like pecans or almonds on top for crunch variation. For chocolate lovers swirl melted dark chocolate into batter along with dulce de leche to create marbled effect. If you want lighter cake use low fat milk and reduce butter by one quarter. Add an extra egg white for firmness. For extra flair top cake with sea salt flakes or toasted coconut. If presentation matters serve with caramel drizzle and whipped cream. All changes stay easy and maintain harmony of dulce de leche center.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional values are approximate and for whole cake. If you serve eight slices each slice contains roughly:
- Calories per slice: ~500 kcal
- Fat: about 25 grams
- Saturated fat: around 15 grams
- Carbohydrates: approximately 60 grams
- Sugars: roughly 45 grams
- Protein: around 5 grams
Using lower fat dairy or reducing sugar by one third lowers calories. Adding fiber rich ingredients like oat flour or whole wheat flour raises fiber but may change texture slightly. Substituting sugar with unrefined options like coconut sugar lowers glycemic response. Always adjust according to dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions
Serve the cake slightly cooled. Warm slices invite smooth dulce de leche flow. A dollop of whipped cream adds light creaminess. Fresh fruit berries or sliced pear or apple balance the sweetness. For contrast serve with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Coffee or espresso complements the caramel warmth. For a festive touch dust cake with a bit of powdered sugar or cocoa powder. Plate slices with drizzle of extra dulce de leche or chocolate sauce. Use mint leaves to add color and freshness. If you wish pair with dessert wine like tawny port or late harvest wine the flavors meld beautifully. For a more casual serving offer alongside a flat white or cappuccino. That creates cozy dessert moment at home.
Dulce de Leche Cake Recipe | Moist, Sweet, and Easy to Make
Course: Blog20 minutes
servings40
minutes1
minute500 calorie
kcalIngredients
2 cups all purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
Pinch of salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup whole milk
1 cup dulce de leche (for batter)
1 cup dulce de leche (for filling and frosting)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Alternately add flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with flour. Mix gently until combined.
- Fold 1 cup dulce de leche into the batter until swirled evenly.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool cake in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice cake horizontally and spread softened dulce de leche between layers. Frost top and sides with remaining dulce de leche.
- Chill for 1 hour before serving.
Recipe Video
Notes
- For easier spreading, warm the dulce de leche slightly.
To make cupcakes, divide batter into lined muffin tins and bake for 18-22 minutes.
Store cake covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Feel free to add cinnamon or citrus zest for a flavor twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I store the cake?
Keep cake covered in refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage wrap well and freeze up to two months. Thaw in fridge overnight before serving.
2. Can I make this cake gluten free?
Yes substitute all purpose flour with a 1 to 1 gluten free blend. Add a teaspoon of xanthan gum if not already included. Baking time remains similar but check with skewer early.
3. What altsweeteners work?
You can use coconut sugar or light brown sugar in equal weight. Maple syrup works but reduce milk by a few tablespoons for batter consistency.
4. Can I make mini cupcakes instead?
Yes divide batter into lined muffin tins. Fill halfway then swirl in dulce de leche. Bake 18 to 22 minutes. Top with frosting after cooling.
5. Is it possible to reduce calories?
Reduce butter by one quarter and sugar by one third. Use low fat milk. Substitute part of flour with oat flour or softened applesauce.
6. Can I use canned dulce de leche?
Absolutely this recipe works very well with storebought dulce de leche. Warm slightly so it spreads easily.
Conclusion
Your kitchen will become a place of memory when you bake this cake. Each bite says comfort and care. The flavor and texture invite connection. Serving this cake shares love in a simple way. Keep the process gentle and mindful. You will find its ease satisfying. Readers will remember the golden crumb and sublime caramel layer long after the last slice is gone.
