If you’re looking to wrap yourself in the cozy warmth of fall flavors, the Autumn Embrace Dulce de Leche Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. This cake combines the comforting spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with the luscious sweetness of homemade dulce de leche and a light caramel cream frosting. Every bite feels like a hug on a chilly day, bringing together moist layers of spice cake and a rich, dreamy filling that’s impossible to resist. Whether for a holiday celebration or a weekend treat, this dessert promises to make your gatherings unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients are the building blocks for a cake that’s bursting with flavor and perfect autumn vibes. Each component plays a crucial role: from the fragrant spices infusing the cake to the creamy dulce de leche frosting that unites the dish beautifully.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups / 315g): Provides the perfect structure for the cake layers.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Ensures the cake rises just right for a light texture.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps balance acidity and adds tenderness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, especially the sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Infuses that classic autumn warmth.
- Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle, nutty undertone.
- Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon): Provides depth with its spicy kick.
- Ground ginger (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a slight zing that balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (3/4 cup / 170g), softened: Adds richness and moisture for tender crumbs.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup / 200g): Sweetens while helping create a delicate crumb.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup / 100g): Gives a hint of molasses flavor and extra moisture.
- Eggs (3 large): Bind ingredients together and provide structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Elevates all the flavors with its sweet aroma.
- Buttermilk (1 cup / 240ml): Adds tanginess and keeps the cake incredibly moist.
- Dulce de leche (1 can, 14 oz / 400g): The star ingredient—creamy caramel that brings indulgence to both filling and frosting.
- Heavy cream (1 1/2 cups / 360ml): Whipped to create a light, airy caramel cream frosting.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup / 30g): Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream.
How to Make Autumn Embrace Dulce de Leche Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Preheat
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal later. Taking this simple step upfront ensures your perfectly baked layers come out without a hitch.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Spices and Flour
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. This spice blend will infuse your cake with that signature autumn flavor that makes this recipe stand out.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3–4 minutes. This creaming process is crucial, as it aerates your batter for that tender crumb everyone loves.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Once your butter and sugars are perfectly whipped, add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the fragrant vanilla extract to anchor the sweet spice notes beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
Alternate folding the dry flour mixture and the buttermilk into your wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry. Be gentle and mix only until combined to maintain a tender texture that melts in your mouth.
Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide your batter evenly between the two prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack before assembling.
Step 7: Whip the Dulce de Leche Frosting
In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold in half a cup of dulce de leche, creating a delicate caramel cream that beautifully balances sweetness and lightness.
Step 8: Assemble Your Autumn Embrace Dulce de Leche Cake Recipe
Spread a thin layer of dulce de leche over one cake layer, then add a generous layer of the whipped caramel cream on top. Place the second cake layer over this and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. For an elegant finish, drizzle extra dulce de leche over the top and sprinkle with toasted pecans or cinnamon sugar if you like.
How to Serve Autumn Embrace Dulce de Leche Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For that irresistible final touch, toast some pecans to sprinkle on top. Their crunch contrasts wonderfully with the cake’s softness. Alternatively, a caramel drizzle warmed slightly brings a shiny, luscious look and flavor boost. A dusting of cinnamon sugar also adds a pretty and flavorful sparkle that complements the spices in the cake.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs marvelously with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a cup of warmly spiced chai tea. Both options highlight the rich caramel and autumn spices perfectly, creating an inviting dessert spread that warms hearts and homes alike.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual slices topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a pecan half for a charming touch. For festive occasions, plate the cake with a few roasted apple slices or a sprinkle of candied ginger around the edges. These little details turn each serving into a showstopper your guests will remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because this cake is so rich and moist, refrigeration is best to keep it fresh. Cover it well with plastic wrap or a cake dome to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors. Before serving leftover slices, bring them to room temperature so the frosting regains that fluffy, dreamy texture.
Freezing
You can definitely freeze leftover cake slices or the whole cake if you wrap them tightly in plastic and foil. This method preserves flavor and texture for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then let sit briefly at room temperature before serving to get that autumn embrace back in full force.
Reheating
While this cake is best enjoyed cold or room temperature, a brief warm-up in a microwave for 10–15 seconds can enhance the caramel notes, especially if you add a tiny drizzle of warmed dulce de leche on top. Just be careful not to melt the whipped frosting too much.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Regular milk won’t provide the slight tanginess that buttermilk gives, which balances the sweetness and tenderizes the cake. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before using as a substitute.
Is dulce de leche difficult to make at home?
Not at all! You can make dulce de leche by slowly heating sweetened condensed milk, but the canned version used in this recipe is convenient and consistently delicious. You can find it in many grocery stores or Latin markets.
How do I prevent my cake from drying out?
Be sure not to overbake; check with a toothpick near the baking time’s end. Also, proper storage by covering the cake after cooling and refrigerating helps retain moisture beautifully.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. Make sure your blend is designed for cakes for the best texture.
What’s the best way to achieve soft peaks when whipping the frosting?
Use cold heavy cream and a chilled mixing bowl, and whip at medium-high speed. Watch carefully because heavy cream can quickly transition from soft peaks to stiff peaks and then butter, so stop as soon as soft peaks form for the perfect light caramel cream texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Autumn Embrace Dulce de Leche Cake Recipe—it brings together the perfect spices and caramel sweetness to make every bite feel like a warm, snug moment shared with loved ones. I encourage you to try this recipe soon and let it fill your kitchen with the inviting aromas of fall. Trust me, once you make it, this cake will become a beloved part of your seasonal dessert lineup.
