Imagine a world where caramel, butter, and sugar come together to create a rich, velvety spread that adds depth and complexity to any dessert. Welcome to the wonderful world of dulce de leche! This popular Latin American confection has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of many with its smooth, golden goodness. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a sweet-toothed newcomer, we’ve got you covered with 20 decadent recipes that showcase the incredible versatility and indulgence of dulce de leche.
From classic cheesecakes and flans to gooey brownies and crispy cookies, we’ll take you on a journey through the world of dulce de leche delights. With flavors ranging from rich chocolate to sweet bananas and creamy vanilla, there’s something for everyone in this collection of indulgent treats. So, get ready to satisfy your cravings with these irresistible recipes that will leave you wanting more!
Dulce de Leche Cheesecake
This decadent cheesecake combines the smoothness of cream cheese with the deep flavor of dulce de leche, all wrapped up in a buttery graham cracker crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup dulce de leche
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare crust: Mix crumbs and sugar, then stir in melted butter until combined. Press into a 9-inch springform pan.
3. Prepare filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add eggs one at a time. Stir in dulce de leche and vanilla extract.
4. Pour filling over crust and bake for 55-60 minutes or until edges are set.
5. Let cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Dulce de Leche Flan
This rich and creamy flan is infused with the deep caramel flavors of dulce de leche, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup dulce de leche (homemade or store-bought)
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and dulce de leche. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks and heavy cream. Temper the egg yolk mixture by slowly pouring the warm sugar mixture into the eggs, whisking constantly.
4. Pour the mixture into 6 (1/2 cup) ramekins or small baking dishes.
5. Place the ramekins in a large baking dish and add hot water to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly jiggly.
7. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Dulce de Leche Chocolate Chip Cookies
Elevate your cookie game with the rich flavors of dulce de leche and dark chocolate chips! These chewy treats are perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup dulce de leche (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in dulce de leche and eggs.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, then stir in chocolate chips and vanilla extract.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Dulce de Leche Brownies
Elevate your brownie game with the addition of dulce de leche, a rich and creamy caramel sauce. These fudgy treats are perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 and 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter (12 tablespoons), plus more for greasing
– 2 cups of sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1 cup of dulce de leche
– 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Chopped nuts or sea salt for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan and line with parchment paper.
2. Melt butter and sugar in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Bring to a simmer.
3. Remove from heat and stir in eggs one at a time, followed by flour and salt.
4. Fold in dulce de leche and chocolate chips until well combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Dulce de Leche Ice Cream
Dulce de leche ice cream is a decadent treat that combines the deep caramel flavors of dulce de leche with creamy vanilla ice cream. This recipe yields a smooth and indulgent dessert perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup dulce de leche sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the dulce de leche sauce and vanilla extract. Let it cool to room temperature.
3. Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Once chilled, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container and store in the freezer.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (chilling time not included)
Dulce de Leche Banana Bread
This moist banana bread is elevated by a rich dulce de leche swirl, creating a delightful flavor combination that’s sure to please. With the sweetness of ripe bananas and caramel-like dulce de leche, this bread is perfect for a special treat or brunch gathering.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup dulce de leche (homemade or store-bought)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
6. Drizzle dulce de leche over the batter, then top with the remaining batter.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Dulce de Leche Pancakes
Start your day with a delicious twist on traditional pancakes by incorporating the richness of dulce de leche into every bite. These fluffy pancakes are filled with caramel-like goodness and topped with a sweet drizzle.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons dulce de leche
– Butter or oil for greasing the pan
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, combine sugar, milk, and egg. Whisk until well combined.
3. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Fold in the dulce de leche until smooth.
5. Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat. Grease with butter or oil if necessary.
6. Drop 1/4 cup of batter onto the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 pancakes, depending on size
Dulce de Leche Stuffed French Toast
Elevate your breakfast game with this decadent Dulce de Leche Stuffed French Toast recipe. Rich caramel and sweet bread come together for a delightful morning treat.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread ( Challah or Brioche work well)
– 1/2 cup Dulce de Leche
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, vanilla extract, and salt.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
3. Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place the coated bread slices on the skillet or griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
5. While the French toast is cooking, spread a tablespoon of Dulce de Leche on one half of each slice.
6. Fold the other half over to enclose the caramel filling.
7. Serve warm, dust with confectioners’ sugar if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Dulce de Leche Churros
Treat yourself to the classic Spanish dessert with a twist – dulce de leche filling! These churros are crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and filled with a rich, caramel-like dulce de leche.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Dulce de leche (store-bought or homemade)
– Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
3. Gradually add milk to form a smooth dough.
4. Fry churros in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Drain excess oil and let cool slightly.
6. Fill churros with dulce de leche and dust with powdered sugar.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Dulce de Leche Macarons
Elevate your macaron game with this decadent recipe that combines the classic French cookie with the rich, caramel flavors of dulce de leche. These tender meringue-based treats are filled with a sweet and gooey dulce de leche filling.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups almond flour
– 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
– 3 large egg whites
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Food coloring (optional)
– Dulce de leche filling (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together almond flour and powdered sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add granulated sugar and beat until combined.
4. Fold the egg mixture into the almond flour mixture until smooth.
5. Pipe small, round circles onto prepared baking sheet.
6. Tap gently to remove air bubbles.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until tops are firm.
Dulce de Leche Filling:
– 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Combine sweetened condensed milk and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until caramel-colored and smooth (about 10-15 minutes). Let cool before filling macarons.
Dulce de Leche Cupcakes
Moist vanilla cupcakes filled with a rich dulce de leche filling and topped with a fluffy buttercream frosting – what more could you ask for?
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– Dulce de leche filling (store-bought or homemade)
– Buttercream frosting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
6. Fill cupcakes with dulce de leche filling and top with buttercream frosting.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Dulce de Leche Thumbprint Cookies
These chewy cookies filled with a gooey dulce de leche center are the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be enjoying these delicious bites in no time!
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup dulce de leche (or caramel sauce)
– Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Use your thumb or a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
7. Fill the indentation with dulce de leche and bake for 12-14 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Dulce de Leche Bread Pudding
Elevate your dessert game with this rich and indulgent bread pudding infused with the deep flavors of dulce de leche. Perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup dulce de leche (homemade or store-bought)
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, melted butter, and dulce de leche until smooth.
3. Add bread cubes and toss until evenly coated.
4. Whisk in eggs, vanilla extract, and salt.
5. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and set.
7. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Dulce de Leche Doughnuts
These sweet treats are infused with the rich flavors of dulce de leche, perfect for satisfying your dessert cravings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Dulce de leche filling (see below)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Dulce de Leche Filling:
– 1 can condensed milk
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add milk, eggs, and melted butter; mix until smooth.
4. Pipe dough into rings and fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Drain excess oil and let cool.
6. Fill cooled doughnuts with dulce de leche filling.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (including frying time)
Dulce de Leche Mousse
Elevate your dessert game with this rich and creamy Dulce de Leche Mousse, made with caramelized sweetened condensed milk and whipped cream. Perfect for special occasions or as a indulgent treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
– 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a shallow baking dish and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until caramelized and golden brown.
3. Remove from oven and stir in softened butter until melted.
4. In a large mixing bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold in the cooled Dulce de Leche mixture and vanilla extract.
5. Spoon into individual serving cups or a large serving dish. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Dulce de Leche Tres Leches Cake
Moist vanilla cake soaked to perfection with three types of milk, infused with the rich flavors of dulce de leche, and topped with whipped cream – this dessert is a true showstopper.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup dulce de leche (see note)
– 3 cups heavy cream, divided
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add softened butter; mix until just combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Pour into the dry ingredients; mix until smooth.
4. Pour batter into prepared baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Remove from oven; let cool completely.
6. Poke holes all over cake with a skewer. Drizzle dulce de leche evenly over the top of the cake.
7. In separate bowls, whisk together heavy cream and milk. Pour 1 cup of each mixture over the cake, followed by the remaining heavy cream.
8. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Top with whipped cream and confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Note: Dulce de leche is a caramel-like spread made from sweetened condensed milk. You can make your own dulce de leche by heating sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and turns golden brown.
Dulce de Leche Alfajores
Experience the rich flavors of Argentina with this traditional cookie sandwich filled with creamy dulce de leche.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– Dulce de leche (see note)
– Sanding sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
8. Allow cookies to cool completely before filling with dulce de leche and sandwiching with another cookie.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Note: Dulce de leche can be made by heating sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until caramelized. Alternatively, use store-bought dulce de leche.
Dulce de Leche Molten Lava Cake
Experience the ultimate chocolate pleasure with this indulgent dessert, infused with the deep flavors of dulce de leche. This rich and gooey cake is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggs
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 6 ounces high-quality dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup dulce de leche
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar.
3. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave or in a double boiler; let cool slightly.
4. Whisk eggs in a separate bowl; add melted butter, dulce de leche, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
5. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
6. Pour batter into 4 (1/2 cup) ramekins or small cups.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set but centers are still slightly jiggly.
8. Let cool in ramekins for 1 minute before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Dulce de Leche Banana Cream Pie
This decadent pie combines the sweetness of caramelized bananas with the creamy richness of a dulce de leche filling, all nestled in a flaky pastry crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 4 large ripe bananas, sliced
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out puff pastry and place in a 9-inch pie dish.
2. In a large skillet, combine sliced bananas, sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown, about 20 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, vanilla extract, and dulce de leche (see note). Pour into the pie crust and top with caramelized banana slices.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until filling is set and pastry is golden brown.
Note: To make dulce de leche, combine 1 cup sweetened condensed milk and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and thickened, about 10-15 minutes.
Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Rolls
Elevate your breakfast game with these soft, buttery cinnamon rolls filled with a rich dulce de leche spread.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten
– Dulce de Leche Spread (recipe below)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Dulce de Leche Spread:
– 1 can condensed milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, and beaten egg.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients; mix until a sticky dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Spread dulce de leche spread evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
7. Roll up tightly and cut into 12 equal pieces.
8. Place rolls on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each roll.
9. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Summary
Indulge your sweet tooth with these 20 decadent recipes featuring dulce de leche as the star ingredient. From classic cheesecake and flan to innovative cookies, brownies, and ice cream, there’s something for every dessert lover. Try stuffing French toast or churros with dulce de leche, or take it to new heights in macarons, cupcakes, and bread pudding. Treat yourself right with these indulgent desserts that showcase the rich, caramel-like flavor of dulce de leche.
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