What is the difference between dulce de leche and confectioner’s dulce de leche?

Although both taste similar, regular dulce de leche is typically homemade by slowly simmering milk and sugar. Its texture is creamy and spreadable, perfect for filling or drizzling. Conversely, confectioner’s dulce de leche is thicker and designed specifically for pastry work, making it easier to pipe or sculpt.

Why is baking soda added to dulce de leche?

Since baking soda reduces the acidity of the milk, it helps prevent curdling during caramelization. Additionally, baking soda promotes browning, giving dulce de leche its signature deep color. This chemical reaction also enhances the flavor, making it richer and more complex.

What types of dulce de leche are there?

Although homemade dulce de leche remains the gold standard, you also have options: Traditional Homemade: Cooked low and slow for the deepest flavor. Confectioner’s Grade: Thicker for piping and decoration. Pressure Cooker Version: Faster but slightly less complex. Store-Bought: Convenient and consistent.

How can I decorate dulce de leche cupcakes?

Although frosting swirls always work, you could also: Drizzle extra dulce de leche over the frosting. Sprinkle toasted coconut or chopped nuts on top. Add a pinch of flaky sea salt for contrast.

Can I make dulce de leche cupcakes ahead of time?

Certainly! Bake the cupcakes up to two days in advance and store them airtight at room temperature. You could also freeze them for longer storage and frost them just before serving.

What’s the best frosting for dulce de leche cupcakes?

Because they already offer rich caramel flavor, you should opt for: Dulce de leche buttercream (for extra indulgence). Cream cheese frosting (for balanced tang). Whipped cream frosting (for a lighter option).

Dulce de Leche Cupcakes: Irresistible Recipe & Pro Tips

Description

Dulce de Leche Cupcakes are soft, fluffy, and filled with rich caramel flavor in every bite. These cupcakes are made with a tender vanilla base, generously filled and topped with luscious dulce de leche, and finished with a swirl of creamy frosting. Perfect for parties, celebrations, or whenever you’re craving a sweet, indulgent dessert. They’re easy to make but taste bakery-quality!

Ingredients

Scale

Cupcakes:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup whole milk

Filling and Topping:

1 cup dulce de leche (store-bought or homemade)

Frosting:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons dulce de leche
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons heavy cream (as needed for consistency)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
Bake: Divide batter evenly into cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cupcakes cool completely.
Fill Cupcakes: Using a small knife or piping tip, cut a small hole in the center of each cupcake. Fill each hole with about 1 teaspoon of dulce de leche.
Make Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, dulce de leche, and vanilla. Beat until smooth and fluffy, adding heavy cream if needed to reach desired consistency.
Frost & Decorate: Pipe or spread frosting over cupcakes. Drizzle with extra dulce de leche if desired.
Serve: Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the cupcake batter.
Use a piping bag to neatly fill the cupcakes with dulce de leche.
These cupcakes pair beautifully with coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
If you want to make them extra fancy, sprinkle with sea salt for a salted caramel twist.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Latin-inspired / American

Nutrition

Calories: ~320 kcal
Fat: ~16g
Carbohydrates: ~42g
Protein: ~3g