Dulce de Leche Cupcakes

Highlighted under: Family Baking Recipes

Indulge in the sweet and creamy delight of Dulce de Leche Cupcakes, perfect for any occasion.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-02T21:10:28.274Z

Dulce de Leche Cupcakes are a celebration of rich flavors and sweet memories. Each bite is a delightful combination of moist cake and creamy dulce de leche frosting.

Why You'll Love These Cupcakes

  • Rich dulce de leche flavor that captivates your taste buds
  • Moist and fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with the frosting
  • Ideal for birthdays, parties, or just a sweet treat any day

A Taste of Tradition

Dulce de leche is a beloved treat in many cultures, especially in Latin America. This rich, caramel-like sauce is made by slowly heating sweetened milk until it transforms into a creamy, golden delight. Incorporating dulce de leche into cupcakes elevates them from ordinary to extraordinary, offering a unique flavor profile that is both indulgent and comforting. These cupcakes celebrate the essence of this traditional ingredient, making them a hit at any gathering.

As you bite into these cupcakes, you'll experience a symphony of flavors that meld beautifully. The sweetness of the dulce de leche perfectly complements the moistness of the cake, creating a harmonious blend that leaves you craving more. Whether you're a fan of caramel or simply looking to try something new, these cupcakes will delight your taste buds and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Dulce de Leche Cupcakes are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for a variety of events. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a party, or simply want to treat yourself, these cupcakes are the perfect choice. Their appealing appearance and delicious flavor will impress guests of all ages, ensuring that they are always a welcome addition to any dessert table.

Additionally, these cupcakes are easy to customize. You can add different toppings, such as chocolate chips, fresh fruits, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the flavor even further. This adaptability allows you to tailor the cupcakes to suit the theme of your event or your personal preferences, making them a delightful treat for everyone.

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with your Dulce de Leche Cupcakes, be sure to use room temperature ingredients, especially the butter and eggs. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking. Additionally, avoid overmixing the batter once the dry ingredients are added; mixing just until combined will keep your cupcakes light and fluffy.

When it comes to frosting, allow your cupcakes to cool completely before applying the dulce de leche frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and helps it maintain its beautiful appearance. For a professional touch, use a piping bag to frost your cupcakes, allowing you to create decorative swirls and peaks that are sure to impress.

Ingredients

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Frosting

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup dulce de leche
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

For Garnish

  • Extra dulce de leche for drizzling
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Make sure to have all ingredients at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.

Fill the Cupcake Liners

Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with the batter and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Prepare the Frosting

In a bowl, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, dulce de leche, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy.

Frost the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, frost them generously with the dulce de leche frosting.

Garnish and Serve

Drizzle extra dulce de leche on top and sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired. Enjoy!

Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Storing Your Cupcakes

To keep your Dulce de Leche Cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, but be aware that refrigeration may alter the texture slightly. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and consistency.

If you're planning to make these cupcakes in advance, consider freezing them without frosting. Wrap each cooled cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw the cupcakes and frost them with the dulce de leche frosting for a fresh treat.

Pairing Suggestions

These Dulce de Leche Cupcakes pair beautifully with a variety of beverages. For a classic combination, serve them with a cup of rich coffee or espresso. The bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness of the cupcakes, enhancing the overall experience. Alternatively, a glass of cold milk or a creamy vanilla latte can also complement the flavors perfectly.

For a more adventurous pairing, try serving these cupcakes with a dessert wine, such as a late harvest Riesling or a sweet Moscato. The fruity notes in the wine will harmonize with the caramel flavors of the dulce de leche, creating a delightful pairing that elevates your dessert experience.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought dulce de leche?

Yes, store-bought dulce de leche works perfectly for both the frosting and drizzling.

→ How do I store the cupcakes?

Keep the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the cupcakes?

Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use flax eggs or applesauce as an egg substitute in this recipe.

Dulce de Leche Cupcakes

Indulge in the sweet and creamy delight of Dulce de Leche Cupcakes, perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Family Baking Recipes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 cupcakes

What You'll Need

For the Cupcakes

  1. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  4. 2 large eggs
  5. 1/2 cup milk
  6. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  7. 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  8. 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Frosting

  1. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 1 cup powdered sugar
  3. 1/2 cup dulce de leche
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  5. Pinch of salt

For Garnish

  1. Extra dulce de leche for drizzling
  2. Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Step 02

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 03

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 04

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 05

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.

Step 06

Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with the batter and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 07

In a bowl, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, dulce de leche, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy.

Step 08

Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, frost them generously with the dulce de leche frosting.

Step 09

Drizzle extra dulce de leche on top and sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired. Enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g