There’s something magical about desserts that capture the feeling of fall—the golden leaves, the cozy kitchen aromas, and the excitement of baking something truly special. The Autumn Embrace Dulce de Leche Cake is all of those delights bundled into one glorious treat. Rich with warming spices and swirls of indulgent dulce de leche, this cake brings together the heartiness of autumn and the sweetness you crave as days grow cooler. Every bite is a hug of flavors: deep caramel, toasted pecans, and a whisper of cinnamon and cloves, all blanketed in a buttery, tender crumb.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This cake shines thanks to simple, honest ingredients that work in harmony to create something extraordinary. Each component has a purpose—whether it’s for flavor, texture, or a hint of nostalgic autumn comfort.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the backbone for a sturdy yet tender cake crumb.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Two leaveners ensure the rise is balanced and soft, even with the rich dulce de leche folded in.
- Salt: Don’t skip this! Salt enhances the overall taste and ensures the sweetness is never overwhelming.
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves: These spices work together for that quintessential autumn warmth and a fragrant kitchen.
- Unsalted butter (room temperature): The key to a rich, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Light brown sugar: Adds depth and a hint of molasses, which really amplifies the cake’s autumn character.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar with light sweetness and aids in aeration during creaming.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and help the cake stay moist.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the spices and sugary notes with a gentle, fragrant touch.
- Buttermilk: This secret weapon creates a tender crumb and subtle tang to balance the caramel richness.
- Dulce de leche (plus more for drizzling): The showstopper! Its creamy, velvety caramel flavor swirls through every bite.
- Chopped toasted pecans (optional): Add extra autumn crunch and nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the dulce de leche.
- Whipped cream or cream cheese frosting (optional): Perfect for extra indulgence; they provide a cool, luscious finish.
How to Make Autumn Embrace Dulce de Leche Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F, the sweet spot for a perfect golden crumb. Generously grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan (or simply line it with parchment paper for fuss-free removal). This helps your Autumn Embrace Dulce de Leche Cake release easily, ensuring beautiful slices when you’re ready to serve.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This step ensures all those lovely autumn spices are distributed evenly, so every slice gets their cozy flavor. Set the bowl aside for now!
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat until the mixture is noticeably lighter and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes. This is where a lot of the cake’s tenderness comes from, so don’t rush it!
Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one. This helps the batter stay silky and well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with its subtle, aromatic sweetness.
Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
With your mixer on low, add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with buttermilk—start and finish with flour. This old-school trick helps keep the Autumn Embrace Dulce de Leche Cake extra tender and avoids over-mixing. Stir until just combined; it should look thick and luscious.
Step 6: Fold in Dulce de Leche and Pecans
Warm the dulce de leche just a little if it’s very thick, then gently fold it into the batter with the toasted pecans. Don’t overmix; you want beautiful caramel ribbons running through the cake for those surprise bursts of flavor.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (watch for those dulce pockets—they’re sticky!). Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Serve, Drizzle, and Frost (If You Wish!)
Once your cake is fully cooled, drizzle with extra dulce de leche. For a truly show-stopping Autumn Embrace Dulce de Leche Cake, don’t hesitate to top it with soft whipped cream or cream cheese frosting. Every forkful is pure coziness!
How to Serve Autumn Embrace Dulce de Leche Cake
Garnishes
A generous drizzle of warm dulce de leche over the top is absolutely dreamy, letting the caramel drip down the sides for an irresistible look. For a touch of contrast, try a handful of chopped toasted pecans, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a swoosh of whipped cream—these touches enhance the seasonal feel and add just the right flourish for your Autumn Embrace Dulce de Leche Cake.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a warm mug of spiced cider, classic black coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The creamy ice cream melts into each warm slice, and the spicy drinks bring out the cake’s depth—you’ll feel like you’re hosting your own autumn festival at home.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, turn the Autumn Embrace Dulce de Leche Cake into a showpiece by baking it in a bundt pan or layering it with extra dulce de leche and frosting. You can also serve smaller squares on a board with sliced pears, figs, and a little whipped cream for a playful, grazing-style dessert spread. Your guests will be wowed by both the flavor and the stunning look!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any cake left after the first day (it’s that good!), simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The flavors deepen and soften over time, making each slice even more comforting the next day.
Freezing
To make your autumn festivities extra easy, you can freeze the cake—either whole or in portions. Wrap individual slices tightly and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. The Autumn Embrace Dulce de Leche Cake will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer; just thaw gently at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
For a just-baked experience, warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a low oven. This brings the dulce de leche back to its gooey, irresistible state and makes the cake as inviting as the day it was baked. Don’t forget that extra drizzle before serving!
FAQs
Can I make Autumn Embrace Dulce de Leche Cake without nuts?
Absolutely. The toasted pecans are optional and can be left out without affecting the structure or flavor. Feel free to swap in walnuts or leave the nuts out entirely for a nut-free treat.
What’s the best way to swirl in the dulce de leche?
For the prettiest effect, warm the dulce de leche slightly and dollop it over the batter before gently folding with a spatula, creating beautiful caramel ribbons throughout the Autumn Embrace Dulce de Leche Cake instead of fully mixing it in.
Can I use store-bought dulce de leche?
Yes! Store-bought dulce de leche works perfectly and makes this recipe extra convenient. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade dulce de leche adds even more personal flair.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (avoid dulce de leche streaks), your Autumn Embrace Dulce de Leche Cake is ready. The edges should also pull away slightly from the pan.
Is this cake suitable for frosting?
Definitely! Both whipped cream and cream cheese frosting are dreamy additions. The cake is flavorful enough to enjoy plain, but a fluffy topping makes it truly celebratory for gatherings.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that wraps up everything you love about fall, the Autumn Embrace Dulce de Leche Cake is your new go-to. Each slice is a cozy celebration, and it’s a joy to share with the people around your table. Bake it this season and taste the comfort and happiness of autumn in every bite!
Print
Autumn Embrace Dulce de Leche Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm and comforting flavors of fall with this delightful Autumn Embrace Dulce de Leche Cake. This moist and spiced cake is a perfect treat for the autumn season, featuring rich dulce de leche and a hint of toasted pecans. Enjoy a slice of this cake with a cup of spiced cider or coffee for the ultimate cozy experience.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup dulce de leche (plus more for drizzling)
- ½ cup chopped toasted pecans (optional)
- whipped cream or cream cheese frosting for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine ingredients: Add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture in alternating additions. Fold in dulce de leche and pecans.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40–45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Drizzle with dulce de leche before serving, and add whipped cream or frosting if desired.
Notes
- You can warm the dulce de leche slightly for easier mixing.
- This cake pairs well with spiced cider or coffee.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
