Dulce de Leche Cupcakes

Name: Dulce de Leche Cupcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 cup dulce de leche; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup dulce de leche; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Caramel sauce for drizzling; Chocolate shavings (optional)

Highlighted under: Sweet Dessert Recipes

Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of these delightful Dulce de Leche Cupcakes, perfect for any occasion.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-02T20:46:30.713Z

These Dulce de Leche Cupcakes are a sweet tribute to the beloved Latin American treat. Each cupcake is filled with luscious dulce de leche, topped with a creamy frosting, and finished with a drizzle of caramel. Perfect for celebrations or a sweet indulgence!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy dulce de leche
Soft and moist cupcake texture
Irresistibly sweet and decadent frosting
Perfect for any celebration or a delightful treat

      

The Allure of Dulce de Leche

Dulce de leche, a beloved Latin American treat, is known for its smooth texture and rich caramel flavor. This sweetened condensed milk delicacy is often used in desserts, making it the perfect addition to cupcakes. Its creamy consistency adds a unique twist that elevates the classic chocolate cupcake to new heights. Whether you’re a fan of caramel or simply looking to try something new, dulce de leche will delight your taste buds.

In these Dulce de Leche Cupcakes, the combination of chocolate and dulce de leche creates a harmonious balance of flavors. The richness of the chocolate pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the dulce de leche, making each bite an irresistible treat. Not only do these cupcakes taste amazing, but they also look stunning when topped with a generous swirl of dulce de leche frosting.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These Dulce de Leche Cupcakes are versatile enough to suit any gathering, from birthday parties to holiday celebrations. Their rich flavors and beautiful presentation make them a crowd-pleaser, and you'll find that they disappear quickly at any event. The combination of chocolate and dulce de leche is universally loved, ensuring that your guests will be asking for seconds.

Additionally, these cupcakes can be customized for different occasions. You can add festive sprinkles for a birthday party or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a more elegant touch at a dinner party. No matter how you choose to serve them, these cupcakes will leave a lasting impression.

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve the perfect texture for your cupcakes, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Using a kitchen scale can help ensure precision, particularly for dry ingredients like flour and cocoa powder. Also, allow your butter to soften at room temperature for the best creaming results, as this will create a light and airy batter.

When filling the cupcake liners, be careful not to overfill them. Filling them about two-thirds full allows room for the cupcakes to rise without spilling over. Adding a teaspoon of dulce de leche to the center provides a delightful surprise in every bite, enhancing the overall flavor experience.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup dulce de leche

For the Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup dulce de leche
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decoration

Caramel sauce for drizzling
Chocolate shavings (optional)

Make sure to use quality dulce de leche for the best flavor.

Instructions

Prepare the Cupcake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin with paper liners. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix well. Gradually add the dry ingredients and milk, mixing until just combined.

Fill and Bake

Fill each cupcake liner about halfway with batter. Add a teaspoon of dulce de leche to the center of each cupcake and cover with more batter until filled about two-thirds full. Bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Allow to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, dulce de leche, and vanilla extract. Beat until light and fluffy.

Frost the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes are cool, frost them generously with the dulce de leche frosting. Drizzle with caramel sauce and top with chocolate shavings, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Dulce de Leche Cupcakes!

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, where they can last for up to a week. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving, as this will enhance their flavor and texture.

If you plan to frost the cupcakes ahead of time, it's best to store them in the refrigerator to prevent the frosting from melting. Allow them to sit out for a bit before serving to ensure the frosting is easy to enjoy.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with different flavors of frosting to complement the dulce de leche. A chocolate ganache or a cream cheese frosting could add a unique twist to these cupcakes. For an added crunch, consider mixing in chopped nuts or crushed cookies into the batter or as a topping.

For a more indulgent treat, try adding a layer of chocolate ganache between the cupcake and the frosting. This will create a rich, layered effect that will take your dessert to the next level, perfect for special occasions.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought dulce de leche?

Yes, store-bought dulce de leche works perfectly for this recipe.

→ How do I store leftover cupcakes?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make these cupcakes in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and frost them on the day you plan to serve.

→ What can I substitute for butter in the frosting?

You can use a dairy-free butter substitute or cream cheese for a different flavor.