This Vanilla Layer Cake with Dulce de Leche Filling is soft, fluffy, rich, and incredibly delicious. The light vanilla cake layers pair perfectly with the creamy caramel-like dulce de leche filling, creating a bakery-style dessert that’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or special family gatherings.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 30 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 10–12 slices
Equipment
- 2 round 8-inch cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula or butter knife
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Cake
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
For the Dulce de Leche Filling
- 1½ cups dulce de leche
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
For the Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
Ingredient Notes
- Butter: Use room-temperature butter for smooth mixing.
- Dulce de Leche: Store-bought or homemade both work well.
- Cream Cheese: Helps balance the sweetness of the filling.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla gives the best flavor.
- Milk: Whole milk keeps the cake moist and tender.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add dry ingredients alternately with milk, mixing until just combined.
Step 6: Bake
Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 28–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool the Cakes
Allow cakes to cool for 10 minutes in pans, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Make the Filling
Beat cream cheese until smooth, then mix in dulce de leche and heavy cream until creamy.
Step 9: Prepare the Frosting
Beat butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
Step 10: Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the dulce de leche filling evenly on top. Add the second layer and frost the entire cake.
Step 11: Decorate and Serve
Drizzle extra dulce de leche on top if desired. Slice and serve.
Nutrition Facts (Per Slice)
- Calories: 520
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 29g
- Sugar: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
Tips
- Chill the cake for 20 minutes before slicing for cleaner layers.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake soft.
- Use a serrated knife to level cake layers if needed.
- Warm dulce de leche slightly for easier spreading.
Variations
Chocolate Dulce de Leche Cake
Add ½ cup cocoa powder to the cake batter.
Coffee Caramel Version
Mix 1 teaspoon instant coffee into the filling.
Nutty Caramel Cake
Add chopped pecans or walnuts between layers.
Berry Twist
Add fresh strawberries or raspberries to the filling layer.
Coconut Vanilla Cake
Mix shredded coconut into the frosting for extra flavor.