There is something truly magical about the flavors that come alive in the Autumn Embrace Dulce de Leche Cake Recipe. This cake wraps you in warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, perfectly complimented by the luscious richness of dulce de leche swirled into a moist, tender crumb. It’s that cozy dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly fall day, inviting you to savor every bite filled with comforting sweetness and a satisfying hint of toasted pecans. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or a special treat to brighten your week, this recipe promises pure autumn bliss in every slice.

Autumn Embrace Dulce de Leche Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this cake plays an essential role in achieving its perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the warm spices that create that signature autumn feeling to the smooth dulce de leche that brings a velvety sweetness, each component is simple yet indispensable.

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cake structure and softness.
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully and stay light.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Adds lift while tenderizing the crumb.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The warm spice that screams autumn charm.
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a nutty, slightly sweet depth.
¼ teaspoon ground cloves: A little goes a long way for cozy spice notes.
½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Brings richness and moisture to every bite.
¾ cup brown sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness and keeps the cake tender.
2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add a lovely golden color.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the warm flavors with its sweet aroma.
½ cup sour cream: Keeps the cake moist and adds a slight tang for balance.
½ cup whole milk: Helps create a smooth, luscious batter.
½ cup dulce de leche (plus more for drizzling): The star ingredient delivering that signature sweet, creamy caramel essence.
½ cup chopped toasted pecans (optional): Adds crunchy texture and a nutty contrast.

How to Make Autumn Embrace Dulce de Leche Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and lightly flour it, or line it with parchment paper to ensure your cake slides out smoothly after baking. This simple prep sets the stage for a perfect bake.

Step 2: Combine Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the beautiful trio of spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This blends your warm autumn flavors evenly throughout the cake batter.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until it’s light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, ensuring a tender crumb in the finished cake. Your kitchen will start smelling heavenly already!

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one by one, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. Then stir in the vanilla extract. The eggs add richness and structure, while the vanilla brings out the spices’ aromatic qualities.

Step 5: Incorporate Sour Cream and Alternate Dry Ingredients with Milk

Mix in the sour cream until fully combined – this adds moistness and a gentle tang. Now, gradually add the dry mixture alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. This careful folding ensures your batter remains light and doesn’t get overworked.

Step 6: Fold in the Dulce de Leche and Pecans

Gently stir in the luscious dulce de leche, swirling it throughout the batter for bursts of caramel sweetness in every bite. If you’re using pecans, fold those in now to add a crunchy texture contrast that elevates this cake even further.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour your batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. This crucial resting step lets the flavors settle and prevents the cake from breaking.

Step 8: Drizzle Extra Dulce de Leche

Before serving, drizzle extra dulce de leche on top for an enticing glossy finish and an extra layer of sweetness that makes the Autumn Embrace Dulce de Leche Cake Recipe truly unforgettable.

How to Serve Autumn Embrace Dulce de Leche Cake Recipe

Garnishes

To accentuate this cake’s homey charm, consider dusting it with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream also pairs divinely, adding creaminess that complements the cake’s dense, spiced crumb.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a hot cup of chai tea or coffee for an inviting afternoon treat. Fresh apple slices or a simple pear compote make for seasonal sides that enhance the autumnal flavor theme perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve the cake on a rustic wooden board topped with scattered toasted pecans. For a festive occasion, add edible gold leaf or cinnamon sticks as decoration, transforming your dessert into a centerpiece everyone will admire before digging in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover your leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the cake moist without the dulce de leche drying out. For longer storage, refrigeration is best.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then placing in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Reheating

Warm up slices gently in a microwave or oven to revive that fresh-baked feel. A few seconds in the microwave or 5-7 minutes at 300°F in the oven does the trick nicely, especially when topped with a little extra dulce de leche or whipped cream.

FAQs

Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work wonderfully and offer a slightly different crunch and flavor profile. Just toast them lightly for the best aroma and texture.

Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, and use coconut yogurt instead of sour cream, plus your favorite non-dairy milk. Keep in mind dulce de leche is traditionally dairy-based, but there are dairy-free caramel spreads that make a good alternative.

How do I make my own dulce de leche at home?

Simply simmer sweetened condensed milk gently until it thickens and caramelizes into a golden brown. There are plenty of tried-and-true stovetop and slow cooker methods that yield delicious results for this recipe.

Can I double this recipe for a larger cake?

Yes, doubling works well if you have a larger pan or want to bake two cakes. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may increase slightly depending on the pan size and thickness of the batter.

What is the best way to avoid over-mixing?

Alternate adding dry ingredients with milk gently and mix just until combined. Over-mixing can develop gluten, which leads to a tougher cake than the tender one this recipe is known for.

Final Thoughts

Trying the Autumn Embrace Dulce de Leche Cake Recipe will undoubtedly bring you that cozy, heartwarming sensation only the best autumn desserts can offer. It’s a perfect blend of comforting spices, rich caramel notes, and tender cake that feels like a celebration of the season in every bite. Trust me, once you bake this, it will quickly become one of your favorite recipes to make and share whenever the leaves start to change. So roll up your sleeves and dive into this sweet treat that feels like a warm hug from fall itself!