The dulce de leche loaf cake is a beautiful blend of Latin American tradition and British-style baking. It transforms the rich caramel notes of dulce de leche into a moist, tender loaf cake that is perfect for sharing. This cake is simple, satisfying, and filled with history.

In South America, especially in Argentina and Uruguay, this dessert is often called budín de dulce de leche. Although the word budín translates as pudding, the cake itself is closer to a pound cake or loaf cake. Families bake it at home to enjoy alongside coffee or mate, and it remains a beloved recipe across generations. For a UK audience, the most natural name is loaf cake, which makes this the perfect bridge between cultures.

The cake’s texture is soft and buttery, with dulce de leche bringing caramel sweetness and cream creating a tender crumb. It is delicious on its own, but you can also add chocolate chips for extra indulgence. The recipe is easy to prepare and bakes in less than 40 minutes, making it a go-to option for both everyday baking and special occasions.

This loaf cake has its roots in the traditional pound cake. Classic pound cakes used equal parts flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. South American bakers adapted the formula by adding dulce de leche, giving the cake a unique flavour. The result is a loaf that feels both familiar and exotic, comforting yet impressive.

Whether you are South American living in the UK or British and eager to try new flavours, this cake is a wonderful way to experience the best of both traditions. Serve it at teatime, enjoy it as a sweet snack, or present it as a dessert centerpiece.

Instructions

1. Prepare the dry ingredients
If you are using regular flour, mix it with baking powder. Sift the flour to remove any lumps. Toss the chocolate chips in a little flour to stop them from sinking while baking.

2. Mix the wet ingredients
In a large bowl, beat the eggs lightly. Add the dulce de leche and cream, and mix until smooth and combined. Stir in the sugar if you are using it.

3. Combine dry and wet ingredients
Fold the sifted flour into the wet mixture in two parts. Stir gently and avoid overmixing to keep the loaf light.

4. Add the chocolate chips
Fold the floured chocolate chips into the batter with care.

5. Bake the loaf cake
Pour the batter into a greased and floured loaf pan. Bake at 170°C (340°F) for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Cool and serve
Let the cake cool before removing it from the pan. Slice and enjoy with tea, coffee, or mate.

Key Points: Dulce de Leche Loaf Cake

• Traditional Latin American cake known as budín de dulce de leche.
• Moist loaf cake with caramel-like sweetness from dulce de leche.
• Simple recipe using everyday pantry ingredients.
• Optional chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
• Quick to bake and perfect for sharing at any time of day.

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Graphics by @ximezara

 What is dulce de leche? Dulce de Leche – What’s it All About? or read more on Wikipedia