Soft Dulce de Leche Cake with Cinnamon Crumble

Name: Soft Dulce de Leche Cake with Cinnamon Crumble
Prep time: 50 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 24 servings
Cuisine: Française
Ingredients: 3 large eggs; 14 oz (400 g) dulce de leche; 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar; 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour (for the batter); 1 cup (250 ml) whole milk; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour (for the crumble); 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar (for the crumble); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes (for the crumble)

By Marie Lefebvre · Updated September 19, 2026

A moist and tender cake loaded with rich dulce de leche and topped with a buttery cinnamon crumble that bakes into a golden, crunchy crust. Inspired by the beloved Brazilian cuca, this easy-to-make treat is perfect for family gatherings or an indulgent afternoon snack. Each slice delivers the perfect balance of caramel sweetness and spiced crunch.

Prep⏱️ 50 min

Servings👥 24 servings

Difficulty📊 Easy

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🛒 Ingredients

24 servings

3 large eggs
14 oz (400 g) dulce de leche
2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour (for the batter)
1 cup (250 ml) whole milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour (for the crumble)
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar (for the crumble)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes (for the crumble)

🛍️ Recommended tools

🎂Moule à gâteauSee on Amazon →🪄Batteur électriqueSee on Amazon →⚖️Balance de cuisineSee on Amazon →

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Directions

1
Make the crumble: combine flour, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl, then rub in the cold butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse, clumpy breadcrumbs. Refrigerate until needed.
2
Preheat the oven to 350 °F (180 °C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.
3
Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the eggs, sugar, and softened butter together at medium speed until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and roughly doubled in volume.
4
Add half the flour and half the milk, alternating, and beat for 1 minute until incorporated.
5
Add the remaining flour and milk, and beat until the batter is smooth and uniform.
6
Fold in the baking powder gently using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the batter.
7
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Spoon dollops of dulce de leche across the surface, pressing lightly, then scatter the cinnamon crumble evenly over the top.
8
Bake for 40 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool for 15 minutes before slicing into 24 pieces.

💡 Chef's Tip

Warm the dulce de leche briefly in the microwave (15–20 seconds) before spooning it over the batter — it spreads more easily and creates beautiful caramel pockets throughout the cake as it bakes.