As I previously mentioned, we had a lovely virtual Christmas Eve with my cousin and her family but I still wanted to see them during the holidays, socially distanced, of course. So we had my cousin and her hubby over for an afternoon lunch on the 27th (we just didn’t have enough room for 4 guests); we selected the warmest time of the day without wind or rain. It was a bit of a challenge keeping the outdoor area clear of snow and wet because it had snowed about 10 cm (4 inches) on Christmas Eve, fortunately we had covered the seating area in a tarp; we still had to shovel a lot of snow off the deck and shovel ice and snow off the awning. Everyone who comes over is well aware of the outdoor situation and most people are excited to experience it. The day was warm so the snow was melting around and above us but not enough to break up the party.
I welcomed the family with a cup of hot Miso Broth that was well received. We started with a wonderful Warm Artichoke and Spinach Dip and then served JT’s famous Bœuff Bourguignon with a Creamy Polenta, Homemade Sourdough Bread with the grand finale of the Sticky Dulce de Leche Cakes.
Sticky Dulce de Leches Cakes
Makes 4 servings about 80 mL each.
Please click here for the original recipe.
Ingredients
Filling
- 70 mL store-bought Dulce de Leche
- 15 g unsalted butter, room temperature
Cakes and Assembly
- 80 g all-purpose flour
- 3 g salt
- 2 g baking powder
- 90 g unsalted butter, plus more for ramekins, room temperature
- 35 g sugar, plus more for ramekins
- 70 mL store-bought Dulce de Leche
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2.5 mL vanilla extract
- Additional Dulce de Leche to drizzle
Directions:
Filling
- The night before you make the cake, combine the Dulce de Leche and butter divide into 6 equal parts onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for a minimum of 12 hours (the dulce de leche will prevent it from freezing solid).
Cakes and Assembly
- Preheat the oven to 350° F. Sift the dry ingredients together and set aside.
- Prepare four 250 mL ramekins by coating with a thin, even layer of butter on bottom and sides. Dust with sugar and discard excess.
- In the small bowl of your stand mixer, using the paddle attachment, beat 35 g of sugar and 90 g of butter together until light and fluffy (approx. 4 minutes).
- Add dulce de leche and beat until entirely incorporated (about 1 minute). Beat in eggs one at a time (note that this might look like it’s separated) then reduce the speed and add the sifted dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
- Divide the batter between the four prepared ramekins, about 80 mL each. Create a small divot in the centre of each top and add the semi-frozen Dulce de Leche sauce (it will sink to the bottom during baking).
- Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until the tops are golden or until a wooden tester comes out clean (try to avoid the centre as the dulce de leche might be hot).
- Invert the cakes onto individual plates and decorate with a little extra dulce de leche sauce.
Notes:
- This is an extremely sweet and rich little cakes, the smaller the better.
- The original recipe was called molten Dulce de Leche cakes but because the Dulce de Leche melts into the cake, I found it to resemble a sticky toffee cake more than molten so I modified the name.
- Of course, you can make your own Dulce de Leche sauce, but I needed a quick solution so I bought some. Homemade will taste much better.
I love the creative ways you have been able to figure out for your socializing during the winter weather. Good for you and I’m sure everyone is very appreciative of your efforts. Your dessert would certainly make one forget about the cold, at least until they finished the last bite.
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these cakes look so delightful Eva. I do love dulce de leche, even out of a tin:-) And look at all that snow. our summer just goes on and on … I’m looking forward to winter. well if you call an average temp of 22C winter – tee hee.
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That sounds like a fun time! We’ve all had to get creative with our socializing the last few months. Although I’m not sure if I’d be so wild about socializing in the snow. Too much danger of a snow ball fight breaking out. 🙂 Great menu, and the Dulce de Leches cakes sound terrific. Fun post — thanks.
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Such a nice recipe, reminds me of the sticky date pudding. Love it
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That has got to be just about the coolest thing ever! I love the pictures. Talk about making the best of the situation! And these cakes sounds marvelous.
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You’re such a brilliant entertainer Eva!! Your guests must look forward to every invitation with great anticipation!
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It’s so nice to see family in these difficult times… I haven’t seen my closest family for quite a long time. It’s tough! Lucky you! The food looks wonderful!
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Heated throws, a heated vest and a caramellly dessert! Sounds like heaven pandemic style!!!
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Nothing could get me sit outside with that A$$ freezing cold weather! Ok, maybe that Dulce de Leches cake could…LOL
Looks like that everyone had a good time!
angiesrecipes
http://angiesrecipes.blogspot.com
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It’s really quite lovely.
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