Dulce de Leche Sponge Cake

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350ºfF). Grease and flour a 20cm (8 inch) round cake pan.

2. 2

   In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. 3

   In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add granulated sugar and beat until light and fluffy.

4. 4

   Beat in eggs one at a time, allowing each egg to fully incorporate before adding the next. Beat in cocoa powder.

5. 5

   With the mixer on low speed, gradually add flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with unsalted milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat just until combined.

6. 6

   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.

7. 7

   Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. 8

   While the cake is baking, prepare the dulce de leche by heating the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it starts to simmer.

9. 9

   Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. 10

    Once the cake is completely cool, slice it in half horizontally using a serrated knife.

11. 11

    Spoon dulce de leche over the bottom half of the cake, then top with the other half.

    Tip: This will create a beautiful, gooey filling.

12. 12

    To make the caramelized sugar crust, sprinkle confectioners' sugar over the top of the cake.

    Tip: This will add a nice textural element to the dish.