German Chocolate Cake is a classic dessert cherished for its moist chocolate layers and rich coconut-pecan frosting. However, some people find the traditional frosting too sweet or sticky. If you’re looking for an alternative frosting for German Chocolate Cake, you’ve come to the right place. This article introduces a delectable dulce de leche buttercream that retains the beloved caramel flavor of the original but with a smoother and more structured texture.

Ingredients

For the Dulce de Leche Buttercream:

• 2 egg yolks
• ¾ cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup water
• 14 ounces dulce de leche (premade)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 14 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar

Step-By-Step Instructions

Directions for Dulce de Leche Buttercream:

1. Prepare Dulce de Leche Mixture:
   • In a small, heavy saucepan, stir together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
   • Whisk in the water and then the dulce de leche. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly for 1 minute.
2. Incorporate Egg Yolks:
   • Remove from heat. Gradually whisk the dulce de leche mixture into the egg yolks in a medium mixing bowl.
   • Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Strain and Cool:
   • Strain the mixture through a wire mesh strainer into a small bowl and set aside to cool completely.
4. Beat Butter:
   • In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on high speed until light and fluffy.
5. Combine Mixtures:
   • Beat in the cooled dulce de leche mixture until well combined.
   • Finally, beat in the confectioners’ sugar until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 300
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 120mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 28g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 26g
• Protein: 2g

Reviews:

This alternative frosting for German Chocolate Cake has received high praise for its delightful caramel flavor and smooth texture. Here’s what some bakers had to say:

Besthen: “The dulce de leche buttercream is an excellent substitute for the traditional frosting.“It’s got the caramel flavor I love without the overly sweet taste.”

Anonymous: “I love this frosting! It’s easier to work with and makes for a beautiful cake with precise slices. My guests couldn’t get enough of it.”

Community Tips and Praise:

• Substitute Options: If you prefer a nut-free option, you can skip the pecans entirely.
• Make Ahead: The dulce de leche buttercream can be made a day in advance. Refrigerate it and let it come to room temperature before use.
• Storage: Any leftover cake can be stored in the refrigerator. Let the cake sit at room temperature before serving to enhance its texture and flavor.

Conclusion

This dulce de leche buttercream provides a modern twist on the traditional German Chocolate Cake frosting, offering a smooth, caramel-flavored alternative that is sure to impress. Whether you’re looking to try something new or need a less sweet option, this frosting is a perfect choice. Enjoy creating and sharing this updated classic with your loved ones!