Copycat Taco Bell Dulce de Leche Recipe

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Taco Bell Dulce de Leche Cinnabon Delights have this uncanny ability to turn a regular day into an extraordinary one, bite by bite. These golden, doughy morsels filled with creamy caramel goodness are a dessert dream come true—sweet, indulgent, and oh-so-satisfying.

How to make Taco Bell Dulce de Leche

Taco Bell Dulce de Leche is a sweet, caramel-flavored dessert item offered by Taco Bell. “Dulce de leche” means “sweet milk” in Spanish, and it’s a traditional Latin American treat made by slowly heating sweetened milk until it becomes thick, creamy, and caramel-like.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup whole milk (or your milk of choice)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg

For the Dulce de Leche Filling:

• 1 cup Dulce de Leche (store-bought or homemade, see note below)

For the Coating:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil or canola oil (enough to fill your pan about 2–3 inches deep)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and egg until smooth.
3. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix! The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. If using store-bought Dulce de Leche, make sure it’s at room temperature for easier handling.
2. For homemade Dulce de Leche: You can create your own by simmering a can of sweetened condensed milk over low heat in a water bath for 2–3 hours until it turns golden and caramel-like. Allow it to cool completely before using.

Step 3: Shape the Doughnuts

1. Roll the dough into small, uniform balls about 1–1.5 inches in diameter.
2. Use your finger or the handle of a wooden spoon to create a small indentation in the center of each ball. Fill the indentation with a small dollop of Dulce de Leche, then pinch the dough closed around it, carefully rolling it back into a smooth ball.

Step 4: Fry the Doughnuts

1. Heat the oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature, as oil that’s too hot will overcook the outside and leave the inside raw.
2. Gently drop the dough balls into the oil in small batches (don’t overcrowd the pot). Fry for about 2–3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and puffy.
3. Using a slotted spoon, remove the doughnuts and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Coat the Doughnuts

1. In a shallow bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon.
2. While the doughnuts are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Skip the Temperature Check: Maintaining consistent oil temperature is crucial for evenly cooked doughnuts. If the oil gets too hot, adjust the heat or remove the pot momentarily from the burner.
• Seal the Dough Properly: Ensure that the dough completely seals in the Taco Bell Dulce de Leche filling to avoid leaks during frying. Take your time pinching the dough together before rolling it into a ball.
• Make Ahead Dulce de Leche: If you’re making your own Taco Bell Dulce de Leche, prepare it a day in advance to save time and allow it to cool completely.
• Serve Warm: These delights are best enjoyed fresh and warm when the filling is gooey and the coating is irresistibly sugary.

What to serve with

Taco Bell Dulce de Leche Cinnabon Delights are pretty close to dessert perfection on their own—a warm, doughy texture, gooey Dulce de Leche filling, and a cinnamon-sugar coating all come together for a treat that melts in your mouth.

• Chocolate Ganache: The rich and velvety texture of melted dark chocolate or milk chocolate pairs beautifully with the sweet caramel filling. Heat up some heavy cream, whisk in chocolate pieces, and voila—you’ve got an easy dipping sauce.
• Vanilla Glaze: Whip up a quick vanilla glaze using powdered sugar, milk, and a dash of vanilla extract. This adds a light, sweet coating to balance out the caramel filling.
• Berry Compote: The tartness of raspberry or strawberry compote complements the sweetness of the doughnuts, offering a bright and fruity contrast.
• Peanut Butter Sauce or Nutella: A warm drizzle of peanut butter or Nutella takes these treats to a whole new indulgent level.

Ingredients Substitutes

Recreating Taco Bell Dulce de Leche Cinnabon Delights at home is already an exciting and satisfying project, but sometimes you might not have all the exact ingredients on hand — or perhaps you’d like to tailor the recipe to fit specific dietary needs, preferences, or even experiment with new flavors.

1. Substitutes for Dough Ingredients

All-Purpose Flour

• Substitute with Gluten-Free Flour: Use a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend as a direct substitute to make the recipe gluten-friendly. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent for the best texture.
• Alternative Flours: Consider whole wheat flour for slightly nuttier, more wholesome doughnuts. You can also use almond flour, but keep in mind it’ll result in a denser texture and may need an extra egg for binding.

Granulated Sugar

• Coconut Sugar: Adds a caramel-like depth of flavor and is a less refined alternative.
• Maple Sugar: A natural, unrefined option that has a subtle maple flavor. Use the same measurement as granulated sugar.
• Brown Sugar: Though a bit moister, it can be used in equal amounts to add richness to the dough.

Whole Milk

• Dairy-Free Options: Swap with oat milk, almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk if you’re lactose-intolerant or prefer plant-based options. Use unsweetened versions to avoid altering the sweetness of the dough.
• Evaporated Milk: Dilute with equal parts water to replace regular milk while sticking to a rich, creamy flavor.

Unsalted Butter

• Dairy-Free Butter/Margarine: Plant-based butters like Earth Balance can work perfectly for a dairy-free version.
• Coconut Oil: Use melted coconut oil for a dairy-free and slightly tropical flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: Opt for neutral oils like canola or sunflower oil as an easy swap, though it will lack the butter’s rich flavor.

Egg

• Flaxseed or Chia Seed Egg Substitute: Combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes. This works well for binding in egg-free or vegan recipes.
• Unsweetened Applesauce or Mashed Banana: Replace 1 egg with ¼ cup of applesauce or mashed banana. Note that this might slightly alter the flavor and texture.

2. Substitutes for Dulce de Leche Filling

Dulce de Leche

Dulce de Leche is the star ingredient, but if you can’t source it, here are some alternatives:

• Sweetened Condensed Milk Shortcut: You can make your own Dulce de Leche at home by simmering a can of sweetened condensed milk. Place the unopened can in a large pot of water, ensuring it’s fully submerged, and simmer for 2–3 hours. Cool completely before using.
• Caramel Sauce: Use high-quality caramel sauce as a substitute. Add a pinch of salt if you want to balance the sweetness.
• Peanut Butter Filling: For an entirely different spin, creamy peanut butter, or a peanut butter-caramel blend, works as a delicious substitute.
• Nutella (or Chocolate Hazelnut Spread): If you want a more chocolate-forward flavor, Nutella makes a decadent swap for Dulce de Leche.
• Date Caramel: Blend soaked dates (about 1 cup) with a splash of water and a pinch of salt to create a smooth, naturally sweet caramel alternative.

3. Substitutes for Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

Granulated Sugar

• Powdered Sugar: Dust the doughnuts in powdered sugar for a softer, melt-in-your-mouth coating.
• Brown Sugar: If you don’t have granulated sugar, a fine sprinkling of brown sugar mixed with cinnamon can provide a slightly molasses-like flavor.

Cinnamon

• Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend: A mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves gives the coating a spiced warmth.
• Cardamom or Nutmeg: Use these as standalone options for a unique spiced twist. Reduce the quantity compared to cinnamon, as they are more potent.
• Cocoa Powder: Combine cocoa powder with sugar for a chocolate-cinnamon coating instead of pure cinnamon.

4. Substitutes for Frying Oils

Frying oils are crucial for golden, crisp doughnuts. Choose a neutral oil to maintain the flavor balance.

Vegetable or Canola Oil

• Peanut Oil: Excellent for frying with a high smoke point and a rich, nutty undertone.
• Avocado Oil: A healthy option with a high smoke point but more expensive.
• Coconut Oil: Adds a subtle sweetness and is ideal for smaller batches due to its lower smoke point compared to other neutral oils.
• Air Fryer Alternative: Skip frying entirely and use an air fryer for a healthier preparation! Lightly coat the dough balls with cooking spray, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, and toss in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while hot.

Final Thoughts

Taco Bell Dulce de Leche Cinnabon Delights are already a dessert masterpiece, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate them into an unforgettable culinary experience.