. This Dominican cake recipe—known locally as Bizcocho Dominicano—is beloved for its soft, airy texture and rich flavor. Often served at birthdays, weddings, and special celebrations, it’s typically filled with pineapple jam or dulce de leche and topped with silky Italian meringue frosting.
Even if you’ve never baked a cake from scratch before, don’t worry—this easy, beginner-friendly recipe will walk you through every step.
What Makes Bizcocho Dominicano Special
Unlike typical vanilla cakes, this traditional Dominican cake stands out for its unique method of creaming butter and sugar, giving it a light yet moist crumb. It’s not overly sweet, allowing the flavors of orange juice, vanilla, and buttery richness to shine through. And when paired with a tart pineapple filling and fluffy meringue, it becomes pure perfection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make an authentic Dominican cake from scratch:
Cake ingredient
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 2½ cups cake flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk, room temperature
For the Filling
- 1 cup pineapple jam or dulce de leche
For the Meringue Frosting
- 3 egg whites
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dominican Cake Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Tools
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is key to achieving that airy, soft texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs One by One
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract and orange juice.
Step 4: Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, followed by half of the milk. Repeat until all ingredients are incorporated.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely before assembling.
Dominican Cake Recipe Filling and Frosting
Step 6: Prepare the Filling
Spread pineapple jam or dulce de leche evenly over the top of one cake layer. Gently place the second layer on top.
Step 7: Make the Meringue
In a small saucepan, bring the sugar and water to a boil until it reaches 240°F (soft-ball stage). Meanwhile, beat egg whites and cream of tartar in a bowl until soft peaks form. Slowly pour the hot syrup into the egg whites while beating on high speed. Add vanilla and continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
Step 8: Frost the Cake
Use a spatula to frost the cake generously with the meringue. Create soft swirls or peaks as desired. Optionally, use a kitchen torch to lightly brown the meringue for a toasted finish.
“Craving more easy bakes? Try my Garbage Bread Recipe That’s Cheesy for a savory twist.”
Tips for Beginner Bakers
- Use cake flour for a finer, more delicate crumb.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and consistency.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the texture light and fluffy.
- Store the cake in a cool place and consume within two to three days for best results.
“For more on the history and cultural roots of Dominican desserts, check out this guide to traditional Dominican sweets.”
Final Thoughts
This Dominican cake recipe for beginners is a perfect introduction to Latin American baking. Whether you are making it for a special celebration or simply trying something new, this soft and moist cake delivers unforgettable flavor. With simple steps and authentic ingredients, you can bring the taste of the Dominican Republic right into your kitchen.