Last Updated on January 1, 2024
Our take on Mari’s Dominican cake recipe is much simpler to make and equally delicious. And, it still has an uber soft and unbelievably airy texture.
Today’s cake recipe isn’t necessarily the easiest. Nor is it a throw-together one-bowl cake batter. However, if you follow our guide exactly, you too can make this incredibly delicious cake at home – no prior baking skill required!
What Is A Dominican Cake?
This cake is more commonly referred to as “bizcocho Dominicano” and as the name suggests, it comes from the Dominican Republic. It is arguably one of their most popular cakes that are traditionally served at special occasions such as baby showers, communions, and birthdays.
Now, these cakes consist of three parts: the cake, the filling, and the icing.
The cake recipe is very similar to that of a sponge cake recipe. But, it is far fluffier, softer, and generally a little more flavorful (in our opinion at least). It still has all of the basic cake ingredients, but it’s the ingredient ratio and mixing method that helps this amazing texture develop.
Next, you have the filling. This is usually a tropical fresh fruit filling or a creamy milk-based filling. Its purpose is to add a ton of flavor and moisture.
And finally, you have the icing, commonly called Suspiro. This is basically just an Italian meringue icing. But, no authentic Dominican cake recipe is complete without it.
So, today we’ve taken inspiration from Mari’s Dominican Cake Recipe, arguably the go-to recipe for many. We’ve made some adjustments to improve the overall flavor and texture of the recipe.
And naturally, we’ve simplified things so that even the most amateur baker can knock this cake out of the park!
Dominican cake filling flavors
Before we jump right into our take on Mari’s Dominican cake recipe, let’s quickly discuss fillings.
A traditional filling for this cake is usually a pineapple jam filling. Mari herself makes the recipe using her pineapple jam filling. However, there are many other options.
To make an authentic Dominican cake recipe, you can try a passion fruit filling or guava jam filling. For creamier options, make a pastry cream cake filling or authentic Dulce de Leche filling.
What You Need To Make Mari’s Dominican Cake Recipe
Ingredients for the cake
- 5 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder, sifted
- 1 pound salted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 3/4 cups granulated white sugar
- 5 large egg yolks, room temperature
- 5 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 cup cream, room temperature
- Pineapple filling of your choice
- Italian meringue frosting
Equipment
- Two 10-inch cake pans
- Non-stick baking paper
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Electric hand or stand mixer
- Rubber or silicone spatula
- Cooling rack
- Off-set spatula
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the equipment and ingredients
Preheat the oven to 360ºF (180ºC). Then, line your cake pans with non-stick baking paper. You should spray the pan with cooking spray for added protection.
Also, make sure that all of your ingredients are prepared. You can whisk together the flour and baking powder and set them aside. Then, ensure the rest of the ingredients are all at room temperature.
Step 2: Create the wet batter
Cream the butter on medium-low speed and gradually add the sugar. Once all of the sugar has been incorporated, increase the mixing speed to medium-high. Keep creaming until the butter is light yellow and very creamy and fluffy.
Next, add one egg yolk at a time. Beat the egg yolk into the butter mixture well before adding the next. Follow the yolks with the whole eggs, using the same technique.
Mix the wet batter well for roughly 6-8 minutes, or until it is uniform in consistency. Whisk in the vanilla extract and lemon zest at this point too.
Step 3: Add the dry ingredients and cream
Next, you will add the dry ingredients and cream in alternating additions.
First, add a third of the flour mixture. Then, add a third of the cream. Next, add flour, then, cream, and so on.
Don’t overmix between the additions. Only mix until the addition is almost fully incorporated, but not completely. After the final addition, give the batter a good 30-second mix.
Step 4: Bake the cake
Next, divide the cake batter between the pans. Then, bake each for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Once baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
Step 5: Make the other components
While the cake is baking and cooling, you can make the pineapple filling and Italian meringue frosting of your choice.
This is a great opportunity to play around with flavors and textures.
Step 6: Assemble Mari’s Dominican cake recipe
Place one layer of leveled cake on a cake stand or board. Then, add a generous amount of pineapple filling. Top it with another layer of cake.
Then, add a thick layer of Italian meringue frosting. It’s not as sweet as you think, so you can add quite a lot. Spread the frosting over the entire cake (sides and top) and make sure it’s level.
You can also use the frosting to create beautiful piped decorations. Add any garnishes that you’d like and that will fit your theme.
Expert Tips And Tricks
- It’s important to sift the flour twice before measuring it. This helps aerate the flour, which is part of what gives this Mari’s Dominican cake recipe its’ fluffy texture.
- It’s also crucial that you follow the steps above exactly. It helps create a fluffy cake texture that no other technique can with these ingredients.
- Once baked, this cake can be stored in air airtight container at room temperature. There it will keep week for 2-3 days. But, keeping it in the fridge will extend its shelf life a lot longer, but change the texture.
Preparations Times And Servings
| Preparation Time | Baking Time | Servings |
| 25-30 minutes | 35-40 minutes | 6-8 |
Wrapping Things Up – Our Take On The Authentic Mari’s Dominican Cake Recipe
We hope that you enjoyed Mari’s Dominican cake recipe we have covered in more detail today. Let us know if you’d like to see more Dominican cake ideas. Or if you have any other questions about this cake recipe.