Go Back
+ servings
Perfect Pionono "Dulce de Leche Cake Roll"

Easy Pionono de dulce de Leche

Camila Benitez
This delicious and satisfying Pionono, "Dulce De Leche Cake Roll," is made with a sweet and fluffy sponge cake filled with a creamy Dulce de Leche and rolled up to ensure an even distribution of cake and Dulce de Leche in each bite. Enjoy this rich Pionono with your favorite coffee or tea. 
[gtranslate]
5 from 10 votes
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Latin American
Servings 10

Ingredients
  

For the filling:

  • 26.8 oz can of Dulce de leche reserve ½ cup for garnish. (You can add any filling you like, such as whipped cream, guava, jam, etc...)

Instructions
 

For the Pionono:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 13'' x 18''x 1''  inch sheet pan with butter or cooking spray with flour, line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper, and generously butter and flour the parchment paper; remove excess flour or use cooking spray with flour; set the pan in the refrigerator until needed.
  • In a bowl, sift the flour; set aside. Beat the eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla, honey, and salt in a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment on high speed until the mixture is pale and very thick (enough to hold a pattern in the wake of the whisk), about 10 minutes (see Notes).
  • Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the sifted flour. Beat until just combined, about 5 seconds. Gently fold the batter once or twice using a rubber spatula, then scrape it into the prepared sheet pan. Spread it evenly with the spatula, using broad, gentle strokes to keep the batter airy; you want to keep as much air as possible in the mixture.

To Bake the Pionono:

  • Bake the cake roll until the top is set and lightly golden, about 8 to 10 minutes. Make sure not to overcook the pionono, or it will crack when you roll it.
  • While the cake roll is still hot, sift a thin layer of confectioner's sugar over the top (this will prevent the cake from sticking to the towel). Next, run a sharp paring knife around the edges of the cake to loosen it.
  • Lay a clean kitchen towel over the cake and carefully flip the sheet pan onto a work surface. Gently peel off the parchment. Then, starting at one of the short ends, gently roll the still-warm cake roll and the towel together. (This must be done while the cake roll is hot to keep it from cracking.) Wear oven mitts, if needed. Allow the rolled-up cake to cool completely.
  • For the Dulce De Leche Filling: Microwave dulce de leche in a small bowl until thick, pourable consistency.

How to Assemble Pionono

  • Gently unroll the cake; trim the ends with a serrated knife. Then, generously and evenly spread the Dulce de Leche over the cake using an offset spatula,leaving about a ¼-inch border. Re-roll the pionono this time without the towel, place it on a platter seam-side down.
  • Spread the top, sides, and ends of the cake with the reserve Dulce de Leche, and press unsweetened shredded coconut all over the surface. To serve, slice the cake to form spirals. Serve with coffee if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

How to Store & Re-Heat
To store leftover Pionono de Dulce de Leche, wrap it tightly in plastic or aluminum foil to prevent drying and place it in the refrigerator. It's best consumed within 2-3 days to maintain its freshness. For reheating, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the dulce de leche filling and make it slightly gooey. Be cautious not to overheat, as it may cause the cake to become too soft or lose its shape. Enjoy your reheated Pionono de Dulce de Leche!
Make-Ahead
You can prepare the Pionono de Dulce de Leche ahead of time by following the recipe to assemble it with the Dulce de Leche filling. Once rolled and formed, cover it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld, and it's a convenient way to prepare a delicious dessert in advance for special occasions.
How to Freeze
To freeze Pionono de Dulce de Leche, wrap it tightly in plastic or aluminum foil or in an airtight container. Ensure it's well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bring it to room temperature before serving. Freezing may slightly alter the texture, so keep that in mind.
Notes:
  • For savory preparation, such as Pionono de Atun, omit the vanilla extract, add ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper instead, then proceed with the recipe.
  • Honey is a must in this recipe as it gives flexibility to the pionono, which’s important when you roll it so that it doesn’t break apart.
  • If you bake several pionono, it is crucial to stack them to maintain humidity.
  • It's important never to add the flour quickly; over-mix it or hit the baking sheet with the batter in, or you will lose all the air.
  • Ensure you level out the batter in the baking pan with an offset spatula before putting it in the oven. Don’t over-bake the pionono.
  • The eggs should be at room temperature; Make sure to beat the mixture for 10 minutes. Aerating the eggs until they are foamy and hold their shape helps leaven this cake and structure it.
  • We spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level off the excess when measuring flour. Scooping directly from the bag compacts the flour, resulting in dry baked goods.
Nutrition Facts
Easy Pionono de dulce de Leche
Amount per Serving
Calories
251
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
3
g
5
%
Saturated Fat
 
1
g
6
%
Trans Fat
 
1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Cholesterol
 
98
mg
33
%
Sodium
 
558
mg
24
%
Potassium
 
96
mg
3
%
Carbohydrates
 
54
g
18
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
45
g
50
%
Protein
 
5
g
10
%
Vitamin A
 
211
IU
4
%
Vitamin C
 
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
 
53
mg
5
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.

Did you Like the Recipe?We would appreciate it if you could rate it. Also, make sure to check out our Youtube Channel for more great recipes. Please share it on social media and tag us so we can see your delicious creations. Thank you!