Coconut Dulce de Leche Tart: Easy Latin Dessert Classic 2026

Isabel Gaines
Coconut Dulce de Leche Tart: Easy Latin Dessert Classic
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This coconut dulce de leche tart is a sublime dessert thanks to its delicious combination of textures and flavors. A buttery shortcrust base holds a thick layer of dulce de leche, all topped with a tender, golden coconut filling that bakes into something irresistible.

Slice of coconut tart filled with dulce de leche on a plate


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With the detailed step-by-step below, it is very easy to make and turns out perfect for any occasion, from a weekend treat to a celebration dessert. The contrast between the crumbly crust, the creamy caramel and the soft coconut layer is what makes it so special.

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Cross section showing the coconut and dulce de leche layers of the tart

Serve it in generous portions with a cup of coffee, and you will see why this dessert disappears so quickly. It also keeps beautifully, so you can make it ahead and simply let it come to room temperature before serving.

Portion of coconut tart with dulce de leche served on a plate

Ingredients for Coconut Dulce de Leche Tart

Makes 12 servings

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  • 200 g all-purpose flour
  • 100 g cold butter
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 400 g baker's dulce de leche
  • 180 g shredded coconut
  • 120 ml whole milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • 80 g white sugar

Ingredients for coconut dulce de leche tart laid out on a table

How to Make Coconut Dulce de Leche Tart Step by Step

1. Make the Shortcrust Dough

Start by preparing the shortcrust dough for the base. Place 200 g all-purpose flour, 100 g cold butter cut into cubes, 1 large egg and 1 pinch of salt in a food processor or a bowl. Process until you get a mixture that looks like crumbs. If you mix it by hand, press the butter into the flour with your fingertips until you reach the same texture, being careful not to warm the butter too much.

Processing the shortcrust dough ingredients for the coconut tart

2. Roll Out the Dough

Roll out the dough with a rolling pin between two sheets of baking paper, leaving a thickness of about 5 mm.

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Rolling out the shortcrust dough between two sheets of baking paper

3. Fit and Chill the Dough

Fit the dough into a 23 cm springform pan. Prick the base and refrigerate for 1 hour or freeze for 30 minutes so the dough chills.

Chilled shortcrust dough fitted into a springform pan

4. Blind Bake and Add the Dulce de Leche

Preheat the oven to 180 °C with top and bottom heat, and once the chilling time has passed, bake the base for 15 minutes. Remove it from the oven and spread 400 g baker's dulce de leche over the entire base, then set aside.

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Spreading dulce de leche over the baked tart base

5. Mix the Coconut Topping

In a bowl, mix 180 g shredded coconut, 120 ml whole milk, 3 large eggs and 80 g white sugar until you get a smooth, homogeneous mixture.

Mixing the shredded coconut, milk, eggs and sugar for the topping

6. Spread the Coconut Mixture

Pour the coconut mixture over the dulce de leche and smooth it out carefully.

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7. Bake the Tart

Transfer to the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes at 180 °C, until the surface is golden. Let it cool completely before unmolding.

Coconut tart baking in the oven until golden

8. Cool, Unmold and Serve

Once cold, you can unmold and serve this delicious coconut tart filled with dulce de leche in portions.

Coconut dulce de leche tart cooling before unmolding

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Finished coconut dulce de leche tart ready to serve

Tips for the Best Coconut Dulce de Leche Tart

Use Baker's Dulce de Leche

To get a perfect consistency, use baker's dulce de leche, which is firmer than the traditional kind. You can find it in the international section of some supermarkets, online or in specialty baking stores, sometimes labeled dulce de leche pastelero. If you can only find classic, runny dulce de leche, you can thicken it by cooking it over low heat for about 15 minutes so some of the liquid evaporates and it becomes thicker. Keep in mind that it will thicken even more as it cools.

Let It Cool Completely

Once this coconut dulce de leche tart is baked, you need to let it cool completely at room temperature so it sets properly and the flavors come together. This is an ideal dessert to surprise your guests, and it also works beautifully for a sweet breakfast or afternoon snack with a cup of coffee.

Chill the Dough Well

Chilling the shortcrust dough in the fridge for an hour or the freezer for 30 minutes keeps the butter firm, which helps the base hold its shape and stay crisp under the dulce de leche and coconut layers. Work quickly when fitting the dough into the pan so it does not soften.

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Prep Time Cook Time Total Time Servings Category Cuisine Calories
20 minutes 50 minutes 1 hour 10 minutes 12 Baking Latin American 450 calories

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Isabel Gaines

Author

Isabel Gaines

As a former restaurant owner turned reporter, Isabel brings a unique perspective to Grand Goldman. With decades of experience, her articles on cooking and homemaking are both informative and engaging, reflecting her deep knowledge and love for all things culinary.


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