Here’s a classic, authentic Dobos Torte (Dobos Torta) — the iconic Hungarian layer cake with chocolate buttercream and a crisp caramel top 🇭🇺🍰
Dobos Torte (Dobos Torta)
Components
-
6 thin sponge layers
-
Chocolate buttercream
-
Hard caramel glaze
Sponge Layers
Ingredients
-
6 large eggs, separated
-
¾ cup granulated sugar
-
¾ cup all-purpose flour
-
1 tsp vanilla
-
Pinch of salt
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
-
Line baking sheets with parchment. Draw 8–9 inch circles (6 total).
-
Beat egg whites with salt until soft peaks.
-
Gradually beat in half the sugar until stiff peaks form.
-
In another bowl, beat yolks with remaining sugar and vanilla until pale.
-
Gently fold yolks into whites.
-
Sift flour over batter and fold carefully.
-
Spread thin layers into circles.
-
Bake 6–8 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely.
Chocolate Buttercream
Ingredients
-
6 oz semi-sweet chocolate, melted and cooled
-
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
-
1 cup powdered sugar
-
1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
-
Beat butter until creamy.
-
Add powdered sugar and vanilla.
-
Beat in melted chocolate until smooth.
Assemble the Cake
-
Reserve one sponge layer for the caramel top.
-
Spread buttercream between remaining layers.
-
Frost sides thinly (traditionally left exposed or lightly coated).
Caramel Topping
Ingredients
-
¾ cup granulated sugar
-
1 tbsp water
-
1 tsp lemon juice (optional, prevents crystallization)
Instructions
-
Heat sugar, water, and lemon juice until amber.
-
Immediately pour over reserved sponge layer.
-
Tilt to coat evenly.
-
While hot, lightly oil a knife and score into wedges.
(This prevents shattering later.)
Finish
-
Place caramel layer on top.
-
Pipe buttercream rosettes around the edge if desired.
Pro Tips
-
Work fast with caramel — it hardens quickly
-
Chill cake slightly before slicing
-
Use a hot knife for clean cuts
Why Dobos Torte Is Special
-
Invented in 1885 by József C. Dobos
-
Designed to keep longer before refrigeration
-
The caramel top protects the cake and adds crunch
If you want, I can:
-
Simplify this into a home-baker version
-
Help with caramel troubleshooting
-
Or adapt it to a sheet cake or mini Dobos slices