Dobostorta (Dobos Torte) – The Classic Hungarian Layered Cake
🍰 What is Dobostorta?
Dobostorta (or Dobos Torte) is a famous Hungarian layered sponge cake created by pastry chef József C. Dobos in 1884. It features:
- 6-8 thin sponge cake layers soaked in syrup
- Rich chocolate buttercream filling
- A shiny caramel glaze topping with decorative wedges
- Signature thin caramel slices on top
This elegant cake was revolutionary in its time for its long shelf life (thanks to the caramel seal) and became a favorite of European royalty.
📜 The History Behind the Cake
- Invented for the 1885 National General Exhibition in Budapest
- Became so popular that Dobos donated the recipe to the Pastry Chefs’ Guild
- Remains one of Hungary’s most iconic desserts
🥄 Traditional Ingredients
For the Sponge Layers:
- 6 eggs (separated)
- 150g sugar
- 120g all-purpose flour
- 30g melted butter
For the Chocolate Buttercream:
- 200g dark chocolate
- 200g unsalted butter
- 200g powdered sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Caramel Topping:
- 150g sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp water
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Making the Sponge Layers
- Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form
- Gradually add sugar to egg yolks, beat until pale
- Fold in flour, then melted butter, then egg whites
- Divide into 6-8 thin circles on parchment paper
- Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 5-7 minutes each
2. Preparing the Chocolate Buttercream
- Melt chocolate and let cool slightly
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy
- Add egg yolks one at a time
- Mix in melted chocolate and vanilla
3. Assembling the Cake
- Brush each layer with simple syrup (optional)
- Spread chocolate buttercream between layers
- Reserve some cream for sides
4. Creating the Caramel Topping
- Cook sugar, lemon juice and water to amber color
- Pour over final cake layer immediately
- Quickly score and cut into wedges before hardening
- Decorate sides with remaining buttercream
💡 Expert Tips
✔ Use a serrated knife to score caramel
✔ Keep layers very thin (2-3mm) for authentic texture
✔ The cake tastes even better after 1 day in fridge
✔ Traditional versions use 7 layers (symbolizing the 7 hills of Budapest)
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- Serve at room temperature
- Pairs wonderfully with coffee or dessert wine
- Traditional garnish: caramel wedges standing vertically
This magnificent cake requires patience but rewards with an unforgettable combination of textures: the crisp caramel, tender sponge, and silky chocolate cream. It’s a true showstopper dessert that has stood the test of time!
Fun fact: The original Dobos Torte recipe was kept secret for years before being made public – now you can enjoy this piece of Hungarian culinary history at home!
