Hungarian Dobos Torte Recipe (Dobos Torta) 🍰
Dobos torte is a classic Hungarian dessert made with thin sponge cake layers, chocolate buttercream, and a crisp caramel-coated top layer.
Ingredients
For the Sponge Layers
- 6 large eggs, separated
- 150 g (¾ cup) sugar
- 150 g (1¼ cups) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 30 g (2 tablespoons) melted butter
For the Chocolate Buttercream
- 200 g (7 oz) dark chocolate, chopped
- 250 g (1 cup + 2 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
- 150 g (¾ cup) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Caramel Top
- 150 g (¾ cup) sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or a few drops of vinegar (optional, helps prevent crystallization)
- A small amount of butter for greasing
Instructions
1. Make the Sponge Layers
- Heat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Beat egg whites with salt until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add half the sugar and beat until glossy peaks form.
- In another bowl, beat egg yolks with the remaining sugar and vanilla until pale and thick.
- Fold yolk mixture into the egg whites gently.
- Fold in sifted flour, then carefully mix in melted butter.
- Spread the batter into thin circles (traditionally 6–7 layers) on baking paper.
- Bake each layer for about 5–8 minutes until lightly golden.
2. Prepare the Chocolate Buttercream
- Melt chocolate gently and let it cool slightly.
- Beat butter until creamy.
- Add powdered sugar, cocoa, vanilla, and salt.
- Mix in melted chocolate until smooth and fluffy.
3. Assemble the Cake
- Place one sponge layer on a serving plate.
- Spread a thin layer of chocolate buttercream.
- Repeat until all layers are stacked.
- Cover the sides and top with remaining buttercream.
4. Make the Caramel Top
- Choose the nicest sponge layer for the top.
- Melt sugar with lemon juice over medium heat until golden caramel forms.
- Quickly spread the caramel over the sponge layer.
- Immediately cut the caramel-covered layer into wedges before it hardens.
- Arrange the caramel pieces on top of the cake
