Discover the rich history and royal origins of the Dobos Torte, a luxurious Hungarian dessert that has captivated taste buds since 1885. This layered cake, with its delicate sponge layers and creamy chocolate filling, is a testament to the artistry of pastry chef József Dobos. Follow our unique and detailed recipe to create this decadent treat at home, complete with caramel topping.
The story of the Dobos Torte is a rare exception to culinary history, which often sees gastronomic masterpieces created by chance. This dessert, however, was crafted by professional pastry chef József Dobos, who hailed from a family of culinary experts. In 1885, he participated in the First National Exhibition in Hungary, setting up a stunning pavilion and opening a luxurious restaurant. His establishment attracted many guests, including the Hungarian imperial couple, the Habsburgs. Dobos was well-prepared for their visit and presented an exquisite torte composed of thin sponge layers filled with chocolate cream. Despite not having a name at the time, the dessert impressed the discerning guests and quickly became a sensation. Soon, the torte, simply named after its creator, was in high demand for grand receptions across Europe. József Dobos was even awarded the prestigious Golden Imperial Cross. Tragically, Dobos’s success was short-lived; he lost his fortune due to bad investments and died in poverty. Before his death, he shared the recipe with the Budapest Pastry Guild, ensuring its legacy. Here is one of the most renowned versions of this delightful dessert.
Calories: 478.90 kcal/serving
Servings: 10
Preparation Time: 2 hours
Additional Time: 2 hours
Nutritional Info (per serving): 6.48g Protein / 23.29g Fat / 61.91g Carbs
Ingredients for 10 Servings
For the caramel:
- Sugar or powdered sugar – 150 g (5.3 oz)
- Water – 2-3 tbsp
- Butter – 10 g (0.35 oz)
For the cream:
- Butter – 180 g (6.3 oz)
- Chocolate – 80 g (2.8 oz)
- Sugar – 130 g (4.6 oz)
- Vanilla sugar – 2 tbsp
- Egg – 1
For the sponge:
- Eggs – 6
- Sugar – 150 g (5.3 oz)
- Vanilla sugar – 1 tsp
- Flour – 150 g (5.3 oz)
- Butter for greasing the pan
Directions
Prepare the Sponge Layers:
- Separate the eggs into whites and yolks. Chill the egg whites until needed.
- Beat the yolks with 75 g (2.6 oz) of sugar until fluffy and pale.
- Beat the egg whites with the remaining sugar until stiff peaks form, then add the vanilla sugar and beat again until smooth. Combine with the yolk mixture.
- Sift the flour and gradually fold it into the egg mixture, mixing continuously to create the batter.
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Grease a 22 cm (8.7 inch) round cake pan with butter. Pour 1/5 of the batter into the
- pan and bake for 10 minutes until golden. Repeat to make a total of 5 layers.
Prepare the Cream:
- Cut the butter into cubes and let it soften at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Melt the chocolate in a double boiler, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- Beat the softened butter with sugar using a mixer. Gradually add the melted chocolate, vanilla sugar, and egg, beating until light and fluffy.
Assemble the Torte:
- Stack the cooled sponge layers, spreading a layer of chocolate cream between each. Cover the top and sides with the remaining cream.
Prepare the Caramel:
- In a large heavy-bottomed skillet, dissolve the sugar in water over low heat, stirring constantly. Add the butter and cook, stirring, until the mixture turns a golden brown.
- Pour the caramel onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it harden completely. Break into pieces and decorate the top of the torte. Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.
Helpful Tip:
The cream for the Dobos Torte includes raw egg, which can be a concern for some. To mitigate any risks, use the freshest eggs possible and wash them thoroughly before use.
Fun Fact:
You can make the sponge layers chocolate-flavored by adding a couple of tablespoons of cocoa powder to the batter along with the flour. While this deviates from the classic recipe, chocolate lovers will be delighted!
Enjoy creating and savoring this historic and elegant dessert, perfect for special occasions and sure to impress any guest with its rich flavors and beautiful presentation.
