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Dobos Torte

An elegant Hungarian chocolate layer cake featuring thin sponge layers, rich chocolate buttercream, and a crispy caramelized sugar topping. Pure sophistication in every bite.

100 minHardServes 10520 cal/serving

HungarianDessertOvenVegetarian

Ingredients

  • 8 large eggs, separated
  • 2/3 cup caster sugar
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 6 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa), finely chopped
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup hot water
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramel topping)
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for caramel)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch round baking pan with parchment paper.

  2. 2

    Beat 8 eggs yolks with 2/3 cup caster sugar until pale and thick, about 5 minutes. Fold in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour gently.

  3. 3

    In another bowl, beat 8 eggs whites with a pinch of 1/4 tsp salt until stiff peaks form. Fold into yolk mixture in two additions.

  4. 4

    Divide batter between prepared pans and spread evenly. Bake 10-12 minutes until golden and springy. Repeat to make 8 thin layers total, cooling between bakes.

  5. 5

    For filling: Melt 6 oz finely chopped dark chocolate (70% cocoa) with 1/4 cup hot water. Cool slightly. Beat 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened until creamy, then add melted chocolate and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

  6. 6

    Assemble torte: Place first cake layer on cake board. Spread thin layer of chocolate filling. Repeat with remaining layers, ending with filling on top.

  7. 7

    For caramel topping: Heat 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramel topping) in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon until golden amber, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for caramel).

  8. 8

    Quickly spread caramel on top of assembled torte. Cut into wedges while warm (use oiled knife for clean cuts).

Questions

Can I make Dobos Torte dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened, 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for caramel). Swap the butter for olive oil where it melts, or a plant-based block butter where it is creamed. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Can I make Dobos Torte gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 1/2 cup all-purpose flour. Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend (where it only thickens a sauce, half as much cornstarch also works). Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Dobos Torte keep?

Store it airtight: two to three days at room temperature or up to a week refrigerated. It freezes for up to two months; thaw at room temperature.

Can I halve or double Dobos Torte?

Yes. As written it serves 10. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. Doubled, split it across two pans and rotate them halfway; one crowded pan bakes unevenly.

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