Dobos Torte
The Dobos torte was created in 1885 by József C. Dobos, a Budapest confectioner who wanted to invent a cake that would keep longer without refrigeration — a major problem in the era before modern cooling. His solution was caramel: instead of fruit or perishable icing, he coated the final layer with hard caramel, which sealed the cake off from air and protected it from spoiling. The cake was presented at the 1885 Budapest General National Exhibition and quickly became a sensation across Europe, reaching the tables of royal courts in Vienna and Berlin. Dobos kept his recipe secret for many years, revealing it only upon retirement to the Budapest confectioners' guild so the technique wouldn't be lost.
Five to six layers
Thin sponge cake sheets alternated with chocolate cream.
Chocolate buttercream
Rich cream whipped with butter and melted chocolate.
Caramel top
The final layer is coated with crisp caramel, cut into wedges.
Pastry chef's creation
Invented in 1885 by József Dobos, a Budapest confectioner.
Ingredients 4 servings
- 6 eggs
- 150g sugar
- 150g flour
- 300g dark chocolate
- 250g soft butter
- 150g powdered sugar
- 100g sugar for caramel
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Oil for the pan
How to make it
- 1PREPARE SPONGE: Beat the eggs with sugar until foamy, then gently fold in the flour and a pinch of salt.
- 2BAKE SHEETS: Spread the batter in thin layers on baking paper and bake each sheet for 5-6 minutes at 180°C.
- 3MAKE CREAM: Melt the chocolate and let it cool, then beat the soft butter with powdered sugar until fluffy and fold in the melted chocolate.
- 4LAYER: Alternate the sponge sheets with a generous layer of chocolate cream, pressing gently on each level.
- 5MAKE CARAMEL: Melt the sugar in a pan until golden, then quickly pour it over the final sponge sheet.
- 6CUT THE CARAMEL: While the caramel is still soft, cut it into wedges with an oiled knife to mark the final portions.
- 7FINISH: Cover the sides of the cake with remaining cream and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Nutritional info
per serving (~350 g)
Estimated nutritional values.
Pairs perfectly with
