Dobos Torte (Hungarian cake)

Hungarian Dobos Torte: A Symphony of Layers, Cream, and Caramel

In the heart of Hungarian patisseries, an exquisite creation stands as a testament to the country’s rich culinary heritage - the Dobos Torte. This celebrated dessert, named after its creator József C. Dobos, is a masterpiece of flavors and textures. As we delve into the secrets of this decadent delight, we uncover the delicate balance of feather light sponge layers, the richness of buttercream made from pasteurized eggs, the art of crafting the perfect caramel garnish, and the timeless wisdom that practice makes perfect.

Feather Light Sponge Layers: The Heart of Dobos Torte

At the core of the Dobos Torte's allure are its feather light sponge layers. Delicately baked to perfection, these layers provide the cake's foundation, offering a subtle crunch that gives way to a soft, airy interior. The meticulous balance of ingredients and precise baking techniques are essential, ensuring each layer maintains its lightness, creating a harmonious contrast to the creamy filling.

Pasteurized Eggs and the Silky Buttercream

Pasteurized eggs, a hallmark of quality and safety, are the key to crafting the luscious buttercream that envelops the Dobos Torte. By incorporating these eggs, the buttercream achieves a velvety texture and a rich, custard-like flavor. The use of pasteurized eggs not only enhances the taste but also guarantees a safe and indulgent experience, allowing dessert enthusiasts to savor every decadent bite without concern.

The Caramel Garnish: A Work of Art

No Dobos Torte is complete without its signature caramel garnish, a glossy, amber masterpiece that crowns the cake. Crafting the perfect caramel requires patience, precision, and a keen eye. Sugar is slowly heated until it transforms into a golden syrup, which is then delicately drizzled, creating elegant swirls and designs. The caramel garnish adds a satisfying crunch and a subtle sweetness, elevating the visual appeal and flavor profile of the dessert.

Practice Makes Perfect: The Art of Dobos Torte Mastery

Creating the perfect Dobos Torte is an art that demands practice and dedication. Each layer, every swirl of buttercream, and the precision in caramel decoration require time, patience, and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures. With each attempt, bakers refine their techniques, ensuring that the end result is not just a cake but a masterpiece that captures the essence of Hungarian culinary expertise.

Conclusion: A Symphony in Every Slice

In the world of desserts, the Dobos Torte stands as a testament to the beauty of craftsmanship and the joy of indulgence. With its feather light sponge layers, the richness of buttercream made from pasteurized eggs, the artistry of the caramel garnish, and the dedication of passionate bakers, each slice of Dobos Torte is a symphony of flavors and textures, offering a delightful experience that lingers on the palate and in the memory, reminding us that true culinary artistry is a blend of skill, tradition, and a dash of sweet inspiration.

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Dobos Torte (Hungarian cake)


Hungarian Dobos Torte, a culinary marvel hailing from Hungary, embodies the essence of exquisite patisserie. With its delicate layers, sumptuous buttercream, and artful caramel garnish, this timeless dessert is a symphony of flavors, a testament to culinary mastery, and an invitation to savor the rich heritage of Hungarian baking.

Prep: 45 mins

Cook: 30 mins

Serves: 10

INGREDIENTS

Sponge layers
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup potato starch or cornstarch
2/3 cup granulated sugar
6 eggs separated and at room temperature
1 teaspoon lemon zest

Simple syrup
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate buttercream
16 oz. semisweet chocolate chopped
2 cups unsalted butter at room temperature
6 large egg yolks
1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/4 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnishes
2/3 cup sliced almonds
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice

INSTRUCTIONS
 
Sponge layers
1.Sift together the flour and potato starch. Set aside.
2.Set aside two thirds of the granulated sugar. Whisk the egg yolks with the remaining sugar until light and pale. When the beater is lifted the batter should leave a trail in the bowl (this is called ribbon stage). Stir in the zest.
3.In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites into soft peaks. Gradually whisk in the reserved sugar to form stiff, glossy peaks. Stir two big spoonfuls of the egg whites into the yolk mixture to loosen the texture. Gently fold in the flour. This will take a bit of careful mixing and the texture will seem strange and thick, but keep going. When no streaks of flour remain gently fold in the remaining egg whites. Do all of these steps as gently as possible so that you don’t knock out all of the air.
4.Preheat the oven to 425F. Spray two 8-inch round cake pans with flour-based baking spray, or grease the pans and line them with parchment rounds.
5.Using a scale divide the batter into six bowls evenly (mine were about 3.30 oz. per pan, but yours may vary). This ensures each sponge layer will be the same thickness upon slicing. Alternatively, divide 1/3 of the batter between the two prepared pans. Spread an even layer in the bottom of each one using a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
6.Bake for 5-6 minutes or until golden. Invert cakes onto wire racks and remove parchment, if using. Wash pans and re-grease. Repeat the process twice more with the remaining mixture to make another four layers of sponge, making six in total.

Simple syrup
1.In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a boil.
2.Cook until the sugar is melted; remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and let cool completely.

Chocolate buttercream
1.In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate until melted and smooth, in 30 second increments, about 2 minutes total. Cool to room temperature but still liquid and pourable.
2.In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whip, beat the butter until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes on medium-high. Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well before adding the next. Add in the cooled chocolate and sugar. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate any hidden streaks of butter or chocolate. Mix in the salt and vanilla extract. Beat until fluffy.
3.Place about 1 1/4 cups of the chocolate buttercream in a piping bag fitted with a large closed star piping tip; set aside. Brush a sponge layer lightly with the simple syrup using a pastry brush. Sandwich each of the six sponge layers together, brushing as you stack, with 1/4-inch-thick layer of the chocolate buttercream, then spread more buttercream evenly over the top and sides of the cake. To garnish the sides of the cake, press the sliced almonds into the sides while the buttercream is still tacky. Pipe 8 large rosettes of chocolate buttercream, evenly spaced, on the top edge of the cake using the piping bag of frosting. Chill for one hour before adding the caramel garnish.

Caramel garnish
1.Draw an 8” circle on a piece of parchment paper using the same pan you baked he sponge cakes in; set aside on a flat heat-proof work surface.
2.Place the sugar and lemon juice in a small saucepan and mix together until the sugar looks like wet sand. Cook over medium high heat, watching constantly, and stirring/prodding the mixture occasionally until an amber caramel is formed.
3.Immediately pour the caramel into the center of the marked circle and quickly spread out using a hot stainless-steel spatula (to heat the spatula, let it rest on a hot stove eye, or heat it with a chef’s torch). Leave it for a few seconds until it starts to set. Grease a large chef’s knife then score the caramel into 8 wedges. Let set completely then gently break apart at the score marks.
4.Rest a caramel wedge at an angle on each rosette on the cake.
5.Store the cake covered at room temperature. This cake keeps well for a week and seems to improve upon standing.

NOTES

Use the following recipe if you prefer to not make the buttercream with uncooked egg yolks. It is not as dark or silky as the yolk buttercream, but it is a fine replacement. The recipe is taken from the Dobos Torta recipe in the book Ultimate Cake by Barbara Maher. You may also choose to use your own chocolate buttercream recipe.

Quick Chocolate Buttercream
3 teaspoons instant coffee
3 teaspoons unsweet cocoa powder
6 oz. semisweet chocolate chopped
3 cups unsalted butter softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1.Dissolve the instant coffee and cocoa powder in 6 tablespoons boiling water. Pour into a small heat-proof bowl and add the chopped chocolate; melt over a pan of simmering water. Let cool until thickened but not set.
2.In another bowl, beat the butter and confectioners’ sugar together until pale and fluff. Add the chocolate and mix well until combined. Then beat the mixture until pale and fluffy and thick. Use to fill, frost, and decorate a 6-layer Dobos Torte.

EQUIPMENT
8 inch round cake pans (2)
large closed star piping tip
Piping bag
Pastry brush



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