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A classic layered chocolate sponge cake filled with rich chocolate buttercream and topped with a crisp caramel layer. Elegant, indulgent, and a true Balkan and Central European favorite.
Print Recipe
Servings: 12 Slices
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Layers
  • 16 eggs
  • 16 tbsp sugar
  • 16 tbsp flour
For the Filling (make 2 batches)
  • 16 eggs 8 + 8
  • 20 tbsp sugar 10 + 10
  • 600 g chocolate
  • 500 g butter or margarine
For the Caramel
  • 250 g sugar

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Mixer

Method
 

Prepare the Layers
  1. Separate egg whites from yolks.
  2. Beat egg whites into stiff peaks.
  3. In another bowl, whisk yolks with sugar until light.
  4. Add flour and mix well.
  5. Gently fold in egg whites.
  6. Divide mixture into 16–18 equal parts.
  7. Bake thin layers in a round pan at 180°C for ~5 minutes each.
  8. Let cool. Set one layer aside for caramel.
Make the Filling (repeat twice)
  1. Over a double boiler, whisk eggs and sugar for 15–20 minutes until thick and pale.
  2. Add chocolate and stir until melted.
  3. Add butter:
  4. For lighter cream → add when cooled
  5. For darker cream → add while warm
  6. Repeat for second batch.
Make the Caramel
  1. Melt sugar over medium heat until golden.
  2. Pour over one layer.
  3. Spread quickly and cut while still warm.
Assemble the Cake
  1. Place first layer on a plate.
  2. Spread filling evenly.
  3. Repeat with all layers except the top.
  4. Place caramel layer on top.
  5. Cover sides with remaining cream.
  6. Decorate as desired.

Notes

Dobos cake is a famous dessert from Hungary, created by pastry chef József C. Dobos in the 19th century. It became popular across the Balkans and Central Europe because of its unique combination of thin sponge layers, rich chocolate cream, and a crunchy caramel top.
This cake is considered challenging because it requires baking many thin, even layers and working quickly with hot caramel, which hardens fast. Precision and patience are key. Despite the effort, it is beloved for its elegant look, balanced sweetness, and contrasting textures—soft cream, light sponge, and crisp caramel—all in one bite.