Classic Dobos Cake with Chocolate Buttercream and Caramel Shards

Dobos Cake Recipe
Category: Desserts | Serves: 16

Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Cake Layers
To begin preparing the Dobos Cake, start by making the batter for the cake layers. First, separate the egg yolks from the whites into two separate bowls. To the egg whites, add half of the sugar. Set aside the egg whites in the fridge until they’re ready for use. In another bowl, add the remaining sugar to the egg yolks. Begin whipping the yolks until you achieve a light and fluffy texture. Once the yolks have become pale and airy, gradually incorporate the softened butter into the mixture, adding it bit by bit.

Step 2: Mixing the Batter
Once the butter is fully incorporated, gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture, being careful not to deflate the whipped egg whites. Sift together the flour and potato starch, and gradually fold this into the egg mixture as well, using a whisk and mixing gently in a folding motion from the bottom up to maintain the airiness of the batter.

Step 3: Baking the Cake Layers
Preheat your oven to 200°C (or 180°C if using a fan-assisted oven). Bake the cake layers for approximately 7-8 minutes, or 5 minutes if using a fan-assisted oven. Once baked, allow the cake layers to cool slightly before gently removing them from their rings (about 14-15 cm in diameter). Repeat the process until you have baked all the layers. Allow the layers to cool completely before assembling the cake.

Step 4: Preparing the Chocolate Buttercream
While the cake layers are cooling, prepare the chocolate buttercream filling. Begin by finely chopping the dark chocolate and placing it in a heatproof bowl. Melt the chocolate gently, either using a double boiler or microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn. Once melted, set the chocolate aside to cool slightly, stirring it every few minutes to help it cool evenly.

Step 5: Making the Sugar Syrup
In a saucepan with a thick bottom, combine the sugar and water for the syrup. Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the temperature. When the syrup is nearly ready, place the egg yolks in the bowl of a stand mixer. Begin to beat the yolks at medium speed. Once the syrup reaches the right temperature, pour it slowly into the egg yolks while the mixer is running. Continue to beat the mixture until it cools completely.

Step 6: Mixing the Buttercream
While the egg mixture is cooling, split open the vanilla bean and scrape out the seeds. Place the softened butter, cut into small cubes, into the stand mixer and add the vanilla seeds. Gradually add the butter into the cooled egg mixture while continuing to beat it, until all the butter is incorporated and the mixture becomes creamy.

Step 7: Combining Chocolate and Buttercream
Once the butter mixture is fully whipped, fold in the cooled melted chocolate. Sift the cocoa powder into the mixture and stir to combine, making sure the chocolate and cocoa are evenly mixed into the buttercream.

Step 8: Assembling the Cake
To assemble the Dobos Cake, take one of the baked cake layers and spread a generous layer of chocolate buttercream over it. Repeat this process for each of the seven layers, leaving the final layer without buttercream. Once all layers are stacked, cover the entire cake with the remaining buttercream, smoothing the top and sides with a spatula for a neat, even finish.

Step 9: Preparing the Caramel Decoration
To make the caramel for decoration, combine the sugar and water in a saucepan with a thick bottom. Heat gently, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture turns golden brown. Quickly pour the caramel over the reserved cake layer and use a spatula to spread it evenly over the surface. Allow the caramel to cool and harden slightly.

Step 10: Decorating the Cake
Once the caramel layer on the reserved cake is cool, break it into segments or shards. Take a piping bag fitted with a star tip and fill it with the chocolate buttercream. Pipe small rosettes or decorative swirls around the edges of the cake. Then, arrange the caramel shards in an overlapping pattern on top of the cake, positioning them at an angle between the rosettes.

Step 11: Final Cooling and Serving
Place the Dobos Cake in the fridge to chill for at least 1 hour before serving to ensure the layers and decorations set properly. Serve chilled, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up for the perfect slice.

Enjoy your delicious, homemade Dobos Cake, a true masterpiece in the world of desserts. The combination of airy cake layers, rich chocolate buttercream, and crisp caramel shards makes this treat a showstopper at any special occasion.