Grandma Zauners Dobosh Torte Recipes

DOBOS TORTE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C). Have ready two 10-inch cardboard circles. Generously grease a 9-inch springform pan with soft butter, and dust with flour.
• Beat the egg whites until frothy, and gradually add 1 cup sugar. Beat just to soft peaks. In another bowl, beat the yolks with the milk, lemon peel, vanilla, and salt. Fold this into the egg whites. Sift the flour over the egg mixture, and fold in.
• Spread 1 1/3 cups batter into the prepared pan. Bake for about 5 to 9 minutes, or until small, brown spots begin to appear on cake. Remove the cake from the oven, and remove layer from pan with a spatula. Dust the cake lightly with flour, and place on a rack to cool. Grease pan again, and repeat this process until all of the batter is used, about 6 times more. Place the layers between wax paper, and cover with a towel. Chill layers for a few hours. Make the Chocolate Buttercream.
• Layer the chilled layers on one of the cardboard rounds with the buttercream. Start with one layer; cover with the buttercream, and then press down with another layer to make a good seal. Repeat this with the remaining layers, but reserve one layer. Wrap the cake in plastic, and chill for at least 6 hours along with the remaining buttercream. Grease the other cardboard round with the shortening, and place the last layer on it.
• Place 1 cup sugar into a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Allow sugar to cook until the edges look melted and brown. Begin stirring with a wooden spoon. Cook until the sugar become an amber color, and is smooth. Carefully pour the caramel over the top of the last layer, and spread to the edges with an oiled knife. Quickly, using an oiled knife, indent the top of the caramel into 16 wedges. Allow to cool slightly, and then retouch the indents with the knife again. Place layer onto a counter top dusted with sugar, and allow the caramel to cool completely.
• Place some more buttercream on top of the chilled torte, and top with the caramel round. Frost the sides with the remaining buttercream. Chill the torte before serving.

HUNGARIAN SEVEN-LAYER CAKE (DOBOSTORTE)

Steps:

• 1. To make the buttercream: Stir the sugar and water in a small saucepan over low heat until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Increase the heat to medium and boil, without stirring, until the syrup reaches the soft-ball stage, or 250°F on a candy thermometer, about 10 minutes.
• 2. Meanwhile, beat the egg yolks until pale and thick, about 4 minutes. In a slow, steady stream, pour the hot syrup into the eggs, beating continuously as you pour. (Do not let the syrup touch the beaters or it will spin into threads.) Continue beating until the mixture thickens and cools to room temperature, about 10 minutes.
• 3. Beat in the butter and shortening, 2 tablespoons at a time, until absorbed. Gradually beat in the chocolate. Blend in the vanilla, salt, and rum if using. Do not add the flavoring too quickly or the buttercream might curdle. Chill until of spreading consistency, at least 2 hours or up to 1 week. If the buttercream firms too much, return to room temperature before using, about 1 hour.
• 4. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease the bottoms of several 9-inch round cake pans and dust with flour, tapping out the excess. Or grease and flour several large baking sheets and, using a 9-inch saucepan lid or springform pan, mark 9-inch circles on the sheets.
• 5. To make the batter: Beat the eggs and sugar until thick and creamy, 5 to 10 minutes. Add the vanilla and salt. Sift the flour over the top and carefully fold it in.
• 6. Spread about 1/4 cup of the batter evenly over the bottom of the prepared pans or over each circle on the baking sheets.
• 7. Bake until the edges begin to color, 5 to 7 minutes. Loosen with a spatula, invert onto a rack, and let cool. Wipe the pans, regrease, dust with flour, and repeat until there are 7 or 8 matching layers.
• 8. To make the caramel if using: Stir all the caramel ingredients in a small saucepan over low heat until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Stop stirring, increase the heat to medium, and cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the syrup turns a deep amber color. Do not burn.
• 9. Using a lightly oiled metal spatula, spread all of the caramel evenly over one of the cake layers. Let set slightly (do not let it harden), then use an oiled knife to cut just the caramel into 8 to 10 wedges (indicating where the cake will be sliced).
• 10.To assemble: Place a cake layer on a serving plate, spread with 1/8-inch thick layer of buttercream, then place a second layer on top. Repeat layering the buttercream and cake layers. Cover the top of the cake with buttercream. If using the caramel layer, place on top of the cake. Cover the sides of the cake with buttercream. Chill. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 day or in the freezer. Let stand at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving.
• VARIATION
• Oblong Layer Cake: Divide the batter between two 15 1/2-by-10 1/2-inch jelly roll pans and bake. After cooling the cakes, cut each lengthwise into 3 equal pieces to make a 6-layer cake.

DOBOSH TORTE (SEVEN LAYER TORTE)

Steps:

• To prepare for baking seven layers (the usual number): Tear off seven piece of aluminum foil, or baking pan liner paper (NOTE 1), each about 11-inches long.
• Spread softened butter lightly over a 10-inch square area in the center of each piece of foil or paper.
• Sprinkle with flour.
• Shake and tilt the foil or paper to make sure the buttered area is thoroughly floured and shake off any excess.
• On the floured area trace a 9-inch circle.
• (Use any 9-inch circular object as a pattern: the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, an inverted 9-inch cake tin, or a 9-inch pot cover.) Repeat with remaining pieces of foil or paper.
• Set aside.
• Place rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 450 degrees.
• In the large bowl of an electric mixer at high speed, beat the 10 egg yolks for a few minutes til they are pale and lemon-colored.
• Reduce speed and gradually add sugar.
• Increase speed to high again and beat for 5 minutes or until very thick.
• Reduce speed and gradually add the flour, then again increase it to high and beat for 5 minutes more (mixture will be almost stiff), scraping the bowl occasionally with a rubber spatula.
• Mix in the lemon juice and remove from the mixer.
• (The mixture will be very thick-use your fingers to get it all off the beaters.) Beat the seven whites with the salt until they hold a point- stiff, but not dry.
• Since the yolk mixture is very thick, actually stir a few spoonfuls of the whites in to lighten it a bit.
• Then fold in a few large spoonfuls three or four times til the mixture lightens.
• Gently fold in the remaining whites.
• With a large serving spoon, place two or three large spoonfuls of the batter on one of the pieces of prepared foil or paper.
• Using the back of the spoon, spread the batter thin, slowly rotaing the paper with your left hand as you spread the batter with your right hand.
• Make it thin, but do not leave any holes in it.
• A 1/4- inch thickness should give you seven layers.
• Do not make the edges too thin.
• Follow the lines closely, but don't worry, the edges can be trimmed later.
• Slide a cookie sheet under the foil or paper and bake for 5 to 7 minutes or until the top is golden brown with dark brown spots.
• If the layers are thicker than mine are, they will take longer to bake.
• If they are not baked long enough they will stick to the foil or paper.
• Repeat with remaining layers.
• If you bake more than one layer at a time, rotate the positions of the pans during baking to insure even browning.
• When a layer is baked and out of the oven, lift the corners of the foil or paper and invert onto a rack.
• Peel off the paper and immediately invert the layer onto another rack to cool, right side up.
• (Letting the layer cool upside down will make it stick to the rack.) When you run out of racks, layers may cool on smooth toweling that has been dusted with confectioner's sugar.
• When you run out of room, cooled layers may be stacked if you sprinkle the tops lightly with confectioner's sugar and place wax paper between them.
• Cooled layers may be trimmed to even the edges.
• Working on a board, place an 8-1/2 inch or 9-inch pot cover or cake pan on the layer.
• Cut around with a small sharp knife and then cut with scissors.
• FILLING AND ICING: Melt the chocolate in the top of a double boiler over hot water on moderate heat.
• Remove from heat, stir until smooth, and set aside to cool completely.
• In small bowl of electric mixer cream the butter.
• Add vanilla and egg yolks and beat well.
• Add sugar and cooled chocolate.
• Beat until thoroughly mixed, scraping the bowl with a rubber spatula.
• Place four strips of wax paper around the outer edges of a cake plate.
• Place one cake layer on the plate and with a long, narrow metal spatula spread with a thin layer of the chocolate filling.
• If you have made more than seven layers, the filling must be spread very thin, in order to have enough for all.
• Place another layer on top, adjusting it carefully so that the edges are lined up evenly.
• Continue icing the layers, stacking them as evenly as possible.
• Spread the remaining chocolate smoothly around the sides first and then over the top.
• Remove wax paper strips by pulling each one out by a narrow end and refrigerate cake for at least several hours to set the icing.
• Store in refrigerator and serve cold.
• NOTES:If you use baking pan liner paper it must be buttered and flourd for this recipe or the layers will stick to it.
• This is a very firm cake; use a sharp heavy knife for serving.
• Dobosh Torte may be made a day ahead, or it may be frozen.
• For a variation you can put cherry, raspberry or strawberry jam or preserves between one or two layers instead of the chocolate filling.

DOBOS TORTA

Steps:

• Combine both chocolates in a heatproof bowl and melt over a saucepan of simmering water. Incorporate with a spatula. Cool slightly; the chocolate should remain fluid.
• Pour the sugar into a small saucepan, carefully pour ¼ cup (59 ml) of the water around the outside edge of the sugar, and carefully pull the water into the center of the sugar to moisten; this will help prevent the sugar from crystallizing. Cover, turn the heat to medium, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the sugar has melted. Uncover and cook, without stirring, until the caramel is a golden honey color. (You can test this by putting a drop on a white plate.) Remove from the heat and carefully swirl the caramel a few times to cool, then stand back and carefully (again with the carefully), slowly whisk in 3 tablespoons (45 ml) water. The caramel should have a honey consistency; if it's too thick, add a few more drops of water.
• Whisk the caramel into the egg yolks in the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large heatproof bowl) and set over the saucepan of simmering water. Cook, whisking, until the mixture registers 140F (60°C) on an instant-read thermometer. Attach the bowl to the mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or use a handheld mixer in the bowl) and beat on medium speed until the mixture is cool; it will become thicker and lighter.
• With the mixer running, add the butter by the tablespoon until it is all incorporated. If the buttercream begins to separate, stop adding the butter and mix until it looks smooth again, then resume adding the butter. Add the salt and mix to combine, then scrape down the sides of the bowl.
• With the mixer on low, add the melted chocolate in 3 additions, followed by the vanilla. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and taste the buttercream. Mix in the remaining 1½ teaspoons water and give the buttercream another taste. The water opens up the flavor of the buttercream, sending the chocolate right into your taste buds.
• You can use the buttercream right away, or refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 4 months. Be sure to bring it to room temperature before using, and beat it lightly in your mixture to restore its texture.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F. With a dark marker, trace eight 9-­inch circles onto eight 11-­by-­17-­inch sheets of parchment, then flip the sheets over.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or in a large bowl, using a handheld mixer), cream the butter, confectioners' sugar, baking powder, and salt on medium-­high speed until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add the lemon zest, then reduce the speed to medium and add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and fold in the cake flour in 3 additions. Wash and dry the mixer bowl if using a stand mixer.
• In the bowl of the stand mixer, fitted with the whisk attachment (or in another large bowl, using the handheld mixer, with clean beaters), beat the egg whites on low speed until foamy. Add the cream of tartar, then gradually increase the mixer speed and slowly add the granulated sugar. Beat until the whites hold stiff peaks. Whisk one-­third of the beaten egg whites into the batter to loosen it, then gently fold in the remaining egg whites in 2 additions.
• Scoop the batter onto the sheets of parchment, dividing it evenly and placing it in the center of the circles you drew on the paper. (Look, I'm supposed to be a fancy pastry chef, and I just eyeball it, so just do your best to be accurate. It's gonna be amazing no matter what!) With a small offset spatula, spread the batter in a thin, even layer, filling the circles.
• Place 2 of the sheets of parchment on sheet pans and bake until the layers are golden brown and spring back when touched, 10 to 12 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through baking. Let the layers cool completely, then run a large offset spatula under each layer to free it from the parchment. Repeat with the remaining layers, noting that the baking time may decrease with subsequent layers, since the pans are already warm. Be sure to set one of your layers away from where you will be assembling the cake-I have in fact accidentally frosted my intended caramel layer and then had to make a whole new batch of cake just to get another top.
• To assemble the cake: Arrange one cake layer on a serving plate and top with about a heaping ½ cup (115 grams) of the buttercream. Using a small offset spatula, spread it into a thin, even layer. Repeat with 6 more layers. Transfer a few tablespoons of the buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a small start tip and set aside, then frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining buttercream. Transfer the cake to the refrigerator and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, to set the buttercream. (The cake can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Let come to room temperature before making the caramel triangles and garnishing the cake.)
• When the buttercream is set, remove the cake from the fridge and, with a knife, make very light marks on top of the cake to divide it into 16 or 18 wedges. Pipe a small rosette of the reserved buttercream onto the middle of each wedge.
• Place the reserved unfrosted cake layer on a sheet of parchment set on a cutting board, and have a large sharp knife, an offset spatula, and the flaky salt handy. Pour the sugar into a small frying pan set over medium heat. As the sugar begins to melt and brown at the edges, use a heatproof spatula to pull the melted sugar toward the center, but don't stir constantly, as this can make the caramel lumpy; if it does become lumpy, reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the lumps melt. Continue cooking until all the sugar is melted and the caramel is a deep reddish-­brown color and just starting to foam. Immediately remove from the heat and, working quickly, pour the caramel over the cake layer, using an offset spatula to coat it in a thin, even layer. Sprinkle with flaky salt. Let the caramel cool slightly; as the caramel begins to set, slide your knife through the top of the butter to coat it and score the layer into 16 or 18 pieces, using the paper to rotate the layer and sliding the knife through the butter again between scores to coat it. Then, when the caramel is firm enough to cut through, cut through! You want the caramel to be set enough that you can cut it without shattering, but if you cut too soon, it will pull the caramel off the cake and stick to the knife, and you'll be pissed off. As you're cutting, keep in mind that the outside will set more quickly than the center. Then let the caramel-­topped triangles cool completely.
• Once they are cool, arrange the triangles on the top of the cake, points facing inward: Balance the triangles on one long edge, using the rosettes for support, so that they stand up like a fan on the top of the cake. Cut the cake into wedges to serve.