Dobos Cake
Chocolate Cake with Delicious Cream and Caramel Hearts
They say there’s no day without chocolate, and this cake is the perfect proof that a love for chocolate can turn even the simplest moments into the most beautiful memories. Whether it’s a celebration, an anniversary, or simply a treat after a long day, this chocolate cake with caramelized hearts and smooth cream will win hearts and delight taste buds.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 10
Ingredients
For the layers (5 layers)
- 10 eggs (2 eggs for one layer)
- A pinch of salt
- 10 tablespoons sugar (2 tablespoons for one layer)
- 15 tablespoons flour (3 heaping tablespoons for one layer)
For the cream
- 15 eggs (3 eggs)
- 600 g sugar (200 g)
- 600 g chocolate (200 g)
- 900 g butter (300 g, at room temperature)
For the caramel
- 450 g sugar (150 g)
- 3 tablespoons vinegar (1 tablespoon)
- 150 ml water (50 ml)
For decoration
- Chocolate chips
- 150 g ground walnuts (50 g)
Pan diameter: 26 cm
A Brief History
This cake, inspired by traditional recipes, combines textures and flavors that complement each other perfectly. Its origins are lost in history, but the idea of combining chocolate with fine creams and caramel is one that has delighted taste buds for generations. It’s a dessert that not only looks stunning but also brings a touch of childhood nostalgia when cakes were famous for their delicacy.
Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the oven and the layers
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth and creamy mixture. Prepare a 26 cm diameter pan by lining it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Whipping the egg whites
Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy, then gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a firm, glossy meringue.
Step 3: Adding the yolks
Incorporate the yolks while mixing at low speed. Then, sift the flour and gently fold it in with a silicone spatula, being careful to maintain the air in the mixture.
Step 4: Baking the layers
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the layer is golden. After baking, let it cool on a wire rack with the parchment paper still on it. Repeat the process for the remaining layers.
Preparing the Cream
Step 5: Chocolate cream
In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Beat the eggs with the sugar in a heatproof bowl until they triple in volume. Place the bowl over a double boiler, stirring constantly until it thickens (about 10-15 minutes).
Step 6: Adding the chocolate
Once the cream has thickened, remove it from heat and add the broken chocolate pieces. Stir until completely melted. Allow the cream to cool to room temperature.
Step 7: Incorporating the butter
Beat the butter until fluffy, then gradually add the egg and chocolate mixture, mixing well until you achieve a smooth cream.
Preparing the Caramel
Step 8: The caramel
In a saucepan, add the sugar, vinegar, and water. Place the saucepan over low heat and stir occasionally until the sugar melts. It’s recommended not to stir too much to prevent crystallization.
Assembling the Cake
Step 9: Assembling the cake
On a serving platter, place the first layer, followed by a layer of cream. Continue to alternate layers with cream until the end, finishing with a layer. Top with chocolate chips and caramel-coated hearts.
Step 10: Decorating
To make the caramel hearts, you can cut a layer into heart shapes and coat them in caramel. If you want the caramel to be more fluid, add a tablespoon of water immediately after the sugar has melted.
Useful Tips
- For thinner layers: If you prefer thinner layers, you can halve the ingredients per layer.
- The caramel: If you want a more liquid caramel, you can keep the saucepan over the double boiler while coating the hearts.
- The cream: Place the cream in the freezer for a few minutes before using it in a piping bag to create beautiful decorations.
- Serving: The cake pairs wonderfully with a fragrant tea or an espresso, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside will provide a perfect contrast of textures and flavors.
Nutritional Benefits
This cake, while delicious and decadent, can be enjoyed in moderation. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, and walnuts add a boost of fiber and protein. However, given the sugar and butter content, it’s recommended to consume it as an occasional dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of chocolate?
Absolutely! You can experiment with milk chocolate or white chocolate, but keep in mind that the flavor will vary.
How far in advance can I prepare the cake?
The cake can be made a day in advance. It can be stored in the refrigerator, but make sure it’s well covered to prevent drying out.
What can I use instead of eggs?
For a vegan option, you can use banana puree or plant-based yogurt instead of eggs, but the texture will be different.
Enjoy every slice of this chocolate cake with delicious cream and caramelized hearts, and remember: every bite is a celebration of the love for chocolate!
Ingredients: For one sheet (5 sheets are made): two eggs; a pinch of salt; two tablespoons of sugar; 3 heaping tablespoons of flour. Cream: 3 eggs; 200 g sugar; 200 g chocolate; 300 g butter at room temperature. Caramel: 150 g sugar; one tablespoon of vinegar; 50 ml water. Decoration: chocolate chips; 50 g ground walnuts. Pan diameter: 26 cm.
