Daring Bakers Challenge : Dobos Torte
The August 2009 Daring Bakers’ challenge was hosted by Angela of A Spoonful of Sugar and Lorraine of Not Quite Nigella. They chose the spectacular Dobos Torte based on a recipe from Rick Rodgers’ cookbook Kaffeehaus : Exquisite Desserts from the Classic Caffés of Vienna, Budapest, and Prague.
I’m going to keep this one short because I feel like I’ve been having one of those weeks. The kind of week where you find yourself surrounded by things whipping and whirring around you while you stand, staring into a bowl of soaking gelatine leaves, wondering, oh crap, what was that meant to go in to?? Also the very same week when you accidentally spill something in the walk-in freezer, which, I must say in total hindsight, is one of the most nightmarish things to have ever happened to me at work. Picture this: the spilled liquid freezes immediately to the floor of the freezer, and every little bit of water you pour on the spill to scrub it off, freezes on top of it. Scrubbing only further widens the frozen area in question. I was in that freezer for 20 minutes and could have cried, except the tears would have frozen to my face, further compounding my problem.
Things have been extra busy of late and lest you think I have fallen into the deep end, I must say that I’m still loving work. Yes, it’s tiring and sometimes it makes me want to reach for the Cooking-Purposes-Only Frambwahse. But it’s all good. I’m busily happy and happily busy.
That said, I’m pathetically grateful that this month, Angela and Lorraine have chosen a fairly easy and straightforward challenge, that yields cake. I have never made a Dobos Torte before, but know of it, because a Hungarian friend of mine used to expertly whip up magnificent versions of them, with her eyes closed and one hand tied behind her back. My version required both hands and all my faculties operating at full alert, and I think the end result is nothing spectacular, but a respectable version of Dobos Torte.
This torte is what I am now going to sit down to, before throwing myself back into the fray.
Tags: cake, chocolate, Daring Bakers
rose said,
August 27, 2009 @ 5:47 am
Absolutely beautiful. I love the painted on chocolate brush strokes you do on your desserts
Such an elegant touch. Your layers are so thin, I am envious! Nicely done 
Nicole said,
August 27, 2009 @ 6:04 am
That is one unbelievably beautiful dessert! Sorry to hear about your bad day, that sounds awful. Hopefully better times are ahead.
Ana Powell said,
August 27, 2009 @ 6:21 am
Pure art, an authentic master piece.
Delicious x
Heather said,
August 27, 2009 @ 6:25 am
Your torte looks fantastic! I am impressed.
Hilda said,
August 27, 2009 @ 6:55 am
But even if you think it’s just respectable, it’s beautifully presented and looks like it was utterly delicious as well, moist in just the right way, and since I didn’t use dark chocolate and mine certainly was not delicious like this one probably was, I would like a piece please. Think it would hold up through Fedex?
Julia @ Mélanger said,
August 27, 2009 @ 7:16 am
Y – magnificent, as always. This is just so elegant. I love the slick of chocolate which is so modern and the cute little flowers made the overall offering so humble. Lovely, lovely. Again, I knew I would be blown away by your effort. So sorry to hear about the dramas at work. Especially the walk in freezer. Oh boy. What a mess! Hopefully you’ll look back and laugh about it …. one day…..maybe down the track???
maybelles mom said,
August 27, 2009 @ 7:37 am
sometimes respectable and solid is what the dr ordered.
Shalaine said,
August 27, 2009 @ 8:34 am
Your cake looks so good!! I want to reach through the computer and eat it!! I don’t want to sound mean but I laughed at the part about the walk-in freezer disaster, but I laughed only because I did the same thing last week, although I dropped a tub of freshly churned ice cream . . . I wanted to cry instantly.
Cakelaw said,
August 27, 2009 @ 8:39 am
What a beautiful torte Lemonpi – love the daisies on top. Sorry to hear about the frozen hell in the cold room at work – I may have just broken down in tears and frozen myself to the floor.
shez said,
August 27, 2009 @ 8:45 am
Oh Y! I can only imagine how frustrating that would have been. Sounds enough for me to sit on the floor of the freezer and have a cry (before standing up and slipping on said frozen liquids and falling over).
I’ve so been looking forward to seeing your DB dobos torte – it looks beautiful.
anna said,
August 27, 2009 @ 8:45 am
Ooh, you got a lot of layers in yours! I really like the flowers as well, it’s a nice contrast to the VERY rich-tasting cake.
Steph said,
August 27, 2009 @ 8:47 am
It looks so perfect! I am clumsy and messy and very scared of layered cakes, I love how it’s easy and straightforward for you to come up with something so gorgeous
Anita said,
August 27, 2009 @ 8:50 am
Beautiful presentation – just perfect!
sara said,
August 27, 2009 @ 9:55 am
Looks delicious! I love those daisies in your photo..so cute!
Lorraine @NotQuiteNigella said,
August 27, 2009 @ 9:56 am
Aww so purty!It reminds me of those Indonesian layer cakes!
Aran said,
August 27, 2009 @ 10:09 am
What a week Y! I can picture the desperation in the freezer… Have done that myself! But the cake is gorgeous and perfect for one of those weeks!
Ellie@AlmostBourdain said,
August 27, 2009 @ 10:31 am
It’s looking awesome, your Dobos Torte! Lovely presented. You made it sound so easy, and the rest of us were struggling to get it done
Chez US said,
August 27, 2009 @ 10:51 am
Beautiful as always. Your wonderful pastries always make me so hungry to be more creative with my challenges … thank you for inspiring!
Karen said,
August 27, 2009 @ 10:57 am
Beautiful as usual Y! If this cake was you on a frazzled week I’d love to see your cake when you’re feeling a little more free!
Jas said,
August 27, 2009 @ 11:24 am
This looks beautiful! Love the thin shiny chocolate that has been ‘painted’ on top.
I recommend a few good deep breaths and some laughter when things begin to get that crazy!
shaz said,
August 27, 2009 @ 11:32 am
Been wondering where you’ve been, now I know – hiding in the freezer
Hope it all calms down a bit for you soon.
Your torte looks so beautiful and thinly layered and love that artistic smear across the top.
Anh said,
August 27, 2009 @ 11:43 am
Your cake is beautiful, Y. I am having one of those weeks as well, sleeping when my boss was talking to me.
No challenge for me this month, but I love to drool over yours like always.
Linda said,
August 27, 2009 @ 1:31 pm
oh my gawd!!!! not suprisingly your cake looks fantastic, the layers are perfect, the toffee layer is perfect, heck even the dandelion is perfect. I’m in awe =D
Ria said,
August 27, 2009 @ 2:22 pm
Oh My Goodness! That’s a piece of art! It is so beautiful!! And I am sure it tasted delicious too! BRILLIANT!
cakebrain said,
August 27, 2009 @ 2:39 pm
oh geez. I have had that cookbook sittin’ on my shelf for the last few years and haven’t made a thing from it! But looking at this gorgeous Dobos makes me want to actually bake from the book! it’s gorgeous!
Marysol said,
August 27, 2009 @ 3:43 pm
Oh, how I’d love to help you make that spectacular Dobos Torte disappear.
But, after the freezer fiasco, I think you deserve to indulge in your own beautiful creation. Enjoy it Y.
deeba said,
August 27, 2009 @ 8:01 pm
Poor you Y…what a nightmare…and then to turn out a magnificent masterpiece as this. WOW!! It’s beautiful. Aesthetic & a treat for the senses! I needed to be an octopus to attack the challenge this month!!
Rosa said,
August 27, 2009 @ 8:10 pm
So pretty! Your layers are perfect and I love the presentation! Stunning!
Cheers,
Rosa
Zita said,
August 27, 2009 @ 8:14 pm
It looks spectacular to me… and I’m happy to hear that you are happy … busily that is
Angela @ A Spoonful of Sugar said,
August 27, 2009 @ 8:39 pm
I beg to differ, Y! This really is a spectacular Dobos Torta! What is the smear on the top? A Heston-esque black olive sauce?
Sorry to hear about the spill in the freezer. I’ve done the same myself and ruined a decent knife chipping it off. Every kitchen needs a chisel!!
Cheri said,
August 27, 2009 @ 9:01 pm
Oh this is so absolutely gorgeous! I love the plating and the photo is breathtaking.
cookemila said,
August 27, 2009 @ 9:56 pm
1ºes magnifica
2ºes impresionante
3ºeres increible haciendo de la reposteria obras de arte
Meeta said,
August 27, 2009 @ 10:24 pm
wow! this is simply stunning. love the styling!
Arwen from Hoglet K said,
August 27, 2009 @ 10:28 pm
I love your flour and painted chocolate stripe. Keep enjoying your busy-ness
mir said,
August 28, 2009 @ 12:08 am
It looks magnificent, and I’m guessing it will be just as magnificent with blindfold and one hand tied behind your back.
Audax Artifex said,
August 28, 2009 @ 1:29 am
Only a reasonable version of a Dobos torta well I think it is an excellent version of a torta you are being very modest. You are wonderful and I think it look superb those very even layers and the chocolate stroke on top is genuis. A magnificent results and kudos to you. Cheers from Audax in Australia. Hope work is going well even if you are very busy.
Irina@PastryPal said,
August 28, 2009 @ 1:49 am
Your cake took my breath away. Very beautifully presented. I agree with you on the eh flavor, but I think with some tweaks, it can be made magnificent. I’ve never tried a Dobos Torte before, so have no idea what a great one is supposed to taste like.
Sorry about your freezer disaster. I guess when you’re rushing against the clock all the time, things like that are bound to happen. Do you know how many times I dropped a glass bottle of oil on the floor? It shattered all over the place, and besides trying to find all the glass shards, I had to degrease the floor. Still, I watched the other cooks slide around that spot for days.
Sugar Chef said,
August 28, 2009 @ 1:52 am
Beautiful looking Dobos!! Sorry about your bad week, we’ve all had them and your freezer incident OUCH. I’ve done it too but had the dishwashers help with the clean up. Here’s to a better week coming up!!
erin said,
August 28, 2009 @ 1:58 am
Beautiful cake! I love the flowers! The freezer incident sounds like something I would have done. At least it makes for a good story!
Angelica said,
August 28, 2009 @ 2:13 am
Your cake is so pretty
Laura said,
August 28, 2009 @ 3:01 am
Beautiful. I love the painted on swoosh of chocolate.
George@CulinaryTravels said,
August 28, 2009 @ 3:48 am
Your torte looks amazing. So well presented.
Jill said,
August 28, 2009 @ 4:52 am
WOW! WOW! WOW! That is the most beautiful torta I’ve ever seen!! Your layers are perfect and have the perfect amount of buttercream in between. By the way, I totally understand what a PAIN it is to clean out the freezer walk in when something spills–been there, done that, a few times.
Sophie said,
August 28, 2009 @ 4:53 am
I’m glad to hear that you’re happy and enjoying work
. I have been quite busy myself… phew, what a summer!
This is very cute. I’d love to take a bit of this and have the little crumbs spill all over the floor, it looks like the kind of dessert that would do that.
Helen said,
August 28, 2009 @ 6:09 am
Is it really very easy? It doesn’t look easy! It looks beautiful though, as always. I hear you on the frantic lifestyle, I am feeling the same.
Caitlin said,
August 28, 2009 @ 9:28 am
Oh goodness, I’m right there with you. I find myself turning around at work and going “wait, what was I working on?” Although I must admit, the walk-in freezer thing makes me giggle – I’m sure it’ll be funnier later
Lovely dobos, and I hope things calm down for you!
Fuji Mama said,
August 28, 2009 @ 9:43 am
Oh my goodness woman, your torte is AMAZING! How many freakin’ layers did you squeeze into that thing? Sheesh! I was proud of my 6-little layers until now. I bow down at the feet of greatness.
Sorry to hear about your week…fingers are crossed for things to get better…
Aparna said,
August 28, 2009 @ 6:15 pm
I think you are being very unfair to your torte when you describe it as “nothing spectacular” and “respectable”!
Christy said,
August 28, 2009 @ 9:37 pm
Haha, I opted for the easy way out too. And hey, at least we tried with the layers!! In my case it took me two days, but so worth it!! At least you bothered to make the caramel—I didn’t, but I thought the cake was perfect enough without it. I’m sure you had a much easier time than I did with the ultra thin layers of sponge though—I don’t have as much experience nor deftness of hand to produce the thin layers effortlessly.
Oh gawd. Spilling something in the deep freeze. I’ve never done that before, and seeing that I’ve now given up work in a commercial kitchen, never will, but I empathise. How did you eventually get it off?
Lisa said,
August 29, 2009 @ 2:12 am
WOW, that is one beautiful Dobos Torte. How you managed to get your layers so thin, stack them so perfectly, yet still maintain clean, distinct layers, is awe inspiring! I can’t believe you think it’s nothing special! You’re too modest!
Also, freezer spills stink! Before you can start wiping, it’s frozen..LOL
chef_d said,
August 29, 2009 @ 2:15 am
Your cake is so beautiful…congratulations!
Jackie @ PhamFatale.com said,
August 29, 2009 @ 9:54 am
Wow just wow. It just looks perfect. One of the best in this Dobos torte challenge I’ve seen so far
Scott said,
August 29, 2009 @ 10:13 pm
Your Torte looks absolutely brilliant!
A tip for next time, throw some salt onto the spill in the freezer. It lowers the freezing point, and then you can clean it all up much easier. I’ve done it before…not nice!
Hélène said,
August 30, 2009 @ 4:56 am
You always make the most beautiful desserts and your pictures are amazing.
Alli said,
August 30, 2009 @ 9:03 am
Your presentation looks fabulous!
Megan@Feasting on Art said,
August 30, 2009 @ 5:11 pm
Once again your challenge turned out so beautifully! The length of this recipe terrified me and I am afraid I didn’t get around to the challenge but seeing your photos makes me so regretful – I wish I had a slice of that cake right now!!
anda said,
August 31, 2009 @ 12:56 am
Wonderful presentation as always – so elegant.
Navita said,
August 31, 2009 @ 1:05 am
Hey Y…as usual a stellar performance….love that swiped brush of chocolate on top…artistry!
Lauren said,
August 31, 2009 @ 2:30 am
Simply Stunning!! Even if you used all your hands and eyes, this turned out expertly =D. Wonderful job!
Maria Jose said,
August 31, 2009 @ 7:57 am
Te ha quedado preciosa, muy chic con esas margaritas, me gusta mucho tu version…pero mas me hubiera gustado probarla
besos!!!
asti said,
August 31, 2009 @ 10:39 am
Gorgeous!!! Love everything about it, the gentle paintbrush stroke, the cute little flowers, the caramel, the plating, and how neat your layers are. You are very talented!
morgana said,
August 31, 2009 @ 6:31 pm
Well, I do think your Dobos is spectacular, and I love your photos too. Flowers add a fresh touch to the whole think. Congratulations.
the caked crusader said,
August 31, 2009 @ 7:57 pm
wow. Hard to think of a superlative strong enough to describe what you’ve created. So I settled for “wow”. It just looks so amazing – the crispness of the edges. I am in dessert heaven!
veron said,
September 1, 2009 @ 11:40 am
Great job on the torte! Layers are magnificent!
diva said,
September 1, 2009 @ 12:35 pm
so delicate and beautiful! it’s a masterpiece.
clumbsycookie said,
September 2, 2009 @ 12:03 am
So many layers! I was laughing with the thought of your tears freezing in the walk-in freezer! Walk in freezers are a pain, glad you have a nice piece of cake to eat while you forget about your busy week!
steph (whisk/spoon) said,
September 2, 2009 @ 8:09 am
this is gorgeous–more than just respectable, i’d say! dropping something in the walk-in freezer is the worst. i feel for you, really!
Ash said,
September 2, 2009 @ 1:35 pm
oh, your cake turned out just amazing!!
great work!
Kamran Siddiqi said,
September 3, 2009 @ 7:40 am
OMG! your Dobos Torte looks awesome. Far prettier than many that I have seen. Shhh. Don’t tell… Hehe Now I really want some. Who’s going to make me some while I complete a whole load of Advanced Placement homework? Homework sucks! But your cake looks irresistibly!
Hannah said,
September 3, 2009 @ 12:16 pm
So, so, so beautiful! Your creations never disappoint, and I always love seeing what you pull out for these challenges.
Megan Gordon said,
September 9, 2009 @ 3:01 pm
Beautiful! Recently discovered your blog–a new fan!
Talita said,
September 12, 2009 @ 5:39 am
Wow! This gorgeous!! How lovely your dobo torte!
Taranii said,
September 26, 2009 @ 9:20 am
wow, that looks stunning!