Hungarian Dobos Torte (Dobostorta)

Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: About 4 hours (including chilling)
Servings: 12

Ingredients

Sponge Layers

• 6 large eggs, separated
• 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
• 180 g (1½ cups) cake flour
• 60 g (¼ cup) melted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Chocolate Buttercream

• 250 g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 200 g (7 oz) dark chocolate, melted and cooled
• 150 g (¾ cup) powdered sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Caramel Topping

• 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)

Decoration

• Cake crumbs or finely ground walnuts for the sides
• Chocolate buttercream for piping