Description
Opera Cake is a rich, layered French dessert made with almond sponge, coffee, and chocolate. It’s elegant, full of flavor, and perfect for special occasions. The layers of sponge, ganache, and coffee buttercream make each bite smooth and indulgent.
Ingredients
Joconde (Almond Sponge Cake):
5 eggs, room temperature
5 oz (140g) ground almonds (almond flour)
5 oz (140g) powdered sugar
1/4 cup (30g) flour
2 tbsp (30g) butter, melted
Coffee Ganache:
8 oz (225g) dark chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
1 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional)
Coffee Buttercream:
1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
1/4 cup (60ml) brewed coffee, cooled
Other Components:
Chocolate glaze for decoration
Coffee syrup or brewed coffee for soaking
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the Joconde: Beat eggs and powdered sugar until pale and fluffy.
3. Fold in almond flour and all-purpose flour gently.
4. Stir in melted butter until just combined.
5. Spread batter evenly on baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes until golden.
6. Cool completely, then cut into thin rectangular layers.
7. Make the Coffee Ganache: Heat cream until just simmering.
8. Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes.
9. Stir until smooth and add coffee liqueur if using.
10. Make the Coffee Buttercream: Beat butter until creamy.
11. Gradually add powdered sugar and brewed coffee. Beat until fluffy.
12. Assemble the Cake: Place one sponge layer in a mold.
13. Brush with coffee syrup. Spread a layer of ganache.
14. Top with buttercream. Repeat the layers.
15. Finish with a sponge layer and spread chocolate glaze on top.
16. Chill the cake for several hours before slicing and serving.
Notes
• Use room temperature eggs for a smoother sponge batter.
• Gently fold the batter to keep it airy.
• Chill the cake well so the layers hold their shape.
• Use a sharp knife for clean slices.
• Substitute almond flour with all-purpose flour if needed (texture may vary).
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 115mg