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Opera Cake Recipe

Opera Cake

In the realm of pastries, few creations evoke such allure and sophistication as the Opera Cake. A masterpiece of French pâtisserie, this multilayered confection is an intricate symphony of flavors and textures, earning its reputation as a dessert fit for royalty.
Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine French
Servings 12 people
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Almond Sponge:

  • 1 ½ cups 150 grams almond flour
  • ¾ cup 95 grams powdered sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs

For the Coffee Syrup:

  • ¾ cup 180 ml water
  • ½ cup 120 ml strong coffee
  • ½ cup 100 grams granulated sugar

For the French Buttercream:

  • 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 ½ cups 420 grams powdered sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup 60 ml heavy cream

For the Chocolate Ganache:

  • 1 cup 200 ml heavy cream
  • 8 ounces 225 grams bittersweet chocolate, chopped

Instructions
 

For the Almond Sponge:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour an 8x8-inch square baking pan.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until light and fluffy.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Coffee Syrup:

  • In a small saucepan, combine the water, coffee, and sugar.
  • Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes, or until the sugar has dissolved.
  • Let the syrup cool completely.

For the French Buttercream:

  • In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Beat in the eggs one at a time, then beat in the vanilla extract.
  • Beat in the heavy cream until the buttercream is smooth and creamy.

For the Chocolate Ganache:

  • In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer.
  • Remove from heat and pour over the chopped chocolate.
  • Let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth.

To Assemble the Cake:

  • Cut the cooled almond sponge cake into two equal layers.
  • Place one layer of cake on a serving platter and brush with half of the coffee syrup.
  • Spread a layer of French buttercream over the coffee syrup.
  • Top with the second layer of cake and brush with the remaining coffee syrup.
  • Pour the chocolate ganache over the cake and spread evenly.
  • Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, or until the ganache is set.
  • Cut into slices and serve.
Keyword Opera Cake