Opera Cake
Elegant Opera Cake with delicate almond sponge, rich coffee buttercream, and smooth chocolate ganache layered to perfection.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: ~4 hours (including chilling)
- Yield: 8–10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Joconde Almond Sponge Cake:
5 eggs (room temperature)
140 g ground almonds (almond flour)
140 g powdered sugar
30 g all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Coffee Ganache:
225 g dark chocolate, chopped
120 ml heavy cream
1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional)
Coffee Buttercream:
225 g unsalted butter, softened
240 g powdered sugar
60 ml brewed coffee, cooled
Other Components:
Chocolate glaze (for topping)
Coffee syrup or brewed coffee (for soaking layers)
Instructions
Prepare the oven:
Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the Joconde sponge:
In a large bowl, beat eggs with powdered sugar until pale and slightly thick.
Fold in almond flour and regular flour. Gently mix in melted butter until smooth.
Bake the sponge:
Spread the batter evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool, then cut into equal rectangular layers.
Prepare the coffee ganache:
Heat the cream until just boiling, then pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Add coffee liqueur if using.
Make the coffee buttercream:
Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cooled coffee. Whip until smooth and fluffy.
Assemble the cake:
Place one layer of sponge in a rectangular mold. Brush with coffee syrup.
Spread a layer of ganache, then a layer of buttercream.
Repeat layering until all components are used.
Finish and chill:
Pour chocolate glaze over the top. Refrigerate for several hours until set.
Serve:
Slice into neat portions and serve chilled or slightly softened.
Notes
Chill between layers for cleaner assembly if needed.
Use high-quality chocolate for best flavor.
A sharp knife dipped in hot water helps create clean slices.
Find it online: https://allrecipesmade.com/opera-cake/
