There’s something truly magical about an Opera Cake, an exquisite blend of almond sponge cake soaked in coffee syrup, layered with ganache and coffee buttercream, and covered in a chocolate glaze. This recipe is for anyone who relishes the luxurious harmony of coffee and chocolate. Perfect for special occasions or when you’re looking to impress, this Opera Cake recipe is a testament to the beauty of French patisserie.
- 1 cup almond meal
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 3 large egg whites
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup strong coffee for syrup
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar for buttercream
- 1/4 cup strong coffee for buttercream
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix almond meal with 3/4 cup powdered sugar, and then incorporate the 3 eggs until well blended. Beat the egg whites to soft peaks, gradually add 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, and fold into the almond mixture along with the flour. Spread the batter evenly onto the pan and bake for 5-8 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
Combine the strong coffee and coffee liqueur. Brush the syrup over the cooled sponge cake layers to moisten them. This will give the cake its signature coffee flavor.
For the ganache, bring the heavy cream to a boil and pour over the chocolate. Let it sit for a minute before stirring until smooth. Allow to cool. To make the coffee buttercream, beat together the butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, and 1/4 cup strong coffee until smooth.
Trim the sponge cake to even layers. Start with a layer of cake, then spread buttercream, followed by a thin layer of ganache. Repeat the layering process. Finish with a glaze of ganache on top. Chill the cake to set the layers.
Before serving, let the cake come to room temperature for the best flavor and texture. Optionally, decorate with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder.
Final words
Diving into this Opera Cake is like tasting a little bit of heaven. Each layer plays its part in a grander culinary symphony that’s sure to captivate your taste buds. Thank you for following along with this recipe. I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. Don’t forget to explore more delightful recipes on our site. Good luck, and enjoy your magnificent creation!
Tags
opera cake recipe, French patisserie, coffee buttercream, almond sponge cake, chocolate ganache
